Profoundly Pelt

We are paci-free!

2011-10-14T09:20:00.001-04:00

Carter gave up his paci last Saturday! Woo-hoo! He didn't do it intentionally. He actually got way too excited, took it out of his mouth, and threw it- right into the fireplace. Um, sorry, dude- it's gone! He went to be without it that night and didn't ask for it again until Sunday evening. He asked for it when I picked him up from school on Monday, just like I knew he would, but when we reminded him he'd thrown it away, all he could say was, "oh". We've officially gone 6 nights without it so we're calling it GONE for GOOD! Yahoo!

I Will Never Forget

2011-09-11T21:22:00.003-04:00

I opted not to write what all I had contemplated writing

2011-07-08T12:41:00.002-04:00

The last couple of years have been roller coasters for me. So many good things. Carter's birth. Saralynn's starting Pre-K. Garrett starting a new job. So many valleys. Garrett's new job being third shift and the adjustment that comes along with it. Carter's sicknesses and the 2 resulting hospital stays. But, notice I called them valleys. My daddy once said "you can't have a valley without a mountain on each side". So that tells me, and has been shown to me, that even when I find myself in the low parts of my life, there's something better on the other side. I ran across a Caedmon's Call song a few weeks back called "Valleys Fill First" and it was so timely for me. Even when we are in the valleys- and they are plentiful- when it rains, they are the first to be filled! Ah! Such solace for me!

I've tiptoed a time or two around part of why I've been so unhappy but I've come to realize that by doing so I'm not doing anyone any favors. So, here goes. Disclaimer: I'm pouring my heart out here. Feel free to stop reading.

I've written in great detail before about the touch Jesus put on my life at summer camp when I was in the 7th grade. It was so real, so fresh, it makes my heart race to think about it, even as I type. I was called then, as I am called now, to sing, and by doing that, to lead God's people to His feet, where we will lay all we have and all we are, in total surrender. I had visions. I audibly heard the voice of the One who called out to me (think Samuel for a minute). God didn't reveal Himself so clearly, with such attention to detail, for nothing. I know in my heart that I am supposed to sing. I even saw where.

Why is that so heartbreaking? Because I can't. I want to. I've asked to. I've been told I would. And yet, nothing. The one time I was given the chance, I turned plans on their heads to get to sing because I knew deep down that was my shot. And I blew it. I messed up the words. I didn't sound like I was supposed to. Something. But I've never been given the chance again.

In that setting.

That sentence brings me to the point of all this. I saw myself in a vision that night on the stage in a building that wasn't even built yet. I didn't even know what it was. But the day I stepped foot into the New Life Building on our church's campus, I stopped in my tracks. This. Was. It. The place I was supposed to be.

But I'm not. And I probably won't be. But it won't be for a lack of trying on my account. I asked. I pleaded my case. I've shared my heart. The ugly parts. The pure parts. And though I didn't handle myself the best I could've along the way, my heart has been ever so pure from the start. I just wanted a shot to do what I was called to do.

Enter One Accord. A beautiful bunch of ladies I have the privilege to sing with here and there. We've sung once and are scheduled twice more. We meet every other Monday. We sing. We laugh. We cry. We pray. We tackle life together.

And they love me. They let me sing. They asked me to sing. Just when I had almost given up on it completely, there came Jesus in the form of Misty Anderson- "we need another singer and we would love it if you would join us". Was it the setting I'd longed for? No. Was it the music? Nope. Was it alongside my husband? (We've prayed for years for a chance to serve TOGETHER) Not this time. But, it was the fulfillment of a calling. Just the very day Misty approached me, I had decided it was time to look for another church, where I could hopefully use my talents. I had been saying it for months and Garrett kept prompting me away from that thought. But I was at my breaking point. I asked for a clear sign that we were meant to stay at First Baptist. I wanted my kids to experience what I did as a child and youth- something no other church can offer- mission tours, a dynamic youth group, so many things rolled into one. But I was MISERABLE. Garrett didn't want to leave- he was scared of smaller churches after watching his childhood church close its doors. So I tried to honor my husband and his wish to stay put, but deep down inside I was miserable, and I knew that wasn't honoring him either. So I asked God for a sign. Enter Misty.

So, at this point in my life, I'm doing the best I can to put the past behind me and trek forward. My reasons for staying at FBC are my Sunday School teacher, my music minister, and my ladies' ensemble. It's my sincere prayer every time I step foot into worship that my heart will lighten and let me experience all He has in store for me. And sometimes I don't succeed. But I'm trying.

Because the valleys fill first. Rain comes at unexpected, inopportune times, like in the middle of a summer afternoon with plans of a pool party. Other times it comes when it's expected to. In the dead of winter. But, it comes, and each time it brings refreshment. Maybe not right away. Maybe it seems like it made the hot day more humid. Maybe it caused ice to form on the roads. But later on, even after it has dissipated, we see the refreshment it came to bring.

So, next time you see me and I'm sopping wet, don't feel sorry for me. I may still be in the valley, but I'm on the way up. Part of why I'm wet is because I'm sweating and fighting my way up the mountain. The other is because I'm in the valley.

And when it rains, it fills first.

It's Been a While

2011-06-01T09:22:00.003-04:00

I haven't posted in a while. No reason in particular, but I just haven't. I'm going to get better at it, though, I promise. Lots brewing in my heart to say. Stay tuned!

Such Cuteness!

2011-04-14T11:57:00.001-04:00

Sorry- I'm not referring to my kids THIS time, though they are very cute. I promise to get back on the blogging wagon soon- ALOT is going on in the Pelt family right now- some that is blog-worthy, some that is not, but we'll be back in all our glory soon, I promise. But for now, I'm talking about the Epic Letterpress Machine! Oh.My.Goodness. This thing is PRECIOUS! To see all about it and its cuteness, go to http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/04/epic-letterpress-giveaway.html. Happy Viewing! I'm super excited about this thing!

Scripture #2

2011-01-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I'll stick with God; I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go. Psalm 16:7-8 (MSG)

First Scripture

2011-01-03T16:55:00.002-05:00

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel." -Philippians 1:27

This is the first piece of scripture I'm going to try to memorize this year. Lord, soften my heart to the words!

Resolutions

2011-01-03T13:56:00.003-05:00

I'm not usually one for resolutions, only because I never keep them. But this year, I decided to give it a shot. I've heard that writing them down helps, so here goes nothin'...

1. I'm hoping to hand-write at least one letter a day this year and either mail it or hand-deliver it. I've realized how much social media has cut down on hand-written letters, and that makes me sad. Sure, I can drop a line on Facebook to someone I haven't talked to in a while that I might not otherwise get to talk to because I don't have their address, etc., etc., but the art (and love) shown in a hand-written letter is quickly dying. I hope to keep this one going!

2. I'm trying to cut back on my soft drink intake. It's now January 3rd and none consumed so far. I don't really expect to cut it out completely, but cutting back will surely help.

3. Along with Beth Moore and the girls at Living Proof Ministries, I'm going to attempt to memorize more scripture this year. I'm amazed at people who can spout scripture like their spouting their phone number. I'm hoping to get better at this one, too.

4. I'm going to try and get better about writing on this blog. It is such a help to me when I can. Here's hoping for a better blogging year!

5. We're starting a chore chart for Saralynn in hopes of helping her become more organized and keeping our household a little less stressful. This will help everyone, but she's really seemed to soak in the chill-time she's had at home lately. As a result, when she does freak out, it seems pretty bad, so we're going to try and chill out some this year by organizing and see what happens!

Do you have any resolutions you'd like to share?

The first weekend of 2011...

2011-01-03T13:49:00.002-05:00

Whew! And the year is off to a fast start!

New Year's Day is my Great-Aunt Elsie's birthday, so we started off the year with lunch. Aunt Elsie is my PaClyde's only living sister. Sister Ruth and PaClyde are in Heaven with Jesus, but Aunt Elsie keeps their legacy alive! She turned 92 (I think), and is so spry and chipper! We had lunch with her daughter and grandkids and great-grandkids. Oh, what a fun day it was! I hope my children know what a cool thing it is to have a great-great aunt that they can know and love.

We then moved on to one of the most beautifully simple and elegant weddings I think I've ever been to. Jennifer and Cory, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to witness your union. May you forever feel the love you shared that day!

I sang the special music at church on January 2nd, and got some beautiful comments from some beautiful people all throughout the day. It is always such a blessing to me to start off the worship experience at church each year. I think I put more pressure on myself than I should, but I just always want it to be perfect. And I'm always reminded that as long as I go into it with a heart that longs to give back to God what's already HIS, it will be perfect. Thankfully it's NOT ABOUT ME!

And now, it's back to work. Whew. The few days I spent at home with my family were so precious. Mom, Dad, and Garrett were all off of work from December 24th through January 3rd, and Saralynn was out of school. Carter went to day care a few days. I was off the 24th, 27th, and 31st. I would've surely loved to have been off more, but duty calls. :)

I hope everyone is enjoying the year so far!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T13:48:00.000-05:00

From our family to yours, may 2011 be your greatest year yet!

my little Lulu

2010-11-18T14:37:00.000-05:00

December 1, 2005 was a day that changed my life forever. That's the day I found out I was going to be a mommy! I was surprised- we were planning to wait longer, but thrilled nonetheless. And on July 24, 2006, I held my baby girl for the first time. She is the light of my life, so much like me. She looks like me, acts like me- she's like a mini-me. I love her dearly, and she means more to me than I can say in one post. She is so smart, so pretty- she has hair I would die for!, and she's such a kind child. God really smiled on me when He chose me to be her mommy.

I love you, Lulu!

my hubby

2010-11-18T14:22:00.002-05:00

I'm thankful today for my husband. Garrett stole my heart literally almost the first time I laid eyes on him. I've written about how we met before. If you'd like to read it again, click HERE. The past 8 years have had their shares of ups and downs- heck, it's a regular roller coaster, but one ride I will always love! He puts up with my insecurities, which are numerous these days, and he comforts me. He's taken up for me in so many ways in the past few months, and sometimes it's cost him dearly. But, through it all, he smiles, all the while telling me I'm worth it. :)

I'm thankful for you, Garrett Pelt, and all life with you brings. I love you!

Hospice

2010-11-18T10:36:00.002-05:00

This may, at first, seem like an odd thing to be thankful for, but I truly am thankful for the local hospice facility.

November 6th, when this post would've originally debuted, was my grandmother's birthday. Ice, as we called her, went to be with Jesus in 2002, but not very many days go by that I don't think of her. I truly do not believe that people "come back in other people", but my goodness, both of my children both have so many qualities of hers- it's almost eery. To have never met or known each other, both Carter and Saralynn have so many of her tendencies. They both cross their feet- right over left- just like she did. My grandmother had an "I don't really care what people think about me" attitude that I sometimes really wish I had a little more of myself. One of the "Ice stories" we all like to recall is the day my mom, Matthew, and I were in the grocery store and turned down an aisle to see Ice standing there in her swimsuit, curlers in her hair- and that's it. No shoes, no cover-up, nothing. She was hot at home so she put on her suit (she didn't swim, by the way), she was curling her hair, and decided they needed something to eat, so she grabbed her keys and went on her way. That's just how she rolled. And I think often about how nice it would be to turn the corner in the grocery store again. To have her rock my children would be a highlight for me.

Ice went to hospice as she began to slip away from us and into eternity with Jesus, and the entire experience was absolutely wonderful! The staff loved on all of us and gave her such dignity as her life on earth ended. I can't say enough about them. Words would fail, so I really won't even try.

I have a co-worker whose family ushered her mother into eternity on the 6th, also through the hospice process. Because I haven't asked her permission to write about their journey, I won't say more than that, but I am grateful for the fact that hospice was available to them in their time of need, too. And I asked Ice to find my co-worker's mom and show her around her new digs. :) I'm sure she did.

If ever your family is faced with a situation where a hospice decision has to be made, please know how wonderful the experience truly is.

Bub

2010-11-18T10:26:00.003-05:00

Today I'm thankful for my brother. Matthew. Bub. Uncle Bub. He has lots of names, but he is phenomenal. He's been mentioned on this blog before, but he's worth mentioning again. :)

I was 5 1/2 when he was born so I pretty vividly remember the process. He was born on a really cold day- March 6, 1986. Mom's water broke early in the morning. I had on my Superman footie pajamas, and put a sweatsuit on top of that. I had to wait on my grandparents to get to the hospital, so I drew pictures. Mom was a not-so-flattering pear shaped blob in most of the pictures. I remember ALWAYS wanting a brother. I'm not sure why I was so adamant about a brother, but I remember going to my little prayer nook (which happened to be beside the refrigerator ???) and praying for a brother. And I got what I prayed for.

Matthew always has been such a great human being. He is so kind-hearted, so encouraging, and always by my side and in my corner. We fussed and grumbled a little as we grew up, as all siblings do, but I don't know that we've ever had any knock-down, drag-out fights. And he loves my children. He spoils them on special occasions and holidays, and though a Saralynn fit will sometimes evoke a "remind me not to have kids" comment from him, he adores my children, and I will forever be grateful to him for that.

He is, thus far, the only college graduate from our family, and I am so proud of him. He has a great job at a wonderful company that he took pretty much right after graduation. He gets to travel and see the world like he'd hoped to do, he gets to use his creativity, and he's making a difference in his own way on the world, and I just can't say enough about how cool it is to watch him in action.

Growing up, I always was keenly aware that he was watching me, following in my footsteps, and so I credit him for helping me keep my nose clean (or at least somewhat). I wanted him to live his own life and not be "Mary Beth's brother". In alot of ways now, I'm "Matthew's sister", and I'm totally fine with that. I love him and only hope to be somewhat like him when I grow up. :)

So, during this time of thanksgiving, I'm so thankful for you, Matthew. Thanks for all you teach me and for the way you love and support me. I'm a better person for having you in my life.

Love,

Dis (He couldn't say my name and called me "Dista" for sister, and "Dis" stuck all these years later). Love it!

So behind on posts, but not on thankfulness!

2010-11-18T10:12:00.001-05:00

I'm so very behind on posting, but that doesn't diminish the thankfulness in my heart today... Here goes a marathon of thankful posts!!!

Laughter

2010-11-04T16:42:00.002-04:00

Today I'm grateful for laughter. Because that seems to have been the one constant that's defined our work day. It started out a little gloomy as we have two co-workers that are dealing with loss. One lost a family member and one is in the process of learning to say goodbye, and it's hard to watch. But, by the time lunchtime arrived, my cheeks were hurting so badly from laughing that I couldn't do anything but be grateful. I don't really know what we've laughed about, but I know we've laughed. And laughed. And laughed some more. It really is, after all, the best medicine sometimes!

A Rowdy Bunch of 4-Year Olds

2010-11-04T16:39:00.002-04:00

That's what I'm thankful for today. It's Wednesday, and that means one thing: it's time for IGNITE, our Wednesday night children's program. I teach choir to Saralynn's group, which is so BIG we have to split them in half if we have any hope of maintaining control. We average about 22 each week, and we have THE.BEST.TIME learning about each other and about Jesus and His love for us. I'll have to get Garrett to help me upload some video. They sang in "big church" last week and did a fantastically wonderful job. As a "leader" I couldn't have been prouder. I'm grateful for the gift of each child in that room, and I told them all individually last week what they meant to me and what they bring to the group. I'm one proud Mama and teacher! Love me some 4-year olds!!!

I Didn't Vote

2010-11-04T16:35:00.002-04:00

Not exactly what you thought you'd see for a thankfulness post title, huh?

Well, see, it's like this. I was going to vote. Really, I was. But the cold/sinus/whateveritwas yuck came to visit me and I was IN.THE.BED.ALL.DAY.

That does not, however, diminish my gratitude for the freedoms I enjoy every day. As with the electricity, water, food, etc. I have at my disposal every day that I take for granted, the rights I have based solely on my location on Planet Earth are gifts I don't think of nearly often enough. But, even though I didn't get to exercise my right to vote, I'm still grateful for the chance to do so. And I'm praying for those that were elected into office, that they learn from the past and look forward to the future.

Thankful

2010-11-02T15:38:00.002-04:00

I had trouble accessing the blog again yesterday, so the first thing I'm thankful for this month is actually being posted on the 2nd. Oh, well. It doesn't diminish my thankfulness.

I read something Monday morning that suggested I go through my house room by room, thanking God for the material things He had provided me. Whoa, I thought. I'm not sure that's such a good idea. But, I kept reading, and liked what I read. I like to put my own spin on it, though, which leads me to what I'm grateful for today.

I am grateful to live where I live. With my parents? Yes. My husband and my children live with my parents, and have since before both of my kids were born. It's strengthened my relationship with my parents, my husband, and my children. Has it strained it, too? At times. But, it works for now. My kids know "home" and "their beds" no matter if Garrett and I have to be out of town or not. They get to see my parents every day. Life is good.

I know that there are plenty of people who don't have a warm place to live. No family to live with. And that makes me sad. And it makes me pray for them.

God, help me to do what I can to make sure that at least one life is bettered by my actions.

Thankfully,

Mary Beth

Thankful November

2010-11-01T14:39:00.002-04:00

Today is November 1st. The dawn of a new month. A month in which to be execptionally grateful. Let the thankful, grateful posts begin...

The Big 3-0

2010-09-12T22:31:00.002-04:00

Today I embarked on a new journey in my life- entering my 30s. My dad and Carter wished me Happy Birthday first, followed by Garrett, and then my sweet Saralynn. "Happy Birfday Mommy. You're firty." Thanks for the reminder, Dear One. My mom followed suit not long after. I'm a very blessed girl.

A few thoughts on what I've learned in the first 30 years of this wonderful life I've been given (in no particular order)...

1. The older I get, the faster time flies. (This applies even more to watching my children grow- it's just going by too quickly.)

2. Some days are just rainy days.

3. I miss my paternal grandparents. They would've loved watching my children grow.

4. I'm thankful that we get to visit my maternal grandparents each Friday. I'm sure that when they Memaw and Papa go to meet Ice and PaClyde in Heaven that they'll share some pretty funny stories about Saralynn and Carter with them.

5. I'm still a Daddy's girl.

6. I'll always need my Mama.

7. My brother is my hero.

8. My husband is the light of my life. I have no doubt that we were created for each other.

9. I think I could have the chance to sing and lead God's people in worship every day and it wouldn't be enough.

10. Thinking about the huge worship service that awaits me in Heaven excites me!

11. I love fresh out of the tub wet baby hair.

12. I still want to adopt a baby some day. There's a brown skinned baby out there (and maybe 2) that will complete our family.

13. Sometimes you just aren't as close to people as you think. They're a bigger part of your life than you are theirs.

14. I love being able to talk sports with my Daddy and somewhat hold my own.

15. Most Memorable Birthday Ever: 20th- 9.12.00- My mom and dad conspired with Bobby and Christina Jones to have our college Bible Study meet at Los Nopales for the evening. I thought it odd that we would meet somewhere to eat since Christina usually cooked for us. Little did I know it was a birthday party for me. My first surprise party!

16. 2nd Most Memorable Birthday Ever: 21st- 9.12.01- the day after 9.11.01. I woke up and immediately realized how much I missed my grandparents. That was the first birthday that they had not acknowledged with a ridiculously too early phone call to me. My grandfather had already gone to the arms of Jesus and my grandmother was debilitated by the heinous disease of forgetfulness that eventually took her from us. And then I quickly realized how many other people woke up missing people, too. I'll never forget...

17. 3rd Most Memorable Birthday Ever: 22nd- 9.12.02. I didn't have class that day (but I think that was by my own choice.) I woke up to the phone ringing around 9:30. It was Garrett. We'd only been dating about 2 months, but he'd taken the day off and surprised me with a visit to LaGrange. So fun. I really don't remember everything we did (oops) but I remember he bought me a Beta fish and took me to the coffee shop that night.

18. Even though the last month or so is tough on me personally, I LOVE being pregnant. (I am, however, done being pregnant.)

19. I want to go back to college one day.

20. I love watching my little girl learn something new.

21. My son melts my heart with pretty much anything he ever does.

22. Sometimes all you can do is cry.

23. A coloring book and some crayons are the best stress relief!

24. Learning to sew isn't as hard as I thought.

25. I still don't understand the need for ridiculously scary movies. Which is why I don't watch them.

26. I miss playing Mary in the Living Christmas Tree each Christmas.

27. I still want to learn to play the guitar.

28. Watching Saralynn "play" soccer is hilarious.

29. Carter eating cat food wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

30. I'm ready for the next firty years of my life!

Grass Stains

2010-09-03T20:57:00.002-04:00

Do they bother you? They don't bother me.

Excuse me?

That's right. I don't mind the sight of a grass stain. Maybe if it were on my great-grandmother's heirloom garment or something I might feel differently, but otherwise I have absolutely no problem with grass stains. This stems from my last blog post.

You see, that wonderful, beautiful, albeit hot and muggy night in July in the mountains of Tennessee when Jesus called me to minister for Him was also the night I got the worst. grass. stains. ever. And the best part? They weren't on my clothes.

They were on my knees.

As I mentioned before, I was never really big on the whole "get on your knees and pray" deal. As far as I knew, I could pray just fine on my hind end in a chair or on my feet, or even laying in bed at night. But that night I learned a great deal about what it means to be in an attitude of prayer. I still remember the outfit I wore- a red and white striped shirt, blue jean shorts, and navy Keds with no socks. (No comments, please.) I spent a really long time on my knees experiencing Jesus that night. If I close my eyes and concentrate really hard, I can almost smell the scent of the grass. But I can still picture the grass stains on my knees. They stayed for days- I think through the rest the week we were at camp. An argument could be made that the less than stellar showering situation could've contributed to the extended stay of the greenish tent on my knees, but I like to also think the Master Gardner Himself used it as a reminder of what He had done in and through me that night.

Think back to a time in your life when you experienced a grass stain. Most likely that stain resided on a piece of clothing or some other material. The first time you slid into second base in a T-ball game? A picnic with a special someone that left a mark on the blanket you sat on? I'm sure at some point we've all had a stain to set in. And if we were around our mom during that time, we might've, just maybe, been scolded for said stain. "Do you KNOW how hard this stain is to get out of your clothes?"

Luckily for me, the stains on my knees eventually went away. But, the pigments, or memories, of that night stained my heart in such a way that a beautiful piece of artwork was born. The Artist Himself holds the brush and works, stroke by stroke, painting on the canvas of my life. Sometimes I try and take the brush thinking a blue stroke would be better than the green one He used, or thinking the road He's painting should go left instead of right. But, with patience that only He possesses, He lovingly and delicately takes the brush back from me and paints a curve that swerves the road from the left- and the danger sign that's ahead- back to the right, and smiles as He envisions how straight the road will be.

So, the next time you come across a grass stain- whether in your own garment or your child's, stop and think back on the situation that made the stain. Take time to see it for what it is- a chance to reflect. Stains are life-changing things, especially to the garment that bears them.

I hope you have a grass stain moment with Jesus soon, if you haven't had one lately. I've spent a lot of time in the past months trying to paint my own picture. Trying to make it match the vision Jesus gave me that July night so long ago. And I'm learning that the timing just might not be right for that picture to be finished. But through it all I'm learning. Learning that even though that vision was given to me, it wasn't time-stamped. Sure, I would've thought three years- one of planning and preparation and two of actual events and services- wold be enough. But, it's His timing and not mine. I'm thankful that what's on the canvas now is a picture of me and a very dear friend singing this coming Sunday.

And, if I look closely at the painting, I think I see a grass stain...

When People Let You Down

2010-09-02T08:47:00.003-04:00

This is yet another devotion I came across today- on a day that I really needed it. I'm sharing it because it's healing for me to share, and because I hope it helps someone else, too.

I've been struggling with a particular issue/situation for the better part of three years. Yes, I know- the Israelites wandered through the desert for 40 years, so what's three years, right? And, you're right- three years isn't that long. But, when things don't always go as planned, three years can seem like eternity.

You see, I felt a call on my life in the summer of 1993 to ministry. Vague, right? Maybe. Ministry takes on many faces, many voices- it can really be anything from writing a note to a shut-in once a week to moving across the world and sharing Him. However, during this calling, I had a vision of me leading worship. Again, vague, right? I have, after all, been singing in "big church" since I was three. Leading worship has become part of who I am- not just what I do. It warms my heart so to watch people from my vantage point as they enter the throne room of the King. I guess you could say I am helped in my worship by others and their worship.

I love to hear the stories of how Jesus touches people. For that reason, I share mine. I accepted Jesus as my Savior in early 1990. I was in the fourth grade, and it was Revival time. I LOVE church revivals. It's a time for a refreshing word from a different perspective, at least most of the time. This one was no different. Revival was compartmentalized by adults and kids. Our church was, I would say, filled with between 100-150 per service. A pure guess, but... There weren't usually very many kids- in fact, I was the only kid my age. But, the preacher that week took one night- Tuesday, I think- and spoke directly to the kids in the Fellowship Hall. He talked about our hearts and what they look like when they're full of sin. The Fellowship Hall became our heart, and as he spoke, he threw trash, paper, etc. all over the floor. The place was a mess! To make a long story short, the image of him having to kick around trash and nastiness just to be able to talk to us- and that representing the sin that infiltrates our hearts- spoke to this chick. I prayed with my preacher-all-my-life grandfather to ask Jesus into my heart and walked to the front of the church the next day or day after. (I think I actually made my "faith walk" on that Thursday.) I was in the pew with my Daddy, and as we prayed, I clearly felt a hand on my shoulder. I thought it was my Daddy, nudging me that "it was time." I looked over through a peeked eye (we are after all, praying), but he was in an attitude of prayer- head bowed, eyes closed, no doubt praying for me. I stayed put. Again, the hand. And again, not my dad. (Remind you of something? Samuel? Eli? Anyone?) I finally realized (duh) that it was the hand of Jesus, nudging me to the next step in my journey with Him. I went forward, made my profession of faith, and was baptized on Easter Sunday.

Fast forward a couple of years to Youth Camp. Hunter green t-shirt with a mountain-climber dude on the back- sky blue writing. "Reach the Peak". I know someone remembers... Again, Tuesday night. What's up with me and God and Tuesday? (Subsequently, I met my husband on a Tuesday. I digress.) The speaker calls for a time of prayer, and I feel a nudge. Talk about hair standing on the back of my head. We're in the mountains of Tennessee. It's hot. Maybe I'm delirious, but I feel it- just like I did in the pew of Unity Baptist Church. I look over, thinking maybe someone beside me just needs out. Nope, no one there. Really? So, I surrender to the Hand and leave my folding chair. I'm sitting about 6 rows back, looking at the stage, on the right. I have no idea where I'm going or why I'm going, but I am led to a patch of grass to my right. I feel the hands lead me to my knees, and my face into the grass. Whoa- I'm not really used to this whole "face to the ground" thing. But, I can't deny the Hands. I cry out to Him- "why am I here?" And, as audibly as I hear the pecking of the keyboard now, I heard "because you're going to minister for Me." Um, ok. "I have given you a voice- now use it. I want you to help lead my people as they worship Me." And then, I see it- a vision of the gym at our church. And I'm there, helping lead. I'm singing- people I don't even know are playing instruments around me. We're singing a song I don't know. But, we're there- I can see it clearly. And it's wonderful. It's beautiful. It's natural- right where I know I belong.

Now fast forward a few more years, to a time and place in our church that looks ALOT like the vision I had in Tennessee that year. I mean, ALOT. Like, the same. To think that our church would venture into such an environment was sort of unheard of in my younger years, but now, we're there. And, because of the vision I had, and the longing in my heart to help lead people to Jesus, I just figured I'd be there. If I had the vision, surely that meant I was to be a part, right? Maybe. But that hasn't been the case yet. And I'm hurt. I'm sad. I'm disappointed. And I've acted out of those emotions. My sweet husband, trying to come to my defense, has acted out of those same emotions, and has been admonished greatly for it. And I don't like it. That in itself hurts me. This is my battle to fight. My questions to ask. Garrett didn't sign on for it- he's just trying to protect me. To say that the past three years has been a struggle would be an understatement. I've been told to seek God more, listen to God more, try and understand where others are coming from in their decisions more- they're listening to God, after all. Well, so am I. And don't get me wrong- I don't think God gives people varying visions and such about the same situation. He's not a God who sets out to confuse us. And I know that we're all doing the best with what we have and what we feel, but I would really appreciate being heard- and I would really appreciate someone acknowledging the fact that I, too, am seeking after Him. Sure, there have been times I've not heard Him clearly and begged for something from Him. The past few years have been plagued by many other struggles- not just this one, but in it all I've tried to listen. I feel alot of the time that I'm just alone. Standing in the midst of a crowd, yelling at the top of my lungs, and being completely ignored. I can't help the way I feel. Am I wrong? Maybe. But, as the saying goes, it is what it is, and I can't shake that feeling. Sure, I've been told my day will come, and even that the day is closer than ever, but honestly, I've heard that before. And, again, I'm hurt. And again, I can't help it.

Fast forward now to today's devotion. So. Timely. For. Me. I will lead worship this Sunday with one of the greatest friends I've ever had in my life. And I am so excited to do so! My friend playing guitar, our voices joining together as they have so many times before... Pure excitement! And, oh, the vision I have of the activities of Heaven while we sing. I can picture my grandfather- whittling away on old wooden spools, making tops for the children sitting around he and my grandmother. She's rocking babies, both her outstretched feet hitting the floor at the same time as she makes the rocking chair rock. And around them, the cherubim themselves- watching over them all and singing "holy, holy, holy" in time with the flutter of their wings. What a beautiful picture!

I am still disappointed. I'm still hurt. But, today, I'm choosing to grieve what I "thought" would be reality, and grab hold of what is reality. I've spent too much time trying to put my vision and my calling into words. Frankly, I'm tired of crying, being upset, and upsetting my husband in the process. So, today, I'm choosing to let go of what wasn't and isn't, and hold onto what is.

When People Let You Down

2 Sep 2010
Melanie Chitwood

"Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." Psalm 62:8 (NASB)

Disappointment feels like a heavy rock sinking to the bottom of my spirit. I've felt disappointed in many situations – a business opportunity that didn't pan out, a writing door that didn't open, and a relationship that broke my young heart.

The heaviest disappointments for me, however, stem from people. And not just any people; people who I'm closest to. People who turn out to be not at all what I hoped they'd be, or not who I thought they were.

I know I'm not alone in wondering how to deal with people who let me down. Just this week a friend said with a choke in her voice, "I wish my mom and I could be closer, but I don't think we ever will be." Another woman said with despondency, "My husband and I just don't talk." I've heard the edge of bitterness in women's voices as they vow never to trust again because of a friend's betrayal. And most of us have swallowed the hopelessness that comes with a broken heart, "I thought he was the one."

I've tried different ways to handle disappointments in relationships. One way is to ignore the disappointment, to shut it in a box and hope the lid holds. Another way is to gloss over it with a quick statement such as, "People will let you down, but God never will." True, but does this really help me process the hurt?

One morning in my quiet time I was pouring out my sadness, anger and disappointment about a close relationship. As the tears slipped down my face, I begged God to show up. What do I do with all this? Show me and I'll do it because what I've been doing is not working.

Clear as a bell ringing in my spirit, Jesus said, Grieve.

Really? I questioned. I remembered that Jesus knew all about disappointment – Peter's denial, Judas' betrayal, and the disciples falling asleep during His anguish before His crucifixion (Matthew 26). I remembered people in the Bible who were well acquainted with people they loved letting them down, such as Joseph or Job. I felt reassured that Jesus wouldn't misunderstand my sadness as a lack of faith.

So I cried, feeling every ounce of the disappointment. I told God all the things I wish were different about this relationship, all the things I thought this person had done wrong, and what I wish this person would do differently.After the winds of grief subsided, I was done. Grieving was the bridge I had to cross to move beyond the disappointment. On the other side I found myself in a place where I could embrace the relationship for what it is, not what it's not.

On the other side of grief lies a place where we can consider how to respond to the person who disappointed us. There are a number of possible responses. Sometimes we need to talk to the person or get godly counsel. Other times we may need to create healthy boundaries, or we may need just to let it go. Only after we've allowed ourselves to grieve, however, will we know how to respond to this person in the way that God wants. Then the words, "People will let you down, but God never will," will be truly comforting, not just empty words.

Dear Lord, I'm so thankful that when it feels like no one else understands, You do. You understand about being disappointed in people but You loved them in the midst of that. Lord, I want to follow Your example. I'm thankful You know this sadness is a part of healing from the pain of disappointment. Give me guidance in handling this -I trust that You can bring good out of this. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Something Profound Today

2010-08-13T08:45:00.002-04:00

I get an emailed devotional each day. Some days, they don't speak directly to me in a really profound way. Maybe that day's nugget isn't meant to speak to me directly. Other days, though, the words pierce my heart. Today, the words did just that, so I had to share here. I know that not many people, if any, some days, even read this blog, but if you're reading today, allow me to share:

Damaged Goods
13 Aug 2010Carol Davis, A She Speaks Graduate

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17 (NIV)

I walked down the aisle of the discount grocery looking for a bargain that I couldn't live without. It's always hit and miss in this store...and I had missed...again.

But, I passed by a bin that caught my eye. "Damaged Goods." It was filled with dented cans and missing labels...no real rhyme or reason, just random items that were not shelf worthy. And suddenly, I knew just how they felt.

Life sometimes delivers the unexpected. Lessons learned in the school of hard knocks bruise us, dent us and remove the label that defines who we are. We feel as if we have been tossed into a bin, no longer worthy of a place on the shelf. Some people substantiate the lie that we are second class failures and all hope is gone.

So, I leaned over and intentionally chose a dented can with no label from the bin. I got it home and placed it on the can opener with anxious anticipation. The whirr of the can opener finally penetrated the metal lid to reveal....peaches!!! I let out a school girl squeal! I love peaches!! What a treat to open this can and be greeted by one of my favorite fruits. The can was damaged but the contents were still good...and sweet.

God must have smiled...because at that moment the sunshine beamed in my kitchen window. I knew in my heart there was a lesson.

I have been damaged. We all have to some degree. I am not living the life that I dreamed about when I was a kid. However, the damage that I have suffered has made the contents of my heart so much sweeter, so much more compassionate, so much more in pursuit of Jesus. I have been looked down upon and judged by many who have seen my label missing and slapped on their own.

I've wanted to say, "Don't judge too quickly. My damage has not defined me...but, it is refining me." I may be at the bottom of the life's bin, but Jesus paid as high a price for those of us at the bottom as He did for those that are proudly displayed on the top shelf.

Look around you. Is there someone in your life, your family or your church that you consider "damaged goods"? Don't miss an opportunity to reach out to them, to love them. You just might find a friendship that is good...and sweet.

Dear Lord, my life hasn't turned out exactly turned out like I thought it would. But, I know that You can still use me. Please forgive me for labeling others and judging them by their outside circumstances instead of the work that You are doing in their heart. Help me realize that we all have dents but that's what keeps us desperate for a Savior. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

In Awe,
Mary Beth

the number 8

2010-07-16T21:38:00.002-04:00

Today is July 16, 2010. To most people, it's just another day in paradise. For me, it's a huge day, and for many reasons.

July 16, 2002 was the day that changed my life forever. I was the youth minister at First Baptist Church in Pine Mountain, GA, and had taken my youth group to that awesome annual event called Summer Camp. I am privileged to know some really great people in ministry, and thanks to one of those ministry heroes of mine, I connected with a really great group of other ministry heroes at Ormond Beach youth camp in Daytona Beach, FL. By most accounts, the Tuesday of camp is a huge day- it's the first full day of activities, the first morning devotional, etc. But one thing that always set Ormond Beach apart from any other camp I've ever been affiliated with was the fact that the youth ministers themselves weren't given a specific role for the week. We weren't asked to lead a small group. We didn't have to necessarily chaperone a room (though I did). We were there just to love on our kids and form unforgettable relationships with our youth as we pointed them to the greatest Love ever known. Given the free time I had, I was headed to the beach. Or so I thought.

My lily-white legs were taking me straight to the beach. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. However, I saw one of the members of the leadership team frantically talking on the phone and gesturing with her hands. "Go outside, Mary Beth. You know your mission is to get some sun." But I just felt drawn to the scene. I found out through the side of the conversation I could hear that the room we used for our big group sessions had been vandalized the night before. Someone was needed to inventory what was still in the room, which would tell us what wasn't in the room. Was I free? Sure, I guess. At least I wouldn't have to think of a Halloween costume that year- I could go as Casper's girlfriend. No sweat.

Yellow notebook and black gel pen in hand, I was told to follow the tech guy around- it looked like his stuff was hit hardest. Great. Follow some goofball around that's going to be upset about every Energizer battery that's missing. I'm sure to hear more about megabytes and video cameras than I could ever want to know. Oh, how wrong one person can be.

Lest you think I didn't meet a techy goofball, let me clarify. Yes, I did meet that guy. But he wasn't at all like I expected him to be. He was sweet, pretty funny, and extremely passionate about his role during the week. It was his responsibility to make sure that the camp attenders had the best visual experience possible. In his words, what he did or didn't do with camera shots, etc. made an impact on people's worship. Wow. I was impressed. It wasn't "hello", but he had me, nonetheless.

Fast forward to today. I met, dated, and married that techy goofball, and through God's provision, he's given me two techy goofballs in training. And they're also a big reason why today is so special to me.

Carter, aka Monkey Man, Gus Gus, and George, turns 8 months old today. I'm pretty sure I just had him yesterday, but my calendar says yesterday was 8 months ago. As I type he's shrieking and playing, rolling and smiling. He's been through alot healthwise in his 8 months, and I'm more than grateful that, at least in his world, today is just business as usual.

Saralynn is 8 days away from her fourth birthday. Since I just had Carter yesterday, I just had her last week, but again the calendar says it's been almost 4 years. As I type she's twirling in front of her dresser mirror to the joyous sound of the VeggieTales gang as they sing "Joy to the World". No, your calendar isn't deceiving you- it really is July. I just have an overly creative child. She gets that from her daddy. :)

Garrett is away tonight, using his gift of photography to enhance the wedding of some really dear friends. I was supposed to go, but am instead here, typing and taking care of our two blessings. I wish he were here so we could talk about all the crazy things we've done over the past 8 years, but I'll remember them now, and we'll discuss them at another time.

For now, I'm grateful for today and for what it means. It's a great day! Thank you, Garrett, for coming into my life 8 years ago and doing all you could to ensure it would never again be the same.

And the number 8 will always be a good number. It was, after all, my T-ball jersey number. And we all know what a famous T-ball player I became.

VACAY!

2010-07-02T22:34:00.001-04:00

We are headed to Mississippi for a much-needed vacation, filled with family, fun, and a swimming pool! Pictures to come- I really promise this time! (Since thousands of people read my blog anyways...)

A Little Out of Order...

2010-04-18T21:34:00.002-04:00

So you haven't seen pictures yet. Nor have you read about Carter's birth and first five months. I know, I know. I'm behind. I promise to catch you up soon, but for now, I must ask for your prayers.

Carter has had quite a few respiratory and intestinal issues during his short little life that have led to a recommendation by our pediatrician that we have him tested for cystic fibrosis. It shall from here on out be known as CF. Two letters I've not ever thought about in the same thought. C is for Carter- my maiden name and now the name of my son; C is for cat; C is for cookie. F is for frog; F is for fun; F is for fruit. But C and F together? Not something I've ever thought of together. Dr. A. began to talk to us about a month ago about testing Carter for CF since he's had so many issues- an RSV stint that hospitalized us, an intusseseption stint that hospitalized us, and many other bouts in between.

So, on her recommendation, we report tomorrow morning, April 19th, to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Egleston campus for a sweat-chloride test that will either confirm or rule out a cystic fibrosis diagnosis for Carter.

I've been thinking alot about tomorrow, and for many reasons. Firstly, tomorrow is the 8th anniversary of the day my grandmother went to be with Jesus. "Ice" as we called her began to slip away from us about a year and a half before her homegoing, having been plagued with dimentia symptoms that slowly took the grandmother we knew away. But we loved her no less. She had such a heart for children- rocking many a baby at the day care center my own children now attend. Oh, how much she would've loved knowing my sweet Saralynn and Carter. They both have some of her qualities. Both of them cross their feet like she did. Saralynn lives with the same reckless abandon for which my grandmother was known. I have thought of her often- especially in the last few days since we've learned of our date with CF destiny. I didn't think much about it at first, but then I wrote the date in an email and seeing it on the screen brought my fingers to a halt. Is it a coincidence? I think not. My grandmother will be watching over us, alongside my grandfather, as we await the results that will change the course of our lives forever.

I said I've been thinking about tomorrow for alot of reasons- another one of them because I've been hit with the revelation that our lives change forever tomorrow. Why the gloomy attitude, you may wonder. I choose to think of it not as gloomy but as realistic. And I don't mean to sound like I'm bringing something unnecessary on Carter. But, the fact is, our world will change. We will either A) learn that Carter has CF and begin a journey of educating ourselves on all that will change for us, or B) learn that Carter does not have CF and be able to check it off the list of ailments plaguing our child. Either way, life changes. If he does not have CF, praise God! If he does have CF, praise God! The same God that molded and shaped him before we knew him is the same God that will carry us along the journey- whatever that journey is. I am fully convinced that if Carter does not have CF, God has given us this path to follow so that we can relate with those families whose loved ones do have CF. I will never look at CF the same way again. Please hear me again- I'm not bringing more on my child than what is already charted out for him- I'm merely trying to be obedient and listen to the will of my Jesus- and I firmly believe that will, at least for now, is for me to learn to relate to those families who deal with CF on a daily basis, and that's exactly what I intend to do.

I ordered a book in February that arrived yesterday. Angie Smith is a brilliantly gifted author who has written the story of her daughter Audrey for the whole world to read. If you aren't familiar with her story, go to http://audreycaroline.blogpot.com. You will surely fall in love with her just as I have. Angie's book, "I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy" arrived yesterday and I've read 3/4 of it already. I don't think it's by accident that the book showed up earlier than expected. It has spoken to the heart of this mommy ho so desperately wants to know what's wrong with her baby and wants Jesus to be glorified in every detail. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the results of tomorrow's test and our family's journey from this point on are not mysteries to God. He knows and i carrying us through the uncertainty.

Will you pray with us? Yes, I want a healthy baby. I don't want to think of daily meds and regular visits to the doctor, but if that's His plan, then pray with us that we are moldable clay that can be used by the Potter. Refine us, Jesus.

Thank you for praying alongside us.

For the Sake of the Call,
Mary Beth

I PROMISE we're all ok... It's just been a journey :)

2010-01-21T16:16:00.002-05:00

For those (ok, 1) of you that read our blog, you'll notice a prolonged absence. Let's just say that adjusting to life with 2 kids has been an adventure. And, about the time Carter made his arrival (a post or two on that note to follow), Garrett began working 10+ hour days, so my time for "playing" on the computer, as he calls it- I call it writing on the blog- was non-existant. But, all is well- we're loving every single nanosecond of being a family of 4 and can't wait to catch you up on life around here. Buckle up tight- many posts to come. (Just maybe not all today...)

I signed off last year with the word "Intentionally" because that was my buzz-word for the year. 2010's buzzword is "details". Not sure how I'll incorporate that into a signature, but, it's my goal this year to pay more attention to the details. In the lives of my family, of those around me, and in the lives of those that will come into my life for the first time. Yes, I'll even pay closer attention to the details in the lives of those that will leave my life this year, if God ordains that be so. He does, after all, give and take away. I'm praying above all for HIS will to prevail for my family and for my own life in 2010 like it never has before.

Let's give this one a try...

Working on the details,
Mary Beth

Ok, so now it's been WAY too long...

2009-11-04T21:39:00.002-05:00

Quick update before I bed down for the night...

Yesterday marked the 37th week of my pregnancy. Carter is cookin' right along in there, and we are ANXIOUSLY awaiting his arrival! I went to Labor and Delivery today for a check-up for some lightheadedness that turned out to be from a combination of low blood pressure and slightly elevated blood sugar (most probably resulting from my having just eaten lunch). Anyway, if nothing else, it was an excuse to go ahead and get all of my insurance information updated now rather than at dark-thirty on the day we go for our c-section. That day, by the way, is November 20th- just 2 weeks away! We can't wait. I'll admit- I'm ready for him NOW, but we know God has a plan. Even Garrett said tonight that watching me pack his bag- folding socks, boiling pacis, etc. makes him want Carter to come now, too- and he's usually the "he'll come when he's ready" advocate. Maybe it won't be much longer. This Friday the 6th would be my grandmother Carter's birthday- and would be a perfect day- if it's God's timing. I know she would be so proud. But, we wait- sometimes not so patiently, but we wait...

Much more to come, just when I'm not so ridiculously tired.

Love,

Mary Beth

It's Been a While...

2009-08-15T21:48:00.002-04:00

Even as I sit with the computer in my lap ready to type, I just don't know what to say. The past week has been a sheer roller-coaster. In order to explain the highs and lows in a way that has that "take your stomach" feeling, I must back up and say that... the past month has been that very same roller coaster...

Rewind to July 10th. Ok, a couple of days before that... Garrett had not been feeling well and thought it was his allergies. He went to work on the 10th, not feeling well and figuring they'd send him home anyway, but it was Cow Appreciation Day- one of the biggest of the year, so he needed to be there. I got a call from him 15 minutes after his shift started and remarked that they sent him home earlier than I thought they would. The sound in his voice let me know something was wrong. He'd been let go. I should've been sad or something, but I was speechless. I guess in the grand scheme of things the reason doesn't really matter, because no one cares about the meager worker's side anyways, and Garrett has been really good about the whole thing, but it absolutely infuriates me. Yes, I prayed that God would open other doors for Garrett and for our family, but it felt like such a slap in the face to have my prayers answered in that way. I'm not going to lie- I'm still working through those feelings of hurt. We went to church that Sunday, only two days later, and through the course of a conversation that led itself to work, Garrett shared with James Skipworth, who's been spoken of on our blog before, that he was no longer employed. If anyone can understand, it's James. He's been out of work for a number of months, and by his own admission, is waiting on God to tell him what to do. I love that quote! And I love the fact that it's spoken during a time that James could really use something full time but is choosing instead to wait on God. Over the past few weeks, Garrett has worked a couple of times helping James paint houses- and they've split the money. We are so humbled by James' and Cindy's unwavering faith in us and willingness to share with us out of their own need. God has been so good.

The week after he was let go, Garrett went to a job fair with Mobis, which is a sister company of Kia. Long story short, he went to the fair on July 18th and they called him on August 13th to offer him a job. He starts this Monday, and we are forever grateful. Don and Dawn May are another precious couple at our church, and Don works for Mobis. He's been talking to Garrett for a long time about Mobis, and has been a source of information and encouragement all throughout this process. Garrett will work 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, which is a schedule he's never had. Our family will finally be able to enjoy each other on weekends and at night. We absolutely could not be more in awe of the way God provided a path to this for us. It's been my prayer for so long, and even though I don't understand why the path took us the way it did, I know God has a plan and will complete what He started in Garrett.

In the midst of all this, we had Saralynn's 3rd birthday party, but that's another post. Pictures to come, so stay tuned.

I went to the doctor on August 4th for my glucose test, and found out the next day that I failed it, so I have to go back for a 3-hour test on Monday, and I'm absolutely scared to death. I don't want to be diabetic. I don't want the label, the dietary restrictions, I don't want anything to affect my baby. I don't want any of it. And, believe me, God's heard all about that, too. Bless His heart, I'm glad He can take anything off of us, because He sure has heard alot from me lately...

Which leads us back to this week. Monday started out with an email from a friend. A friend that used to be alot closer to me, but for whatever reason just isn't any more. Not because I don't want her to be- much the contrary, I long for that friendship more than I long for alot of friendships, but it just isn't in the cards right now, I guess. Leaving out some of the details so as not to make a bad situation worse, let's just say that I tried so hard to do the right thing a couple of months ago to right a case of overlook in our Sunday School class and it came back to bite me harder than anything has bitten me in a long time. Donations were made to offer some Christian love and fellowship to some class members, and thanks to the US Postal Service, I've replaced the donations that were turned into gift cards twice now, costing our family quite a bit of money that, quite frankly, at the time, we just didn't have any extra of to be doling out. And, to make matters worse, let's face it- people talk. So, it's now the opinion of some that I pocketed the money that was intended for others, and that hurts my heart deep down to my soul. I've been accused of some pretty yucky things in my life, by some people really close to me, but that one just takes the cake. My family has done it's best to make it through a tough times financially, but to be accused of something as horrible as taking money that was intended for other people, and intended to help be the hands and feet of Jesus is just more than I can handle. I don't think I have ever been so hurt in my life.

Ok, so now that I'm crying so uncontrollably I can hardly type, let's talk about something positive. Saralynn has gotten the hang of potty training, for the most part. She's great with tee-teeing, and we're working on the other, but we had success with it for most of the day today. I am so proud of my girl! She never ceases to amaze me.

The past week has also been a bittersweet one because it's the year anniversary of saying goodbye to a dear cousin of mine. My dad's cousin Robert Whatley gave up his battle against Multiple Myeloma on August 10th of last year to earn his reward in Heaven. MM is a cancer of the bone marrow that literally sucked all Robert had in him out on more than one occasion. He fought so valiantly for years past when his doctors told him he'd live. I think he was given a matter of months to maybe 18 months, and lived for 5 years. So, last Monday marked the one-year anniversary of our saying goodbye to one of the greatest Christian men I've ever known. Right after I had Saralynn, we went to church to hear Robert speak in Sunday School. I'd have to go back to her baby book to see exactly when it was, but it was somewhere very near the 10th of August that he spoke, and that will always be a memory I cherish. Robert really didn't feel like being there that morning, and it was really too early to have Saralynn out and about, but I wasn't missing it. Robert was so very sick at our wedding, and probably really shouldn't have come, but he did. He showed up, Uncle-Fester headed and all, but with no tie. He apologized, saying he just didn't have it in him to wear one. I wouldn't have cared what he showed up in, I was just humbled he made it. That moment made my wedding day all the sweeter, so there was no way I was not going to be in the back of the gym to hear him tell his story to his Sunday School class that day.

Why do I say all that, in such detail? To ask you to pray for Mrs. Sue Woodfin. She is the mother of a friend of mine, Michelle Blair, and Mrs. Sue needs our prayers. As of this past Thursday, Mrs. Sue faces a battle with Multiple Myeloma herself, and it's been an honor to pray for her and for her family the past few days, so I'm asking the limited number of people that read my blog to pray for her, too. Michelle is an only child, so she is, I'm sure, shouldering alot right now. She has two beautiful children and a husband and his family that are precious to me, too, and they all need our prayers. Unfortunately I haven't gotten to talk directly to Michelle yet, but I hope God provides a way soon. Pray for Mrs. Sue's medical staff as they design a play that will hopefully help her beat the odds, much like Robert did. So many advances have been made, but it's still hard to know all that lies before Mrs. Sue. But, I know my God is big, and is still in the miracle-making business, and I believe He wants us to ask for miracles, believing that He can make them happen, if He chooses to. I'm asking Him to choose Mrs. Sue. Will you join me?

As for the other issue mentioned above, I'm learning to cope. I know that people are people- heck, I'm human, too, and have made mistakes myself, but I didn't ever mean for something as simple as providing gift cards to turn into something so extremely hurtful. Please pray for soft ground in my heart as I plead with God to explain to me why I'm going through such a horrible time at the hands of people whom I care about so much. I just don't understand. There's so much else bigger and more pressing going on these days than this- why can't people just look past the details and see my heart- that it beats to help others? And even though it may not have turned out quite right, all I wanted was to show the love of Jesus to some of His children. I know it'll work out, but it still hurts- so much so that sometimes I feel like my tears could be blood drops. I petition your prayers tonight.

The next post promises to be much more light-hearted, but I just couldn't keep it all bottled in any more.

Praying through tears tonight,

Mary Beth

Still Here...

2009-07-13T14:28:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a while since we last posted, and honestly, there's so much to say, but I just don't have the words for some of it now. We, namely Carter and myself, are still here, still hanging in there. I'll be 21 weeks tomorrow- on the downward slope! :)

I went to Dr. Bowie last week for a heartbeat checkup and was told that the heartbeat sounded "beautiful", for which I was and am truly grateful. Carter is so much more active than his sister ever thought about being. I'm not sure how I feel about that, since Saralynn has been a ball of activity and flutter since the day she arrived on planet Earth. Carter is more active than he is still- spending most of his day kicking and fluttering around in there. Not sure what he's doing, but oh, my, is he ever-moving! I felt him at 18 weeks vs. at 20 weeks when I felt Saralynn. Garrett couldn't feel her with his hand on my tummy until about 20 or 27 weeks, but he can already feel Carter and laughed quite a bit last night at my sighs. Good grief- it was 11:30 and I just wanted to go to sleep- is that alot to ask? :)

It's been a busy last few weeks, some of the details I will share later. Our little family appreciates your prayers for us as we navigate this thing called life, and we're grateful for the health we've been blessed with. :)

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

It's a...

2009-06-25T09:32:00.002-04:00

BOY!!!

I have alot of catch-up blogging to do- more thoughts on our anniversary, our "working vacation", etc., but I wanted to get this up for anyone that might read this and not already know our news. Facebook and Twitter are staples at our house these days, so the blog takes a back-burner sometimes, but nonetheless, here we go...

Garrett and I picked Saralynn up from Jonesboro on our way home from North Carolina on Monday night. We had our ultrasound Tuesday at 1:00, so I took the day off, and Garrett was scheduled to go to work after the ultrasound, so we had a nice morning at home with Saralynn. We took her to the playground (indoor, of course), and then were off to Dr. Bowie's office. We picked Mimi up on the way and the four of us anxiously awaited "knowing".

Mrs. Cheryl, the ultrasound tech, called me back and we got started. Saralynn didn't understand my having to lay down on the table and kept telling me to "wake up". Too funny! We'd already discussed that we were going to Mommy's doctor's office and a nice lady was going to use a special pen to take some pictures of our baby that she would show us on the TV, so Saralynn walked in and immediately glued into the TV. Mrs. Cheryl started out the ultrasound with the typical measurements, etc. The baby's legs were closed very tightly, and it was down low in my pelvic region, so she was not optimistic about being able to determine the gender. She kept going with the measurements, and at one point said if she had to render a guess she'd guess that Baby Pelt was a girl. That would've meant welcoming Caroline Grace in November. She kept looking and measuring, and, almost surprised, exclaimed at one point, "Oh, I saw it! It's a boy! It's definitely a boy!" My mom had seen a little boy part cross the screen, too, she thought, but didn't say anything- hoping Mrs. Cheryl saw it, too.

I must admit that I was so very excited. I've felt like this was a boy all along, but for no "real" reason. No dreams to speak of, etc. But, I felt like it was a boy. I am over the moon that my little family will now include one of each- my precious Saralynn and Carter, whom I can't wait to meet in November.

A little about his name: My maiden name is Carter, and since I go by my first name and part of my middle name, I had to legally drop my maiden name when Garrett and I got married. Once I realized this as a teenager, I said I wanted to name a little boy Carter, and my sweet husband obliged. We knew a son would be named Carter when we were pregnant with Saralynn. At that point, we thought we'd give him Garrett's middle name, which is Hanson, his mother's maiden name, but Garrett wasn't sure this time around if he liked that, so we kept tossing around ideas. He has always loved the name Jackson, so we threw that around a little, and decided on it as a middle name. It took a little convincing on my part, mostly because Jackson is typically used as a first name, but I have since come to love it! Garrett's paternal grandparents lived in Jackson, GA, and Garrett has beautifully fond memories of his childhood in Jackson, so it's an homage to his grandparents. I can't think of a more beautiful way to honor them.

Garrett was a little stunned at first to find out he was having a boy, I think. There's a "pattern" on his dad's side of the family for quite a ways back that produces babies of the same gender in pairs (two boys born to one family, then two girls- not one of each that is known), so he "broke tradition" by producing both a boy and a girl. The Pelt name's continuation hinged on Garrett and his brother, so this takes the heat off of Daniel- the name will continue on with our Carter.

Saralynn is beside herself and tells everyone she sees that she's "having a boy baby for her Mommy". I think she's going to be a fabulous big sister. We took her to the pool to swim last night, and since she's infatuated with my ever-growing belly these days, she rubbed it as usual. I asked her where her brother was, and her response was "in the TV". Oops. We may've bobbled the follow-through with the ultrasound, but we'll get it back. She's very sweet to talk to the baby and sing him songs, and I can't wait for her to feel him kick. I started feeling him regularly on vacation this weekend- maybe because I was still and riding most of the time, so I could focus on each little movement, but he seems very active at this point. He's measuring big, so we'll have to wait and see, but at this point, we're overjoyed that we have a healthy baby boy coming to meet us in November. Thank you for your prayers and well-wishes. Please join us in continuing to pray God's blessings over Carter and Saralynn as they grow. TO HIM BE THE GLORY!

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

Only God Could Love You More...

2009-06-18T10:30:00.002-04:00

Five years ago tonight, we "rehearsed" for our wedding, for what that was worth. One of the things I rehearsed, unbeknownst to Garrett, was the song I would sing to him the next day as part of our wedding ceremony.

When I was a little girl, 5 1/2 to be exact, my Daddy took me to a concert at our church. My little brother had just been born, but I wanted to go hear the Nelons, so we had a Daddy/daughter date. Kelly Nelon, whom I still admire as an artist, sang a song to her husband called "Only God Could Love You More". I told my Dad that March night in 1986 that I would sing that song to my husband one day. Surely he didn't think much about it, but I did, and fast-forwarding 18 years, that's exactly what I did. I was able to pull the surprise over on Garrett, his family, and most of our wedding party. Our youth minister and my grandfather performed our ceremony, and Bobby had a small table with a microphone on it beside him, and when it came time for me to sing, he handed me the mic. Garrett says his first thought was that I had written some poem or something and he freaked out because he didn't have anything prepared. I'm not sure I could've read anything, but singing comes naturally, so it seemed like the thing to do. Never have I been more confident in my singing than I was that day. I sang to no one but my husband (we had said our vows by this point), and the Father who gave him to me, and it was one of the most surreal yet special moments of my life. The lyrics are below, and yes, 5 years later, they still ring true.

Happy Wedding Rehearsal Day, Garrett! I love you- and only God could love you more than I do,
Mary Beth

I asked the Lord for someone, and I always knew
That in God's time and in God's plan, it would be someone like you.
All my hopes and all my dreams were suddenly fulfilled
It's almost unbelievable our love was in His will

Only God could love you more
For He gave me this love I have to give
What a blessing to know He's your Lord
For only God could love you more than I do.

I'm tempted to be saying that we met by chance
But God was there at every turn, in every circumstance
To share this love God gave to me seems such a fearful task
But every moment we have shared is more than I could ask

Only God could love you more
For He gave me this love I have for you
What a blessing to know He's your Lord
For only God could love you more than I do.

Only God could love you more than I do!

Gettin' Some Good Practice

2009-06-17T13:48:00.007-04:00

We have two precious families in our church that both had beautiful baby girls last Friday. Chad and Katie Cottle welcomed Molly Kathryn (Molly Kate) last Friday morning and James and Cindy Skipworth welcomed Ruby Jeane Friday afternoon. Garrett, Saralynn, and I visited the hospital on Saturday to visit with the new bundles of joy and their glowing parents.

Chad and Katie have both chronicled Molly Kate's birth on their respective blogs: http://chadcottle.com/ and http://katiecottle.wordpress.com/. She is absolutely precious. We made it to their room first on Saturday, and I thought Saralynn would warm right up to Molly Kate. She knows more of Chad, Katie, and Charlie than she does the Skipworths because the Skipworths moved away for a bit before returning "home". I was wrong. She wanted nothing to do with anyone in their room, which was so surprising to me. We had talked about the babies all day, and when we asked her where we were going as we were driving, she said, "Going to see Molly Cake and Ruby." Big Brother Charlie called Molly Kate the same thing for a while. I think it's precious. We visited with the Cottles for a good bit before Miss Priss got hungry. That was our cue to move down the hall. We ooed and ahhed over her one more time, said our goodbyes, and were on our way.

We got to Cindy's room and Saralynn hesistated at the door again. I think it might be because they had visitors she didn't know. Once the room cleared, she opened up some more, and at one point said she wanted to hold Ruby. I was a little uneasy, but Cindy was totally fine with it. The pictures below chronicle Saralynn's love story with Ruby. It was absolutely the sweetest thing I think I've ever seen. I can't wait to see her with her own brother or sister. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed watching them together.

We took dinner to the families last night, and the same thing occurred. She visited with Charlie pretty well but still didn't want much to do with Molly Kate. But, on the way to the Skipworths', she said "I gonna hold Baby Ruby and play with her toes." Oh, be still my heart. The one picture we got of them is below.

I am so glad to have the Bowies (Cindy's family) and the Skipworths in my life. I could fill the entire blog with stories about them, but they are some of the most special people in my life. Sondra (Cindy's mom) took a chance on a shy kid with coke-bottle glasses that showed up in her choir when we first joined FBC and made a singer out of me. Dr. Pat (Cindy's dad) is one of the most gracious people I've ever known. He always has a smile on his face and a hug to offer. Cindy is my musical hero and I want to be like her when I grow up. In all honesty, one of the biggest compliments I've ever gotten in my life involved Cindy. She asked me to sing "Is This Not the Carpenter?" with her at Christmas, and I was thrilled! I was working at the day care at the church at the time, and the assistant director told me the next day she caught the service on TV and saw both of us singing. She stepped into the other room and heard who she thought was Cindy singing, but it was me, which meant we blended well together. I think we always have. I've been Cindy's "understudy" more than once, and I LOVE the chance to sing with or for her. She, like me, has a heart for music and for leading worship. James is equally as precious and I could tell numerous stories about him, too, but the one that stands out involves my grandmother that went to be with Jesus in 2002. James went to the nursing home to visit her, and filled me in later on his visit with her. Ice battled the most horrible dimentia I've ever seen anyone go through, and she was not herself for the last year or so of her life, but James visited with her and had a sparkle in his eye when he talked about her as if he knew her before the disease took over. She would've loved James had she had the chance to know him, but it was an absolute blessing to me to hear James speak of my grandmother with a love that he would show his own grandmother.

It was such a breath of fresh air to visit with them last night. We talked church, life, our hearts' passions, and it was so nice. I'm forever changed by this awesome family. Oh, and Cindy's brother Brett is our OB/GYN. Just another thread of the tapestry that is our lives woven together. Ruby is sure to carry on the legacy. I hope Saralynn becomes good friends with Cate, Lily, Ally, and Ruby. What a precious family. The picture below tells the story that my heart longs to share...

Intentionally,

Mary Beth

Randomness

2009-06-16T10:38:00.015-04:00

This post will be full of a random, mish-mash of things. Oh, well- we're allowed sometimes, right?

Brushing Daddy's hair

Look- Daddy's pretty bow!

We have a cute little book that has a place for Saralynn's face as we read. You'll have to forgive the quality. She usually doesn't want her picture taken much, but asked for it this time, and all I had handy was the camera phone.

"Thank you for taking my picture, Mommy."

Sundays are hard nap days at the Pelt house. With church and lunch, we're lucky to be laying down by 2:00, which is when Saralynn usually wakes up from a nap. This past Sunday was especially difficult because she napped from 2:00-4:00 and then didn't go to sleep until 10:45! You can imagine what Monday morning was like... Eeek. I guess we're going to have to give up Sunday afternoon naps, which I hate to do. SUnday afternoon is NAPTIME at our house- has been since before we had her. But, in the interest of a good night's sleep to start the week, I guess that's what we'll have to do. Sigh. This was all 3 of us in her TWIN bed at 10:30- doing all we could to get her to go to sleep. What a night! Let's hope for not too many more of those.

On another note, those of you that are mommies- what's the trick to mastering tee-teeing in the potty? We've pretty successfully mastered the other, but sometimes we have to let her use a Pull-Up so as not to constipate herself. That one I'm not so concerned about. It's the tee-teeing that's got me baffled. HELP!

Intentionally Random Today,

Mary Beth

16 Weeks and a Few More Thoughts

2009-06-09T16:00:00.003-04:00

I've officially hit the 16 week mark in this pregnancy. I go to Dr. B. tomorrow for another chance to hear the heartbeat and to have some bloodwork done. This is the bloodwork that will test for birth defects, etc. I had it done with Saralynn because it was my first baby and I did everything by the book. We have a baby boom at church- something like 10 people I know that are pregnant right now, at varying stages, some of whom have chosen to have the bloodwork done and some that have not. I see both sides of the issue, but am choosing to have it done because I did with Saralynn and I've made a conscious effort to not change much this go-around. What I did with her I'll do with this one. What I had in the way of baby "tools" with her I'll do with this one. And so on. Should the bloodwork come back with any signs of difficulty, it won't sway the love we have for our baby. We will love it as much as we already do. To me, it's just another appointment, just another stick with a needle. Yummy.

On a much lighter note, I'll also schedule the 18-week ultrasound that will tell us Baby's gender at tomorrow's appointment. I'll keep everyone updated on that...

Saralynn is going through Potty Training Boot Camp this week. In all actuality, she's doing very well. My mom asked last Friday what we could do to help be sure that we were on the same page with day care, etc. to help her benefit most. Miss Cara informed Mimi that Saralynn has been going to the potty at school for them for a while now. Who knew? Hmm... seems she's been holding out on us. She surprised me by going at Hog Heaven Friday night, and it worked throughout the rest of the weekend. We're not having as much luck with going tee-tee, but we're working on it. I guess she decided to tackle the more difficult scenario first. She has a potty poster that she gets stickers on, and she's constantly asking for a sticker, so I guess we're doing something right and she's catching on to it. Cross your fingers that it stays that way! She has the few diapers that we had left over at home, but other than that, we're in Pull-Ups and big girl stuff. Way to go, girl! :)

Garrett and I are really beginning to anticipate our anniversary trip next week. We're headed to Wilmington, NC to visit some friends and ministry mentors of Garrett's who have become friends of mine by default. A little back-story for those of you that might not know: Garrett and I met at youth camp in Florida in 2002. The camp was run by Chris and Cindy and others that did a phenomenal job, and I was blessed to be a part of it, and it was God-ordained that I meet my future husband there. We visited Wilmington when we were still dating in 2003 and haven't been back since. Garrett is hoping to mix a little work with pleasure and soak up as much as he can of the atmosphere and ministry mindset these guys are willing to share. I'm looking forward to watching him in action. The change I've seen in my husband in the past couple of weeks has truly been a gift to me. I'm excited about the work God is brewing in his life and can't wait to be a part of it.

I hope everyone is having an inspiring week!

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

He Got In!!!

2009-06-05T11:49:00.002-04:00

If you've read my past couple of blog entries, you know that Garrett has been awaiting a phone call this week to let him know if he was accepted into a Creative Worship Coaching seminar with Carlos Whittaker. Los just recently resigned a position at Buckhead Church to begin a ministry of his own that coaches individuals involved in the worship experiences all over the globe. He came up with the creative coaching concept out of his own journey in ministry and worship planning, taking the information he was coached with and giving it back to others. I'm thankful for a man that realizes that God put many gifted people in his path as he sought to live out the Great Commission, and that he ralizes the need for that knowledge to be passed on. I'm thankful that he's taking time to work with those that are seeking to further the kingdom, too- regardless of denomination, music preference, worship style, etc. Los gets it- there is One Jesus, and we're all on the same team, leading others to him.

And, because of the call God has placed on Garrett's life, he has been accepted into the seminar! I couldn't be prouder of him and the ideas he's come up with lately. I myself have a notebook that is rapidly filling with song ideas, drama ideas, service notes, etc., and Garrett and I are continually bouncing ideas off of each other. It'll be so much fun to hear all about what Los brings to the table. The seminar will take place over the course of four months. The participants are matched up in groups of 25. Each week, there will be a one-hour conference call with all the participants, and then another one-hour call between the individual and Los. There will be homework assignments, etc. to complete, too. So, it will be a time-consuming process, but will be so worth it in the end. And, it has a financial obligation to it as well, but we're stepping out on faith that God will provide. Garrett's mindset was from the get-go, "if it's God's will I participate, He'll work everything out", and He did. Garrett's session starts in January. I think I just might be more excited than he is. :)

Thank you to those of you that emailed, wrote, and sent Facebook messages of encouragement. It is so appreciated! Now, if we can ask for prayers for creative juices to flow from Heaven, we'd be grateful for your prayers. God is faithful!

Woo-hoo! Go, Garrett! Thanks, Los! We're looking forward to the adventure ahead. In Los' words: "Disturb and disrupt your lives and you will never stop growing..." See what we're in for? :)

Intentionally Excited about what lies ahead,
Mary Beth

Slip Slidin' Away

2009-06-04T14:03:00.005-04:00

Since my last post, we've had some really nice family time. We've had to be intentional about it (i.e. had to back out of previous commitments), but it was so worth it. Saralynn has been an absolute joy to be around the past few days. Don't misunderstand me- I love my child with all my heart, but she, like those of us who are "all grown up" has her good days and her not so good days, and when she's not seen much of her Daddy as has been the case more often than not lately, it can make for a string of difficult days. I stayed home on Monday night instead of going to a Ladies' Night function that had been planned, and Garrett stayed home from a meeting on Tuesday, and we enjoyed some nice outside time, complete with chalk, bubbles, and her car and bicycle. She and Garrett even chased lightning bugs Tuesday! We took a family night last night and went to the playground. Our Saralynn would live her entire life outside if she could, and one of her favorite places in the whole world is a playground with a slide. So, we hopped in the car, made a detour at McDonald's for some chicken nuggets and then headed to Burger King so she could play on the playground. Yes, you read that correctly. She prefers McDonald's chicken nuggets to Burger King's, but Burger King has the better, outside playground. She doesn't wear the pants as much as you think she would given our path to a family night, but I just don't see the point in buying food she isn't going to eat, so we get what she will eat.

She played on the playground for over an hour and a half and was one sweaty, thirsty little girl that was pooped and ready for a bath when she got home! Her Daddy even joined in on the sliding fun after seeing her smiling face and hearing her shrieks of joy. Mommy tried it one time but got a little too close to getting stuck for her liking, so she took her proper place behind the camera phone and documented their fun together. Once we got home, she played in the tub for almost 45 minutes. Daddy slipped out to play tennis after he got her bath going, and Mommy finished up. You'll see she has no bath toys. Poor thing. Pictures below.

It's amazing to me how refreshing something as simple as a Whopper and a slide can be, but it was absolutely just what the Good Doctor ordered for us. We had an absolute blast all week long! Daddy is at work tonight, but I think our tanks are all full from earlier in the week, so we'll make it through. :)

For those of you that took the time and thought of me enough to respond to my last post, either on the blog or by email, thank you. Your words are encouraging to me. I even had one sweet friend remind me that the families I see sitting together at church are often doing just that- sitting next to one another. They may not be tuned in to one another, which is something we can be, or not be, no matter our physical location. As long as we're doing what we're called to do, we're tuned in. What Garrett and I have in serving together, though it may not be physically side-by-side-together, is special in its own way, which I realize, but it's nice to be reminded. We have a common bond that spans beyond sitting together- we're doing what the King called us to do, and while we may not be sitting together, we're serving together. I still look forward to the day when we can sit together as a family, but until that day, we'll keep right on pluggin' along.

Oh, and we're still waiting on a phone call for the Creative Worship Coaching sessions. The leader was finishing up last-minute stuff concerning it and said to expect phone calls sometime tonight. From the sounds of it, he's planning to take most if not all applications at some point, it's just a matter of when. Of course, it would be nice for Garrett to make the "first cut" because he could be finished by the time the baby gets here, but again, we're trusting the One with the Master Plan. Thanks for joining alongside us in prayer.

Intentionally Grateful,

Mary Beth

The Promise of a New Day- and of the world's longest blog post

2009-06-01T10:35:00.004-04:00

DISCLAIMER: Nothing about this post will be pretty, frilly, or remotely comfortable. Sometimes life puts us in uncomfortable places. Heck, sometimes we put ourselves in those uncomfortable places all on our own. I've been in one of those places lately, and I have to confess (some of) it here. You see, there's something unusual about confession: it makes you feel better. Hmm. That isn't a new concept. Then why does it seem to be sometimes?

The reason for the confession of the messiness? I had an encounter with the Holy One Who longs to take me out of this mess through a dream this morning. On a side note, I'm not one of those "every dream ever means something" sort of people, but make no mistake: this one meant something. And, through His love for me, I know what it meant.

I've struggled for quite some time with my family's lack of quality family time. And by that, I mean Garrett, Saralynn, and me- able to spend real, solid time together- doing things that matter (and even some things that don't). A bit about that here:

I am more than grateful for Garrett's job- that it brings money into our house and that he has a place to go and share the light God has placed inside him, but sometimes I just can't help but wish more for him. God Himself breathed all kinds of creativity into Garrett- by way of video/audio/visual stuff, photography stuff, a heart for ministry (that God is still fine-tuning, but is there, nonetheless)... Some days, I just can't help but want more for him than to flip chicken. More than once over the past few months, we as a family have talked about what a blessed company Chick-fil-A is, and I believe that with all my heart. Jesus fills that place and the people that head it, and, yes, we all have to eat, so it takes someone to flip the chicken that comes in your #1 combo, but I find myself praying, ok even sometimes longing, for that someone to be anybody but my husband. I see the way his eyes sparkle when he gets behind a computer to build slides for our contemporary service. I am filled with awe and admiration of the One Who gave him to me when I see him worshipping, head thrown back, hands moving towards Heaven, as he sings the words he so painstakingly typed in the night before at our Sunday morning service. I KNOW he has the heart and the talent to do what he's doing, and to do it full-time. And I find myself asking "WHY can't he?" "WHY is he stuck in a job that keeps him away from his daughter all the time?" "WHY does his schedule only come out a week in advance, and consist of different daily schedules, and WHY does that change some days with only hours' notice?" "WHY can't he work an 8-5 Monday through Friday job instead of an open this day, close that day, gone all day Saturday schedule that makes no sense and makes it impossible for us to plan anything?" "WHY do I have to read about our friends' adventures to the zoo, the movies, out of town trips on a whim, while I'm at home wiping the red, tear-stained cheeks of a little girl whose heart is broken as she stands at the back door and shouts through the door facing 'Daddy, please come back to me. Please don't go cook again today.?" "WHY?"

The answer? I have no idea.

Sundays are equally emotionally building and emotionally tearing for me, too. Garrett, doing what he feels called to do, leaves the house most Sunday mornings at 6:00 to go to church and get everything set up. As is obvious, this leaves Saralynn and me (along with Mimi and Pop if they don't need to be there early) at home to get ready. We usually make it to church in time for
Saralynn to jump in Daddy's lap for a quick hug and kiss before it's off to Sunday School, which Garrett is usually late for and has to leave early from. Then, the service for which the leadership team has planned and prepared begins. We launched our new service in September, and since then, Garrett has been a part of every service except one, running words, manning a video camera, and anything else technical that needs doing. I am more than eternally grateful for his opportunity to serve, but I can't help but wish that one or two Sundays a month he could be a participant in worship- sitting in a chair, on a row, beside his wife, as we worship together. I would love to have his arm around me as we share our Bible, listening to the Word as it is spoken to us. Instead, I usually prop against the back wall while he runs PowerPoint during the message. Again, I'm grateful for his chance to serve- that's what he's wanted since he moved down here when we got engaged. I just wish that we could be a "normal" church-going family, at least once every now and then.

The emotions spilled over yesterday unmercifully. My mom was on her way to the back parking lot to pick Saralynn and Mommy up since Daddy was in his truck and we all wouldn't fit. Saralynn began to cry once she realized she couldn't go with her Daddy, and looked at me with tears streaming, again. "I just want to ride with Daddy, that's all, Mommy." I couldn't stand it anymore. My almost-three-year-old had just said what my heart has been screaming. I had an armload of stuff and a child that was fighting me tooth and nail, just wanting to get back to her Daddy. Poor Mr. Lee holding the door for me must've thought I was a t-total fruitcake. Tears were free-flowing at this point, and all I could do was cry to anyone that was willing to listen, "I'm so tired of this. I just want us to be a family that goes to church and leaves church, hand in hand, for once." Other people in leadership roles with the new service have their rotation weeks, and have been able to step down from some responsibilities in some cases. I myself had a role as the Cafe Coordinator, having to be there each week, too, which also was exhausting. I must admit that I'm enjoying my time "off", too, but long for some time off for my husband.

My attitude about the whole thing pretty much stunk up the house, but when you have an exhausted, frustrated pregnant woman doing all she can to be both parents on a day that's "designed" to be a family day, I was doing all I could do. Nothing says that the Christian life is pretty all the time, and mine was anything but yesterday. I shared some of my frustration with Garrett, but because our Sunday afternoons seem to consist of this sort of thing pretty often lately, I didn't share it all. Also, in the interest of transparency, I must confess that while Garrett is gifted and called to service, so am I, and I have been increasingly frustrated the past few months because I find myself unable to serve. I surrendered my life to the work of Jesus through worship-leading when I was in the 6th grade, and have had ample opportunity to participate in it since. That is until the new service started. I was hoping, since I felt a rising in my soul to be a part of it, to help lead in our new setting, but that hasn't come about yet. I was blessed with the opportunity to sing a special music in December, but that's been it so far, and I have to be COMPLETELY honest and say that it has me downtrodden. If I didn't have such a yearning and a feeling that leading/singing is what I'm supposed to do I don't think it would bother me so much. It's not so much a "what I WANT to do" as it is a "what I'm MEANT/CALLED to do", and it's frustrating to sit and wait. There. I said it. Maybe one day.

After naptime yesterday for all of us (ok, I was so messed up I couldn't sleep, so I laid there), we went outside to paint. Painting is therapeutic for me. Saralynn LOVES to paint with me, and I enjoy it, too. She asked Garrett to paint, and though he resisted at first, he finally gave in and painted a peach rectangle on a piece of paper. His comment? "I try really hard to be creative, but I just can't be." Little does he know what he spoke to me through that painting. First of all, he took the time to sit on the uncomfortable driveway and get eaten by mosquitoes, painting with his biggest, #1 fan. I promise you she'll remember those times later in life, and I know this Mommy won't forget it any time soon, either. I kept that painting, and it will hang somewhere. Its color was calm and inviting, much like our time outside together yesterday. It covered the blah, white paper with a new, vibrant color, that signified newness to me. It showed change. It was a rectangle- two long sides, two short sides. The long sides make up the long parts of the week, the short sides the weekends. And where the two connect? A corner. Pointy sometimes, yet in his case, a bit rounded-off. So, what? It began to show me that sometimes the pretty and ugly parts of life bang together to make rough, pointy edges, and other times they make more fluid, not-so-abrasive intersections. This was a real breakthrough for me. I just sat and stared at the painting for a minute. Most of mine have a theme- polka dots or stripes. Saralynn's are bursts of color that she excitedly drags her brush through, making new beautiful color combinations. His was quiet, smooth, calm. And that's what he is to me when I get all fruitcakey- he's my calm. That's not always the case- actually, it's usually the other way around- I'm the calm to his tornado, but I'm thankful for his calm in the midst of my storms. I just wish they didn't come so frequently and un-forecasted these days...

Fast forward to sometime around 5 AM this morning: my dream/visit with Jesus. Garrett got up and got ready before leaving about 4:50 for work. He scared the life out of me when he told me he was leaving, but I saw 4:54 on the clock, so I know the dream was after that and before 6:00, when my own alarm went off. NOTE: As with any dream, there are some "holes" in it that just don't make sense, so work with me, ok? I dreamed that, somehow, I was faced with my own mortality in one day. In my dream, Garrett is a doctor. (How's that for something better than flipping chicken?) I dreamed that I was going to be an organ donor. Somehow, and this is one of the holes, I must've been in some sort of accident or something, but that particular day was the day I was going to donate my organs. There was a deadline of when the donation would happen, though I didn't know when it was. Garrett did, though, because he was the doctor that would harvest my organs. Somehow, again, not sure about all the details, I was able to go about my life that day, saying goodbyes, living life, pretty much doing whatever I wanted to do, but all the while knowing I would not live to see tomorrow. I didn't have any kids in my dream, which is the only thing that makes it bearable, but I was married to Garrett, and spent the day mostly with him. I had somehow made peace with my parents and my brother, because we all went on with the day- not as if nothing was wrong, but as if all was ok. The turning point for me during the dream was at one point when Garrett and I were driving. We were completely silent (eerily like some points of our day yesterday had been). I looked at the clock, asked when we had to be in surgery, and he told me it didn't matter. I was getting apprehensive, and he said to me "the only thing that's important right now is you living out your life the way it was meant to be lived." Obscure, anyone? But, in that moment, I realized something- Jesus was talking to me. I was in the backseat of the car in my dream, and Garrett was driving. In the dream, Garrett was Jesus. He showed me that He was in control- and my place was in the back. He also showed me that it's not my place to try and change my husband or his circumstances. So what if he flips chicken? If that's what makes him happy, then so be it. Yes, there's more to life. Yes, he's better than that- in my eyes and in the eyes of His creator, but for now, for this season, he's meant to flip chicken. Where were we headed on our drive? Don't know. What was I supposed to be doing? Not sure. Following, I guess. I was in the back, Garrett was in the front- taking care of me. I didn't know when "my time would come", but he did. And, the same is true now that I'm awake- I still don't know the path, why we're going where we're going, or when "my time will come", but I'm resting in the fact today that it's all the way it's supposed to be for now. I guess I'm supposed to be restless. Maybe it's the manifestation of something truly awesome in my life. I'm possibly supposed to be restless for my husband- in prayer for him and with him, but in a holy way, restless. Because I still want something more. And, you know what? I think that's ok. My attitude needs some tweaking, but I think wanting more is natural and necessary.

For those of you that are still with me, you deserve a fruit basket or a "You DID It" ribbon or something, but since I don't have those things, I just say "thank you" from a grateful heart. I can't say I'm fully changed, or that the ugliness is gone or will go away any time soon, or that I'm inspirationally ok with not helping lead or with the fact that I won't get to sit and experience church with my husband any time soon, but I'm intentionally praying for an open heart that is receptive to what Jesus is doing in me. Thank you for reading the ugliness that was my day yesterday and for praying me through when I have other ugly days. Ministry, regarless of its form, can be yucky. I've actively served in various ways before, but for some reason, this ministry season is the hardest to date. Maybe that just means there is something truly amazing coming.

And, that brings me to my thought for today: "Today is a new day".

I'll leave you with a scripture that has been EVERYWHERE since yesterday:

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2 Corinthians 5:21

Trying to tell me something? :)

Intentionally Grateful for the chance to "spill it",
Mary Beth

P.S. Speaking of Garrett and his desire to be the best he can be when it comes to all things technical, he's applied to attend a conference/seminar with a mentor in leadership that he found via the internet a month or so ago. This conference would be held over the course of four months via conference calls, teaching Garrett the ins and outs of creative worship planning, and he is so very excited about the prospect of being chosen to participate. There was an application process to go through, and the results of that process are supposed to be released this week, so please join us in praying that if it is God's will, Garrett is chosen to participate with Carlos. This would do so many different things for Garrett, for me, and for our church, on so many different levels. Maybe I can learn something, too, about sitting back and shutting up... Hmmm... Also, please pray for us as we retreat in a few weeks for our 5-year wedding anniversary. It's a much-needed (as if you couldn't tell from all the trash above) break from the every-day, and we're excited for waht could be our last trip as a couple before Baby #2 arrives. We're going to Wilmington, NC, to visit Garrett's A-#1 mentor in all things techy, as we visit their new church campus and experience Jesus with them. The last time we were there, we were still dating, and the church was meeting in an elementary school cafeteria. Now, we're married, and the church has its own huge, beautiful campus. I can't wait! (And on the subject of can't wait, we will find out sometime later this month whether Baby #2 is a girl or a boy- stay tuned!)

"We Gotta Blow It!"

2009-05-19T08:45:00.002-04:00

My mom takes Saralynn to school each morning and picks her up each afternoon, which is a huge blessing for me. I work about 30 minutes out of town, and it's just alot easier for my mom, who works about 3 blocks from Saralynn's day care, to be her transportation there and back. Mom has a story most every day of something cute Saralynn said or did on the way to school, and yesterday was no exception. The story below:

There is a set of older apartments about a block from day care that they pass heading to school. Saralynn knows where she is just about every step of the way, and when she gets to the apartments, she knows she's close. From a distance yesterday, Mom could see the blinking lights warning of a fire truck ahead, and since Saralynn loves cars, planes, trucks, etc., Mom showed her the lights. She thought it was a police car at first, but soon realized it was a fire truck. As they inched closer to the apartments by way of the light that had now turned green, Mom noticed that one of the units was smoking. It didn't take Saralynn long to realize that, either. "Look, Mimi! It's smoking! We gotta blow it!" Those precious words from that precious heart and mouth were followed by many puffs of her own breath hurled in the direction of the smoke itself- sweet little thing was helping the firemen by blowing the smoke herself. I thought it was too precious not to share, and preserve here.

Happy Tuesday! And, if you see something smoking today, do your part- blow it!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-08T14:08:00.002-04:00

Coming this weekend is a day that we take time out to remember our mothers and all they do for us. In my opinion, every day should be a day we remember our moms, but taking special time out on this particular day is extra-special for them. In honor of my mom, I thought I'd list out something special about my mom for each year she's been a mom. (Yes, that shares my age, but she's worth it.) :)

1. My mom cries at the drop of a hat. And over anything. Some people call that a curse, but I call it a blessing. She cries when she's happy, she cries when she's sad. She cries at songs, commercials, TV shows, words spoken to her... just about anything, and I think it's great. She's taught me how to share my emotions, because I'm just like her.

2. My mom is a fabulous cook! She laments that she doesn't cook enough, but man when she does, you know it. Some of my favorites: her squash casserole, corn bread with actual corn in it, and buttermilk pies (not necessarily together, but man, oh man, is her cooking good!)

3. My mom plays the piano, organ, and handbells. I have many fond memories of sitting on the piano bench beside her as a young child, watching her fingers move over the keys as she played and sang along. She taught me to harmonize as a child by playing something on the piano and singing a harmony, asking me to sing what she was singing and not what was being played. She has accompanied me on the piano many, many times over the years when I've sung in various capacities, and I always count it an honor when she does. We've sung together a few times, and though I wish it would happen more often, she seems much more content to play for me while I sing. I hope to never take that for granted!

4. My mom made my Halloween costumes when I was growing up. The most memorable for me was my yellow Crayola crayon costume, complete with the triangular-shaped hat for the point of the crayon. Her taking the time to make something for me instead of buying something off a store shelf taught me what it means to sacrifice her time for me. I hope to one day follow in her footsteps and learn to sew.

5. My mom takes care of my grandparents in such a loving, compassionate way. They are both slowing down a little, and though they are still mostly self-sufficient (or at least able to rely on each other most of the time), she still visits often and does for them whenever they need something. She and Saralynn visit most every Friday, and she does anything they need her to do. I only hope to be the same blessing to she and my dad when they grow older and need me to care for them.

6. My mother is a wonderful friend. She has numerous friends that love her and appreciate her, and I'm glad to say I'm one of them! She still keeps up with childhood friends and teachers that have moved away, she is ready and waiting to help any of her friends whenever they need her, and she knows she can call on those friends to do the same for her. I hope I'm that same friend, too.

7. My mom is a wonderful wife, and a great example to me of what a steadfast, praying wife looks like. She loves my dad fiercely, and does all she can to support him in anything he does.

8. My mom collects cookbooks, and if you've ever been to our house, you notice. She has them lining many of the walls, and loves to use them as often as she can (see #2).

9. My mom sat up late at night with me numerous times during my school career, helping me with project after project on which I procrastinated. She read chapter after chapter of book after book out loud to me so I'd be ready for the next day's test, and as patiently as she could at 1 AM would nudge me back awake so I'd listen. I also remember vividly a Spanish flag that had to be drawn and colored by hand for which she was largely responsible.

10. Mom's birthday is in December, so she spent most of her childhood having her birthday presents and Christmas presents combined together. She tells that she would pick out one present from under the tree to open as her birthday present. I tell this to say that this makes her enjoy any and every present she is ever given. She's gotten the dutiful towels for Christmas, vacuum cleaner for her birthday, and anything in between over the years, and loves it, and usually cries (see #1), grateful for it all.

11. On the note of presents, my mom started a tradition with us years ago that I love: she buys and wraps a pair of pajamas for us that we open every year on Christmas Eve. Then, of course, everyone sleeps in their pajamas and awakes on Christmas Day to see what else is there, but the pajamas are somehow always the icing on the cake. She thought for a bit this past year about not doing the pajamas, but about that same time, Garrett shared an email with us about his favorite family traditions, and mentioned pajamas on Christmas Eve, so the tradition continues. He's only been around for almost 7 years, but it's part of him, now, too.

12. My mom kept every piece of paper Matthew and I scribbled on. Every. One. Bulletins from church that, with the help of the golf pencil on the back of the pew in front of you, kept us quiet during many a sermon are now safely packed away in boxes along with all of our artwork, noodle paintings, and tissue-paper crafts. She even still puts the gold spray-painted noodle stars and glitter-covered egg-carton bells we made in preschool on our Christmas tree. Of course, some may be removed in years to come to make room for Saralynn's pieces of art if necessary, but for now, she proudly displays them all.

13. My mom waited up on us all the time when we were growing up, sitting on the couch waiting to be sure we'd made it home ok (and on time). She always took time to listen to every detail of every date or fun night out with friends, no matter how long the stories took.

14. I have fond memories from my childhood of waking up on Saturday mornings to the sounds of Barbra Streisand playing from our record player. I would wake up and go find Mom, usually in the kitchen or reading a book, crawl up in her lap, and enjoy the last few sips of her Russian Tea (she'd always save me the last few sips- after it had cooled I enjoyed it).

15. In order to most efficiently communicate with my mom, you must be on her right side. She has a hearing loss in her left ear that makes it almost necessary to be on her right side when carrying on a conversation.

16. Like her daddy, my daddy, and me, Mom is left-handed. However, anything "domestic", i.e. cooking, ironing, sewing, etc. she does with her right hand- because her mom taught her.

17. Mom decided to be called Mimi by her grandchildren because of a story a friend told her years ago. This friend contended that if a child can say "Ma-ma" they can say "Mi-mi". Makes sense, right? Well, our precious Saralynn called my mom "Ma-ma", too, for the first few months she could talk.

18. To Saralynn's defense, my mom does just as much for her as I do. Because I work out of town, Mimi takes Saralynn to and from day care each day, which is her special time with Saralynn. They always have such good stories to tell us from their travels together. So, she really does have two "Ma-ma"s.

19. The day Saralynn was born, Mimi took her turn seeing her while I was recovering from my c-section, and she sang "Happy Birthday" to Saralynn. So special to me!

20. She also made up the melody to a "song" for Saralynn while we were in the hospital that will still to this day cause Saralynn to calm down when she's extremely upset. I'm hoping to get the song on paper one day so it could be used for any big part of Saralynn's life- a wedding song, etc.

21. My mom cried the day I tried on my wedding dress. That's how I knew it was "the one". I'd tried on others that were pretty and that she liked, but when I walked out of the dressing room, she cried (again, reference #1), and we left shortly after that with the dress.

22. I take great delight when people tell me I look like my mom. Most of the time I hear that I look like my dad, but will hear every now and then that I look like my mom. My mom with her long hair in high school and early 20s was beautiful (and still is), so it is a compliment to me to hear that I look like her.

23. My mom took a week of her vacation each year while Matthew and I were in middle school to go and cook for our youth group at Camp Cherokee. The kitchen had no A/C, it was hot in July, they went to bed after midnight and hit the ground running at 4:00, and they cooked for 200-plus middle-schoolers and their counselors, but Mom will still tell you those are some of her fondest memories. My parents have always supported us in our endeavors, but it always made me feel like the most special kid at camp because I had my whole family there- we looked forward to it every year!

24. My mom loves children- not just her own, but children in general. She always took her turn teaching children's choirs, Mission Friends, GA's, and whatever else was needed when we were small, but even as we grew up, she would always willingly take a turn substituting for a children's choir or in the nursery.

25. On the note of nursery, I can always count on my mom to come down and check on me to make sure we have enough nursery volunteers when my director on duty rotation comes around. She and Dad both will rock and play with any fussy baby, watch anyone that might unfortunately have to be separated from their class for a few moments of cool-down time, and will always compliment this kids' cute outfits and wish them a great Sunday afternoon.

26. Mom holds onto every birthday card, Mother's Day card, and any other card we ever give her (see #12). She taught us long ago to put the year in the card so when the recipient returns to the card to read it later, they have a reference point to know from which time the card was sent or given. I still do that to this day. I'm not as good as she is at keeping up with the cards I receive, but you can bet she knows where most of hers are.

27. I fondly remember Christmas when I was in first grade. I went to a private school that year, and my class consisted of 5 Japanese children, some of whom didn't speak English well. In an effort to bring some of our Christmas cultures to life for them, my mom brought the fixings to make gingerbread houses to school, and we as a class made them. I'm not sure if those kids remember that Christmas, but this one sure does.

28. Mom also went with us on Mission Tours with our choirs from church each summer. One summer in particular, after I'd completed 10th grade, our group went to Canada. We were always gone over the July 4th holiday, and this particular year, we were still in Canada on the 4th. Thus, no fireworks and celebrations. So, my mom made a flag cake, complete with strawberries and blueberries, so we'd have a little bit of home while we were outside the country on Independence Day. Everyone in the choir loved it, and I loved my mom for being so thoughtful.

29. My mom gave birth to both her babies with no medications whatsoever, which makes her my hero. My body was not meant to birth no babies, Miss Scarlett, but Mom did it with great resolve and determination, bringing both Matthew and I into the world in somewhat record time. She was by my side all day as I struggled to bring Saralynn into the world, and told me how very proud of me she was after my c-section. She reminded me that Saralynn and I were both safe and healthy, which was most important, and she was right. Mom to the rescue of a new, exhausted, hormonal, and overwhelmed Mommy.

There are so many other things I could write about my mom, but since I've narrowed it down to one memory for every year she's been a Mom, this brings the list to a close. All I can say in the end is I hope one day to be half the mom to my own children that she's been to me. She's my mom and my best friend all rolled into one, and I am so proud to be her daughter.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!

Most Recent Doctor's Appointment

2009-04-23T09:02:00.003-04:00

Garrett had the day off yesterday, and I already had an ultrasound scheduled for 9:30, so I took the whole day off, too. I needed a break from the every day schedule, and it was nice to spend the day with Garrett. We went to McDonald's for breakfast and headed to Dr. Bowie's office for our ultrasound. We were early, which was ok with the office, and were placed in the ultrasound room at 9:10. It was a great chance for us to sit and enjoy each other's company, but we looked at Garrett's phone to see that it was 9:50 and still no doctor. Mrs. Joy came in a few minutes later to say that Dr. Bowie had to go to the hospital to deliver a baby- how fun! She said Dr. Miller was available or we could wait for Dr. Bowie. Dr. Miller was my doctor before I started using Dr. Bowie (because he could see me one day when Dr. Miller was booked), so I asked for Dr. Miller. He also saw me through my mono bout when I was in college, so it was nice to see him again. He checked, and again said all is well with Baby Pelt. My due date moved from 11/25/09 to 11/24/09- nothing significant this time around. We saw the baby with its back hunched over "dancing"- moving its arms and legs. It was an absolutely precious sight! I was so relieved to know that all was well.

We went to lunch at Katie's, and it was so yummy! I bet I haven't been there in 2 years or better. Vegetables were just what Baby Pelt wanted, and it was wonderful. Thank you, Thompsons for your generosity!

When we got home, we watched the Dark Knight. Correction: Garrett watched the entire movie. I napped through the first half, he caught me up, and I watched the last little bit with him.

Garrett is at home sick today, poor thing. He played tennis with a really great group of guys from church last night, like he does most Wednesday nights, but came home sick and has been all night long. I'm praying he feels better soon. Hopefully once he does feel better I can add a picture from our ultrasound.

God is good!

Intentionally,
The Pelts

A Few Recent Pictures

2009-04-09T15:07:00.011-04:00

Garrett took Miss Priss outside one night while I was taking a nap after work. I feel like that's all I do these days... I'm so bummed I missed the "photo shoot", but here are the results. The top photo is one he played with- you can see she is in black and white and the flower is in color. So much fun!

So sweet!

Not really wanting to participate right now...

Oh, I could pinch those cheeks from here!

I think this one is my favorite! How do you pic favorite pictures of your kids? Ok, I just like this one a lot...

Another precious pose!

I love how her eyes sparkle. They always have told quite a story!

A little pouty, but not really- I like this one, too!

Such a sweet girl!

We are so excited about this pregnancy and meeting our new baby in November, but with each passing day I watch Saralynn grow and change and know that we will never get these "just her" moments back, so I'm so glad Garrett had the thought to do some of this with her. Hopefully her Mommy will feel up to speed soon and can get out there and play with her- before it's too late and I've missed my chance to live each day to its fullest with her.

We hope you enjoy the pics!

Intentionally,

The Pelts

The Beauty of a New Day

2009-04-07T08:17:00.002-04:00

I am absolutely amazed at how God knits the little details of a day together to make beautiful quilts of time that He uses for His glory. I must say that today did not start out like my days usually do. Typically, I wake up at 6:00 when my alarm goes off, trudge up the steps from the basement back to my parents' bed where I lay and doze off (ok, sometimes go straight back to sleep) until the two of them have had their showers and are putting the final touches on their morning routines. Then, I get in the shower, and the morning moves on from there. However, I came up the steps at 6:00 this morning and saw my Mom sitting on the couch reading a book with a WIDE-AWAKE Saralynn, and my Dad perched at the table finishing his breakfast. The house was brimming with activity and life. I'll admit- I was much more content to let it be quiet and dark as it always is, but alas, that was not in the Plan today.

Saralynn and I went upstairs and piled in Mimi's bed to watch Dragon Tails- she has a newfound love for that show, and since it's not very high on the obnoxious level (sorry, Barney), I was happy to let her watch it. Today's episode found Dragonland full of activity as all the inhabitants were at a fair or carnival. My shower and morning routine had to carry on, so that's all I know of the show, but nonetheless there was activity and community among the dragons today. We got Saralynn dressed and ready for school and I got her all buckled into her car seat and sent her off with a hearty kiss and a "have a good day", which was immediately returned from a chocolate-milk-mustached mouth. Some mornings are easier than others in our house, and today was a pretty decent morning.

I headed off to Wal-Mart in search of some caffeine-free Mountain Dew. These mornings, the citrus and bubbles of Mountain Dew seem to calm my ever-rolling stomach. This pregnancy has brought much more nausea than the first, and that's not the extent of the differences, but thankfully I've yet to be physically ill- just icky all day, with emphasis on early morning and late evening. Upon arriving to Wal-Mart, I was met with yet another flurry of activity and people. Usually the Valley, AL Wal-Mart is not the mecca of people that it was today first thing in the morning. But, along with the activity came many smiling faces and "good mornings" aplenty. What a great day!

Arriving at work, the activity and chatter continues, and it's so nice to hear. As I do most mornings, I logged on to my computer and brought up my blog. I often find the ordaining hands of Jesus in the words of others, and today was no different.

Case in point, http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com. Angie Smith is such a dear friend, if only in Blog World. She and her family are experiencing a very difficult, yet very redeeming day today, the one-year anniversary of their daughter's birth and death. Please join me in praying for them. She was so kind to pray along side us when Mrs. Niedrach was ill and sent me a very sweet note back when I informed her that Mrs. Niedrach was most likely holding her Audrey.

Angie shared a song that will be on Selah's new album, releasing this fall, called Unredeemed, and it is beautiful. I am so very thankful that God doesn't allow things to be a little "out of the ordinary" without it being part of the plan. I woke up today knowing what it holds for the Smiths and immediately began to pray for them, and began my day. And, in His infinite wisdom, God made my day a little unorthodox, too, I think as a way to say, "Yes, it's a different, and maybe difficult day for them, but I'm making your day a little different, too. What will you do with it?" So, today, 4/7/09, I'm vowing to let it be a different day, and do with it what He asks me to. Who knows? Maybe the difference has already come and gone, or maybe there's more to come, but at any rate, there have already been differences, and for that I'm grateful. I was allowed extra time with my daughter that I don't always have in the mornings. No, I didn't move mountains in her world and make homemade breakfast (ok, I said differences, not miracles), but I did spend a few extra minutes with her, and I'm grateful for it. What will you do to make today different? I hope you find something that sticks out for you today. Maybe at least one difference can be a prayer lifted up for a family that hurts today. That'd be a great starting place!

If you take the time to read Angie's blog entry for today, you'll see that she's going to India with Compassion International soon, and that she has children on her blog that are looking for a sponsor. Any children sponsored today, which as discussed is a special day for them, will receive a handmade doll from the beautiful ladies at Baby Be Blessed- see their dolls here- http://babybeblesseddolls.com. Saralynn is receiving one of these beatiful creations very soon, and I can't wait to snap a picture of her holding it. Maybe today's difference for you is sponsoring one of God's precious children into your family, and blessing them with a beautiful doll that tangibly shows them His redeeming love for them.

No matter what the day holds for you, make it a Different Day, and reflect the differences back to Him. That is, after all, where they belong.

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

A Guest Blogger

2009-04-04T21:15:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I'm not the blogging type, but the funniest thing just happened and I HAVE to share it. But first let me say that this is a once in a blue moon thing for me so don't look forward to a lot of entries from me. Just being honest :-)

I had to work this morning so I didn't get to enjoy Saralynn this morning, but I've been told she was an angel. An angel who didn't take a nap. When I got home she greeted me with a huge grin, hug and squeal. All afternoon she was very well behaved despite no nap. This evening we were watching The Final Four game and she climbed up on the sofa with Mimi and Pop. We knew she wouldn't be too far from going to sleep but we weren't holding our breath (it was only 8 and she usually doesn't go to sleep that early). When were heard her singing "The Wheels On The Bus" we just thought she was fighting sleep. But when we looked at her, her eyes were clamped shut. It was like a Stevie Wonder version of the song. She made it through the first verse fine but about halfway through the second verse, she fell asleep mid-song. I mean she was OUT! We laughed so hard!.

Ok after typing this out it doesn't seem so funny. I guess you had to be there. Oh Well.

Good night everyone.

Garrett

an update on D-Day

2009-04-03T08:33:00.003-04:00

Apparently the iPhone isn't the best thing to reference when you need a calendar. Garrett and Brett looked at the calendar yesterday in the office to determine that November 19th was Thanksgiving, but it's actually November 26th. So, we'll have a baby the week BEFORE Thanksgiving, which means Mommy and Baby will be home for Turkey Day and I can enjoy some yummy dressing! Yippee! Of course, I would've gladly stayed in the hospital through Thanksgiving, and still will do whatever Dr. B. recommends, but in case you look at it yourself, we miscalculated the due date as it relates to Thanksgiving. It still looks like we'll introduce Baby Pelt to the world on November 18th! :)

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

P.S. Please join me in praying for a family that used to attend our church before moving out of town. Lisa and Andy Skelton lost their son, Brandon Maluff, in a tragic car accident last night. Brandon grew up at FBC and I'm more than sure I had him in a VBS class or something I helped teach along the way. Brandon was one of the most polite kids I ever encountered. He was so full of life and just loved his friends and family. He leaves behind a little sister, Alex, who will surely miss him very much. Brandon was a freshman in college, if I remember correctly, and I think was a student at Auburn. His family moved that direction a few years ago. Please pray for the Skeltons as the grieve the loss of their precious Brandon. Hearts are heavy today, but we know God is faithful and holds us in His hands always! Welcome home, Brandon.

Introducing...

2009-04-02T22:39:00.004-04:00

Baby Pelt #2! (Look closely- it's the small smudge-looking area in the bottom right corner of the black oval in the middle of the picture).

We went to see Dr. Bowie today, as I've already mentioned. We waited for what seemed like an eternity, and all the while, I prayed that Dr. Bowie would find a strong, beautifully strong heartbeat. I never once had a day's trouble with my first pregnancy, and we never had any reason to think anything but a strong heartbeat would prevail, but I still found myself more anxious this time around.

Dr. Bowie began the ultrasound as normal, and within about 10 seconds said that he saw a heartbeat. Oh, thank you, Jesus! He then said he'd show us in a minute, but... Garrett interrupted him to ask that he look to be sure there was only one baby. Dr. B. said that's exactly what he was doing. HA! It's amazing how we can have different priorities. Garrett trusted that everything would be fine and a heartbeat would be found, and just wanted to be sure there was only one baby, and I just wanted to see a heartbeat, or heartbeats- it didn't matter to me. In the end, Dr. B. showed us the heart as it was beating and let us hear it, and it was music to my ears. I immediately thought back a little over 3 years ago to the time I heard Saralynn's heartbeat for the first time and thought it was the most beautiful music I'd ever heard. I thought the same today!

As he was finishing the ultrasound, he noted that it showed I was one less week further along than he thought I was. I went in two weeks ago on Monday, so he waited to do the ultrasound, and he was glad he did. According to the "due date wheel" and the math, my due date was November 19th. However, the ultrasound put me at November 25th. So, I went in 7 weeks along and came out 6 weeks, 1 day along. What does that mean? It means that because we'll have a scheduled c-section (my body doesn't like birthin' babies Miss Scarlett) that will happen at 39 weeks, we'll have a baby the day before Thanksgiving. I can't think of anything else I'd rather celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday. Yes, I'll celebrate with traditional hospital green jello while the family enjoys turkey and dressing, but it'll all be more than worth it to hold my baby in my arms. Dr. B. told Garrett he could bring a frozen turkey and bowl in the halls. Wouldn't that be a sight?!?!

Thank you so much for storming Heaven with prayers for all of us. I surely felt them, and I know Jesus heard them. We're going to bed tonight with thoughts of what all God has in store for our family of 3, soon to be 4.

Oh, and Saralynn is enjoying looking at the peanut picture and saying, "That's my Baby Morgan". (She has a baby doll that's name is Morgan, so that's all she knows to associate right now). The name is still up for debate- we'll keep you posted. For now, knowing Baby Pelt has a heartbeat is the greatest feeling to me, and one I'll rest in tonight.

Intentionally Praying Blessings on you for your prayers for us,

Mary Beth, Garrett, Saralynn, and Baby #2

The Big Day is Here!

2009-04-02T10:16:00.003-04:00

Today's the day. We go see Dr. B. this afternoon at 3:20 and we're hoping and praying to see a beautiful, healthy heartbeat that is yet another sign of God's goodness to us. Will you join us, please? We'll update after we've told family about an actual due date, etc.- hopefully later on tonight.

Intentionally,
The Pelt 3 (soon to be 4)

We're Still Here!

2009-03-26T08:23:00.002-04:00

Just checking in to say that we're still here and still doing well. Not much to report lately. Because we were so early on in this pregnancy, our doctor pushed our ultrasound out by a week. Typically, by the time you know you're pregnant, you go back the next week for an ultrasound to see the heartbeat, make sure the pregnancy is in the uterus, and to see how many babies there are, according to Dr. B. REWIND>>> Excuse me? How many there are? Oh, sweet mercy. However, I must confess that I have dreamed on more than one occassion, and in various forms, that I'm carrying twins. Uh-oh. But, if that's God's will for our family, we'll saddle up our horses and get ready to ride...

We go for our ultrasound next Thursday, April 2nd at 3:20. Please join us in praying most of all for a healthy baby with a strong heartbeat that we can see and celebrate! My tummy is already beginning to expand some, and I've felt great so far, so we're believing and trusting Jesus for a healthy baby that will join our family in November. Thank you for your prayers for all of us.

And, as far as Saralynn goes, she's beginning to warm up to the idea of a baby coming to her house. We've asked her for a few days if she's ready to be a big sister and have a baby come live at her house, and she says, "ok." Then we ask her if she wants a boy baby or a girl baby, and for the past 3 days or so, it's been a boy baby, but the tune changed last night to a girl baby. At least we know she'll be ok with either...

Intentionally Grateful for our Blessings,
Mary Beth, Garrett, and Saralynn

Breaking News...

2009-03-17T22:23:00.002-04:00

We interrupt your normal blog-reading routine to bring you the following news story:

BABY PELT #2 IS ON THE WAY!!!

Garrett and I are very, very excited to announce that in November, the world will be graced with another Pelt baby. Yes, I know you're already counting in your head, so I will put your math-overloaded brain at ease- you are right, we are very early into our pregnancy. However, we know without a shadow of a doubt that God ordained this life for His glory, and we are trusting in Him to change the world through this baby, just as we've asked Him to do through Saralynn.

Please stop now and say a prayer for all the other pregnant mommies in our Sunday School class. I don't want to brave trying to name them all for fear of forgetting one, but suffice it to say that if you don't want a visit from the stork at your house, don't drink the water in the Moore/Crocker Sunday School class.

God is faithful, and we are blessed beyond measure! To Him be the glory for it all!

Intentionally,

Mary Beth and Garrett

so long, old friend!

2009-03-10T14:11:00.005-04:00

I waited a bit on writing this post, just to be sure. Today marks the two-week anniversary of Saralynn's offical goodbye to her pacifier- what she calls her "pa-pa". We were playing in the den- she and Pop were playing Simon Says, as a matter of fact, and he told her that she was a big girl and needed to throw her pa-pa away. She instantly agreed and ran toward the trash can. Mimi wisely reminded her that once it went in the trash, it couldn't come back out because it would be nasty. She still ran toward the trash can and threw her pink pa-pa away. Of course, this all transpired before I could grab the video camera- that's some footage I would've loved to have recorded! Alas, we all watched as she threw it in the trash, and then all clapped and shouted about what a big girl she was!

Here are a few pictures of Simon Says:

Fast-forward to bedtime. Saralynn laid down on the couch with her Daddy and asked for her pa-pa about 3174 times, but after about 45 minutes, she cried herself to sleep. The next morning, she woke up and asked for it again, and we reminded her that she had thrown it in the trash. We were in the den putting on her shoes, headed to day care, when she exclaimed, "Look what I found Mommy!" and pointed to the mantle. What should be there, but a green PA-PA. Oh, horrors! My life flashed before my eyes in that moment. OK, a slight exaggeration, but I was a little worried about what we might do. I took her to the bathroom to fix her hair while Mimi disposed of the green one (aka put it in her purse- we aren't totally crazy to have thrown them all away). Saralynn went back to the den and stared at the mantle in amazement. Or maybe it was horror. I'm not sure which. However, the look on her face was priceless. If she could have, she would have said, "I know I just saw a pa-pa on that mantle." We went on to school like normal, and she forgot about it, I guess.

The second night was fairly easy, but the third night was not. But, we persevered. We made it through the weekend, and celebrated the one week anniversary of being pa-pa-less. Wow. That word is music to my ears. I think I'll submit it to Mr. Webster for inclusion in his upcoming word book...

Saralynn spent the weekend in Jonesboro with Nana and Paw Paw this past weekend, and survived without the friend there, too. So, friends, I share our news with you. No more pa-pas are being used in the Pelt/Carter household. For those of you that have struggled with this, you know how excited I am. Yes, the damage is done and Dr. Stewart will love accepting our money as he puts braces on our beloved in a few years, but nonetheless, it is a wonderful feeling to be DONE with the pa-pa and couldn't be happier!

Now, on to potty-training full time! Any advice there?

Intentionally Excited,

Mary Beth

What a Busy Weekend!

2009-03-09T13:32:00.002-04:00

I really can't believe it's Monday again already. It seems like I just left work on Friday...

Friday was my brother Matthew's 23rd birthday. Man, that makes me feel so old. I remember the day he was born- the waking at 5 am to hear that Mom's water broke (my comment: "get her another one")- through groggy eyes that just wanted to sleep. Of course, it was March, so under the watchful eyes of my grandparents, I stayed bundled up in my Superman footie PJs underneath my sweatsuit and shoes- not a good combo for this hot-natured chick... Anyway, we celebrated his birthday Friday night at Banzai by his request. Saralynn definitely did not enjoy the tableside entertainment and spent the evening with her head buried in Garrett's chest. Oh, well- maybe next time.

Saturday morning I went to Upward Soccer Evaluations and had a blast! Matthew and I are coaching a soccer team, which I'm very excited about. After evals I went to a consignment sale that some fellow mommies and I pulled together. It was my turn to work, and I did. Whew! Then, I had a 10-year high school class reunion meeting that afternoon, which was so much fun. We laughed and laughed. It was a great time of fellowship and planning. That evening, Garrett and I went to the Upward Basketball Awards Ceremony, which again was so cool! I'm very excited about what God is doing through that ministry.

Sunday was packed with its usual busyness, but again, it was a great day. Now, I sit here on Monday, a little sleepy, but grateful for a great weekend. What did yours consist of?

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

A Call for Cans

2009-02-26T10:02:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to be a part of LaGrange College's Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society this year. Like many other locations across the country, LaGrange and Troup County always participate in Relay for Life, but this year, LaGrange College is holding its own Relay.

As is customary at most Relay for Life events, luminaries will be made available for purchase either in honor or in memory of someone who is/was directly affeced by cancer. The luminaries line the path on which many will walk together as a symbol of unity- and hopefully as a symobl of the upcoming cure for this horrible disease! Typically, luminaries are made out of bags and can be purchased for varying amounts of money. Because LaGrange College is a sustainable institution, doing its part to recycle and help raise awareness towards lifesaving efforts for the environment, we are this year making our luminaries out of soup and vegetable cans. Would you be willing to start saving your cans for us? Relay for Life LC is April 17th, so we have a few months, but are hoping to save as many cans as possible. Becuase of the reduced price of the luminaries, we expect to need a large number of cans, so any you are willing to save will be so helpful! Of course, if you'd like to donate in honor or in memory of a loved one, I'll gratefully accept any donations.

My family and I will be donating in honor of my grandfather, who thankfully is finishing up his chemo in the next couple of weeks after a surgery to remove some cancerous colon polyps last July. We will also donate in memory of Garrett's grandmother, who fought to the end against a brain tumor; my cousin, Robert Whatley, who bravely fought much longer than doctors gave him time for against Multipe Myloma and lost his battle last August; and in memory of Mrs. Sharon Niedrach, who lost an incredibly hard battle against pancreatic cancer just last week. These people are true heroes of the faith, and of the fight against this horrible disease. We will donate our money and our efforts to Relay for Life in hopes of finding a cure- preferrably in our lifetime, but surely in Saralynn's generation. It can be done, and with your help, the fight against cancer will rage on.

I urge you to consider being a part of your local Relay for Life in some way, but if you can't, please consider a donation of some sort. Yes, it's true that teams will "compete" for donations, but it's all done in the name of the American Cancer Society and all funds raised go directly towards research and upcoming erradication of cancer!

Thank you in advance for your help, not only with your monetary donations, but your time, your cans, and most importantly, your prayers. On the subject of prayer, I would love to pray for those of you that have loved ones suffering from cancer. I'd also love to hear stories of those that have gone on to the Eternal Home after bravely fought battles. Would you leave comments and share with me? I look forward to reading and praying!

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

Only at OUR House...

2009-02-24T16:11:00.003-05:00

You may remember that Pop gave Saralynn (and her Uncle Matthew- they have joint-custody) a kitty for Christmas. The kitty's name is Muffin. Well, it was until today. Muffin went for her surgery this morning to ensure that we don't have any McMuffins running around... And, well... The vet informed Matthew that Muffin is a he, and not a she as we originally were told. She was adopted from the Humane Society and has been to the vet numerous times, but we didn't find out until today that she is indeed a HE. Wow.

So, we are on the hunt for a food-related name that begins with the letter M. Macaroni (Mac for short), Mustard, Mole (short for Guacamole) are some that have been considered. Thoughts anyone???

And, while you're at it, any thoughts on how to get a two year old to change a kitty's name?

Intentionally shaking my head, (hey-wouldn't you, too? Only in my world...)
Mary Beth

An Awesome Picture in My Mind's Eye

2009-02-20T20:38:00.002-05:00

The post that I knew would come, but that still takes my breath as I type...

Mrs. Sharon Neidrach went to be with Jesus a little bit ago. Her legacy will live on for so many years through her children and her grandchildren and those of us she adopted as her own through our growing-up years. There are many people in my life that have shaped me into who I am today, and Mrs. Neidrach is one of those people. Though she was, maybe, a quiet force in my life, she was nonetheless very much a force in my life. As I read on the internet the other day, she always had dirty knees. Why? Because she was on them praying for us as we traveled down the road life had for us, and for that I am a better person.

Thank you, Mrs. Neidrach, for the force you were, no, ARE, in my life. Though you are watching me from your Heavenly Home now, I know that you are still watching over all of us, praying us through this craziness called life. I am honored to be one of those you dirtied your knees for and only hope to live up to the prayers you prayed over me. I promise to tell my daughter about you and the tenderness with which you loved us and taught us, and I promise to honor my mother the way you always asked us to.

Thank you, Mr. Bob, Amy, Wendy, Jim, and Nancy, for sharing your beautiful wife and mother with us. Amy and Wendy, thank you for being such the great role models that you are in my life. Wendy, thank you for the line dancing lessons at Camp Cherokee. Amy, thank you for being the best 9th grade homeroom teacher on your stage in your classroom that anyone could've asked for. Nancy, thank you for teaching me what it means to appreciate a mother that prays continually for her child. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to pray for you over the years, and for allowing me to watch your mother pray, too. Jim, thanks for being the model of what a great man of God should be when I looked for someone to marry- I always said I wanted to marry someone big and strong like Jim. Mr. Bob, thank you for sharing your wife and your family with us over the years. Thank you for joining Mrs. Sharon in prayer for all of us. Thank you for the force that you are in my brother's life now.

Now, to the title of the post... It wasn't that long ago, August 10, 2008 to be exact, that my cousin Robert Whatley went to be with Jesus. His pathway home? Multiple Myloma- another form of that horrible disease we call cancer. But, like Mrs. Neidrach, he fought the good fight- and he, like she did, fought it well past when the doctors said he would. He heard the words a few months ago that she hears now, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Now, tonight, as our hearts ache here on earth, Robert just walked alongside Jesus and welcomed Mrs. Neidrach Home.

When there are no words of my own, I echo these, the words to a God-breathed worship song:

There is Love, that came for us

Humbled to a sinner's cross

You broke my shame and sinfulness

You rose again, victorious!

Faithfulness none can deny

Through the storm and through the fire

There is truth that sets me free

Jesus Christ who lives in me.

You are stronger, You are stronger

Sin is broken, You have saved me.

It is written, Christ is risen,

Jesus, You are Lord of all.

No beginning and no end

You're my hope and my defense

You came to seek and save the lost

You paid it all upon the cross.

You are stronger, You are stronger

Sin is broken, You have saved me.

It is written, Christ is risen,

Jesus, You are Lord of all.

So let Your name be lifted higher,

Be lifted higher, be lifted higher!

You are stronger!

Tonight, I choose to focus on the fact that Jesus is stronger than any hurt, grief, or confusion we may feel. He's even stronger than any rejoicing we express that she isn't hurting any more, or any excitement that we feel that she's finally Home. Thank You, Jesus, for being stronger than we are!

Welcome Home, Mrs. Neidrach. Your fight is over, and your prize is there for the claiming!

Intentionally,

Mary Beth

Fishies and Such

2009-02-17T15:13:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was a FABULOUS day for the Pelts! We went to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. We were going to go to the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari, but it was cold and the folks at the safari told us the animals don't come out when it's cold, so we opted instead for the aquarium. Saralynn of late is borderline obsessed with seahorses, so when we told her we were going to see fish and whales and..., she asked "seahorses?" Wow.

We had an eventful travel to Atlanta, filled with a horrible wreck in front of us that caused Garrett to get out of the car on the interstate and help an unconscious woman whose car was filling with smoke. Thankfully, she regained consciousness as the HERO unit arrived, but I was so proud of him for wanting to help. He said to me, "If it weren't for Saralynn being in the car, I would get out and help." Then he said, "I just can't leave that lady!" So, with Saralynn and I safely parked in the farthest lane closest to the wall, and 3 lanes of traffic blocked so that no one could get through anyway, he jumped out and went into rescue mode. Not too many people would've done that in downtown Atlanta, so I had to brag on my Sweetie for a minute...

I'll get some pictures up soon... Garrett sent me some but they aren't cooperating...

Oh, yeah, speaking of Garrett and pictures, he has a blog! Yippee! Check it out http://web.me.com/ghpelt.

Intentionally Grateful for Little Blessings,
Mary Beth

Looking Forward to the Weekend

2009-02-13T16:16:00.002-05:00

Garrett and I are taking Saralynn to her Nana and Paw Paws' house tonight and celebrating our Valentine's Day with dinner in Newnan. Tomorrow morning my dad and I are giving devotions for the Upward Basketball games at church. Sunday will surely be a great day at church, and then we all have Monday off. I know I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I'm still very excited! I hope you all have a great weekend, too!

Intentionally,

Mary Beth

Gettin' Sick and Other Random Thoughts

2009-02-12T22:16:00.002-05:00

I woke up this morning at 6:00 am like I do every weekday morning and went upstairs. I'm usually one of the last to get a shower in the mornings since I can be the latest in to work. Most mornings I doze off again once I get upstairs, and I did this morning, too. My mom comes in the room to tell me that Saralynn is sick. Yummy. Poor Mimi caught the wrath of the yuckies first hand. I contemplate my options and decided to keep Saralynn at home today. I called day care at 6:30 expecting to leave a message but instead talked to Ms. Sandra, who told me that indeed a stomach virus was running rampant through the day care. Perfect. So much for Mom's intuition that it might be the phlegm she seems to be struggling with. Back upstairs armed with grape Pedialyte and a fresh pair of pajamas I go. I had stripped my parent's bed and thrown in yucky PJs (along with the TV remote) to wash. Just fabulous. I get upstairs just in time to help my poor, helpless 2-year-old struggle to understand what is happening. I'm hungry, I'm sleepy." Poor thing didn't know what was happening but knew it wasn't normal. Oh, how right you were, Sweet Girl. Mommy is supposed to be able to fix it, but in that moment, all I could do was move her hair out of her face. That helpless feeling is one I don't want again for a while...

After 3 naps and almost a full bottle of Pedialyte later, I think we're ready to go back to school tomorrow. It is, after all, her Valentine's Day party, and that cannot be missed. She told me so. "I go my party, Mommy. It's 'portant." I hear ya, Baby! She's going to stay with Nana and Paw Paw in Jonesboro this weekend and Garrett and I are going to dinner at Mama Lucia's in Newnan tomorrow night since he has to work the night shift Saturday. Yippee. Don't get me wrong- I'm grateful for his job, but I don't like night shift. Then we'll do church on Sunday, and the 3 of us will have a family day on Monday. That, my friends, deserves a celebration all its own. I am so excited!!! Shhh... don't tell Saralynn- we want it to be a secret- but we're hoping to go to the Wild Animal Park on Monday. Hopefully there will be some cute pictures to share!

Until then, in case I don't get back on the blog, Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Take time to spend with those you love, and be INTENTIONAL about it. I know I will...

Intentionally,

Mary Beth

The Hound of Heaven

2009-02-10T13:51:00.003-05:00

Another of Dave's illustrations from this weekend was a reference to God being the Hound of Heaven. Maybe you've heard this before, but I had not that I recall. He talked about Jesus sniffing us out wherever we are and calling us back to Himself when we've gone astray. I just pictured a dog on a mission and it made me smile. When a dog wants to find something, it doesn't stop until it's found what it's looking for. Whether it be a ball or a snack or a stick, in that moment, finding said item is the dog's only mission- the only item on it's agenda. God is the same way. When He sets His eyes on us (and thank heaven He does), He runs hard after us, and doesn't stop trying to reach us until He succeeds. He never quits- always perseveres. It's us that give up on Him. But, thankfully, no matter how we may try to run or hide, He knows us well enough to track us down. When a dog is given a piece of clothing or something with a person's scent and is commanded to find the person, it runs feverishly, but so meticulously sniffs and searches. And, then what does it do when it finds what it's looking for? It whimpers and barks. Not exactly what Jesus does, but the dog makes it known that it's found what it's looking for. Just imagine the cheer in Heaven when Jesus is able to pierce a heart that accepts Him- much more than whimpering- more like shouting!

Thank You, Jesus for sniffing me out. Sometimes, because of the sin I find myself in time and time again, I'm sure my scent is less than desirable, but because You created me, You know exactly where I am and I am familiar to You. Thank You for never leaving me and for tirelessly pursuing me. Hound of Heaven, thank You for being faithful!

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

Recalled

2009-02-09T22:19:00.002-05:00

I didn't update during the weekend like I'd hoped to, but alas, I am here. In a word, DiscipleNow 2009...

ROCKED!!!

We had the absolute, most amazing weekend ever. I was ever so blessed to be placed at the home of Stu and Wendy Marshall with the coolest 10th grade girls on the planet. Allison, Taylor, Katherine, Tori, Anna, Savannah, and Jennifer are the most fabulous girls ever! Not one time was there any drama, no fights, nothing but pure fun and awesome fellowship.

As mentioned earlier, we were led during the weekend by Dave Rhodes and Casey Darnell and band. Chad outdid himself in finding the best worship leaders I think I've ever experienced. I've been a part of DNows every year since I was in the 7th grade, so that's alot of leaders, but I'm serious. God ordained these guys. It's just obvious. Dave had a way of communicating that felt like I was the only one in the room he was talking to. Plus, him using my favorite passage of scripture (the story of Jesus telling the disciples to throw their net on the other side of the boat and they'd catch fish) did wonders, too. From a leadership standpoint, it was the smoothest DNow ever to lead. Usually the small group discussions and the corporate sessions compliment one another. This year they were the same. We had questions to discuss in small groups, but they were really all what Dave had already gone over in our big group setting. Casey has one of the most effortlessly beautiful voices I have ever heard. To one day have the chance to sing on stage with him as we sing to the Creator would be a dream come true for me. And his "mini-sermons" between songs Ias my girls called them) were amazing, too.

Perhaps my favorite analogy of the weekend came on Saturday morning (I think). Dave talked, basically, about how firemen use controlled burns as a way to combat wildfires. At first, I wasn't sure I followed, but God allowed my heart to camp on it a little more, and I think I get it now. A few months back, California was absolutely crippled by wildfires, and I heard many reports of the firemen creating controlled burns to try and stop the wildfires from spreading. I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought that was absolutely the craziest thing I'd ever heard. Why in the world would they create more work for themselves and waste their time creating a fire that took their efforts away from trying to control the one that was already out of control? So counterproductive. So stupid, to put it bluntly. Why? Because. If an area of land had already been burned by fire, when the fire that was coming towards it got there, it wouldn't burn as rapidly because it would've already been ravaged by the fire that was perfectly set. The fuel for the fire that was coming would be lessened because that piece of land had already experienced the fire and was ready for it. Sweet mercy, what a concept for me to have learned. How many times in my life have I been standing still watching a fire come my way? Knowing it's coming and not being able to do anything about it... wondering how long I'll be able to stand the temperature... But, now, I see things differently. I can do something about the fire that's coming towards me, because I've already walked through it- I've survived it- I've been burned already, so when the fire arrives, I won't be consumed because I've been weathered for it- I've already been prepared. God, being the all-knowing Creator that He is, allowed me to be charred up a little back that one other time so that I'm not consumed now. Thank You, Jesus, that You're able to, in love, be burned a little along the way, so that we aren't consumed when the fire finally gets to us. Thank You for controlling the fire.

I've always been fascinated by fire. Not in a pyro-always-have-to-have-a-flame-in-my-hand kind of way, but I love references in scripture to fire (think Moses and a burning bush), and I love quotes about fire (I'll attempt one here)... "Light yourself on fire with the flames of passion so that others stop and watch you burn"- Carl Spurgeon. I know that's not quite right- I'll find it later and repost, but I'm on a roll (no pun intended).

Chad, thank you for the opportunity to serve. It's not a calling I take lightly, but it is a calling on my life, and I look forward to it every year. Thank you for your service to us and to the Savior. Many people's lives were changed this weekend through your leadership. Stu and Wendy, thank you for opening your home to us. It was a true blessing to me to serve with you. Allison, keep rockin' it for Jesus, girl. Your spirit is infectious. If only I'd had what you have when I was your age. Taylor, I miss that giggle and that smile that took up your whole face already. Thank you for your words in the share service. I promise you I'll do my best to make this a life-altering weekend and not just another weekend. Katherine, keep on plugging at school, sister. I know it's hard, but know that I'm praying you through it. Be that light in the halls that people need to see. Tori, I had the best time meeting you and getting to know you. Just remember- the dramas we face are all part of the story of life and will only make you stronger. Keep your head up high and focused on Jesus and it'll all work out. Anna, that laugh cracks me up. You remind me so much of a childhood friend of mine it makes me want to find her and hug her now (shout out to ya, Rachel Reagan- I met your clone this weekend!) Oh, and you have mad driving skills, Anna, even if my car doesn't have automatic locks. Savannah, I'm sorry your shirt ate you, but I'm glad I got to see how cute you were in it- rolled up sleeves and tucked in your back pocket though it was. What an absolutely beautiful girl you've become. I'm proud of you. Jennifer, you are one of the most hilarious people I've ever met. I admire you for keeping your commitment, even though it conflicted you. Good for you! I've enjoyed watching you grow up, too, and will tell my grandmother all about you in my dreams tonight.

There is so much more to say, and I will, but my heart is full tonight, so I'm going to end here and have a conversation with Jesus.

Grateful for intentionally burning,

Mary Beth

P.S. Would you please pray for me and a calling I'm feeling on my life right now? Sorry to be so ambiguous, but I'm still trying to sort through all the feelings. It's a good calling, but one not to be taken lightly, so I'm spending some much-needed time in prayer and ask you to do the same for me. Updates forthcoming. Thank you all!

DNow kicks off tonight!

2009-02-06T08:38:00.002-05:00

So, the long-awaited day has finally arrived! The official start time for DNow is 7:30 tonight, but I am certain that God has gone before this weekend through the prayers and efforts of His people.

The theme of the weekend is Recalled: Reclaiming the Story of Redemption. I absolutely love this idea as a Christian. Often times DNows focus on those that are lost, which is critical and absolutely necessary, and I'm sure this one will do the same. But, this year's DNow speaks directly to those of us that have been redeemed and might've lost sight of what that means. We were bought with a price, and our walk with Jesus often has "prices" all its own. Sometimes we get caught up in the "religiousness" and forget that, at it's foundation, our life-changing experience with Jesus happened because HE WANTED IT TO and values us enough to come down from Heaven and take our place, and He wants to walk with us DAILY. We are worth it to Him, and when we lose sight of that, for whatever reason, He recalls us from our yuckiness called life and brings us back to community with Him.

Tonight will begin the weekend like this: the kids will show up with their bags- most girls' will be utterly ginormous for only a 2-night stay, while the boys' will be utterly miniscule for a 2-night stay. We might get lucky with a few in-between sizes, but I'm not very hopeful... We'll then join together for corporate worship before "the big reveal" where the kids find out whose home will be theirs for the weekend, with which leaders and friends. It's sure to be a rousing time! I myself am very much looking forward to the worship experience. Folks, if you've never exeprienced a DNow and/or summper camp experience, you're missing out on one of those experiences that can only be matched in Heaven itself. God just shows up and touches that service with His hands in a way that is indescribable. So, if you've not experienced it, why not? You should. If you're in LaGrange, swing up to FBC on the Square and be ready to be blown away. It'll change you. If it doesn't, I'm not sure there's much hope for you. (That said in love, of course). :)

During worship and during our first small group session later in the evening, we will study Jeremiah 4:1-4, which is written out below. Would you partner with us? Read it, examine it, internalize it, and pray it over us as we study. I will attempt to blog at some point tomorrow to let you know of our progress. But, knowing you will be joining us as we study the Only True Word is such a gift, and I thank you in adavnce for sharing this opportunity with us.

God, thank You for showing up! Thank You for revealing Yourself to us already, and thank You in advance for all You'll do in and through us this weekend. Change hearts forever. We don't want to leave the same. Re-call us back to You.

“If you will return, O Israel, return to Me,” declares the Lord. “If you put your detestable idols out of my sight and no longer go astray, and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’ that the nations will be blessed by him and in him they will glory.” This is what the Lord says to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem: ' Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done- burn with no one to quench it.'" Jer. 4:1-4

Praying Intentionally,
Mary Beth

Stamps!

2009-02-05T10:01:00.003-05:00

Saralynn loves stamps! She gets a stamp on her hand most days at school. Sometimes it's a smiley face, other times it's a "way to go!" stamp. But, she marvels at each and every stamp she gets and shows each one off. She was in the tub Wednesday night, getting ready to wash off her stamp, and she tells me, "Miss Annielissy (Analissa) gave me a stamp. I be da line leader (yine yeeda)". She was so unbelievably proud of herself. I asked her what a line leader does, and she said "Stand in front and STOP". It was too sweet. I wish you all could've been there to hear and see it for yourself, but hopefully reading it here gives you a taste of her excitement! I wamt to go give her a stamp right now, just for being cute!

Excited

2009-02-04T08:49:00.002-05:00

I'm excited and getting ready for one of my favorite weekends of every year. Beginning this Friday night, I get the chance to participate in DiscipleNow weekend with the youth of our church and the friends they bring along. DiscipleNow (or DNow as it is called by the "pros" that have done this time and time again) has always held a very special place in my heart. Very quickly, if you're not familiar with the concept, DNow is a weekend retreat that takes place in town, at various host homes, with corporate worship sessions held at the church. A group of 6-12 teenagers, broken out by grade, stay at a host home provided by a family in our church and spend the weekend in intense Bible Study, worship, and fellowship with one another. A group leader (in this case, that would be me) joins the kids at the house and facilitates the Bible Studies and just generally becomes the in-the-flesh hands and feet of Jesus to the participating youth.

I am SO excited to be a part of this weekend. Garrett and I will both be leading houses. He will be at one house and I will be at another. Being honest, I would've loved for us to be at the same house leading. To me, that could've been a chance for us to lead as a couple- ministering to the youth as a couple just trying to love each other and love people in a way that glorifies our Father. We have separate ministry opportunities in the church and its varying programs, but leading together would've been ideal. However, I also realize that this weekend and everything about it is so much bigger than me and what I want. I firmly believe that it's ok to plan and want, even when planning and wanting things in the name of Jesus and serving Him, but we all have to plan and want, above anything else, for Him to be glorified. Jesus, that is what I want. Glorify yourself through this weekend.

Our youth minister Chad and his assistant Debbie have put in countless hours of work preparing for this weekend, and I, for one, am grateful for their service. So much planning goes into one of these weekends- from lining up host homes and leaders, to communicating with speakers and band members, and so on... Literally being responsible for the lives of hundreds of youth and adults is a very daunting thought. I know because I've been there. During my service as Youth Minister a few years back, I held a DNow myself, and though I had less than 20 youth vs. this weekend's hundreds, the responsibility is no less daunting. Please join me in praying for Chad and Debbie as they lead this weekend. Please pray for our speaker, David Rhodes, as he speaks the Truth of Jesus to all of us, and for Casey Darnell and band as they lead us to the throneroom of worship. Pray for the hearts of all that attent the weekend- that the soil of our hearts will be open to the seeds that God wants to plant and cultivate. Pray that our hearts overflow in worship to our King and that our offerings are genunine.

I can't share which group I have yet or at which house I will be staying, but know that I am praying for those hearts especially, even now. Please join me.

Lord, I'm humbled to be Your servant and look forward to all You have in store. May You be lifted up and glorified through this weekend!

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

Genuinely Thankful

2009-01-29T14:49:00.002-05:00

Today is a very thankful day... Hmm... Thankful Thursday... I like the ring that has!

I'm thankful that my Aunt Elsie is now back in her apartment at Vernon Woods after spending the night in the hospital with a little bout with some heart trouble. Apparently she had some fluid build up around her heart, but now is feeling better and back at home where she can rest.

I'm thankful that because it's Thursday it means we're going to Cisco's. This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in town, and at least 45 Thursdays out of the year, we're there. Saralynn loves our waitress, Mrs. Kelli, and she absolutely adores Polo. He's the man that brings our chips and salsa to us. He is an absolute delight, and though he doesn't speak much English, the smiles he and Saralynn share transcend any barriers or boundaries. She knows, somehow, that it's Thursday when she wakes up in the mornings and will say "I go see Polo 'night". It is so cute!

I'm thankful that Kelly's daughter, Harper, has had such a good day. Read up here: http://kellyskornerblog.com. Thank You, Jesus!

I'm thankful to be helping (at least planning to help- we have a meeting next month) with our 10-year high school reunion this summer. I'm excited to re-connect with old friends from school that I haven't seen in a long time.

I'm thankful that it's almost the weekend!

What are you thankful for? I'd love to share in your excitement!

What's Your Name?

2009-01-22T11:47:00.003-05:00

My dad has been working with Saralynn, teaching her to know what her full name is (and it's a doozie- I'll answer to that one in a few years, I'm sure). She is named for both her grandmothers- Sara is Garrett's mom's first name, and Lynn is my mom's middle name. Her middle name is Elizabeth, which is also my middle name. So, her full name is Saralynn Elizabeth Pelt. The conversation goes something like this:

Pop: "What's your name?"

Saralynn: "Saralynn". (I'll have to get some video of her saying it for you to get the full effect. She used to call herself NeeNee- we haven't figured that one out yet...)

P: "What's your full name?"

S: "Saralynn Elizabeth Pelt" (we eventually get there)

So, now that we pretty well have that down pat, Pop moves to other family members...

P: "What is Pop's name?"

S: "I dunno. What?"

P: "Ken"

S: "Oh, ok. Pop is Ken- "Ten".

We move on through Mimi (Becky- "Bety"), Uncle Bub (Matthew- "Mappoo"), and Daddy (Garrett- Dawett). We even talk about the kitty, Muffin (Muppin).

Then, on to Mommy...

P: "What is Mommy's name?"

S, very resolutely: "Mommy".

P: "Her name is Mary Beth".

S, very puzzled: "Mewy Beff?"... thinks a minute... "No, she's Mommy".

That's my girl! :)

Where Were You?

2009-01-20T11:38:00.002-05:00

In an attempt to preserve the events of today in my mind, I'm going to blog my thoughts as I watch the innauguration. I'm here at work, InterCall, Valley, AL. Not much activity around here today. Less than 10 work-related emails have come through, in contrast to the at least 30 that would've come through by now. I'm surrounded by friends and co-workers, all of whom are glued to cnn.com on their computers, watching the events unfold before us. We will enjoy red, white, and blue cupcakes after President-Elect Obama is sworn in as President Obama.

The overwhelming thought to me: at this point, it doesn't make a hill of beans difference who we voted for. History is unfolding before us. My sweet Saralynn is at day care right now, oblivious to the fact that her world will never be the same. After today is over, editors the world over will scramble to re-write history books. She will probably never fully understand the history of the past and will probably never fully understand the scope and magnitude of what's happening today.

I just listened to Pastor Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church pray over President-Elect Obama. I listened as he said "I ask this in the name of the One who changed my life". Wow.

I feel so blessed to be able to watch the events unfold. I'm thankful for a job that let us watch from our computers. I'm thankful for the men and women that are away from their families fighting so I'm able to watch. I'm thankful for the freedom to be able to watch. I'm thankful that I was able to vote. Though I voted for a different candidate, I did get to vote- something not every human is able to do. And, even though I didn't vote for our now sworn-in President Obama, I will continue to pray for him. I pray a hedge of protection over his family as they journey through today. I pray for clarity of mind and heart for him as he begins his administration.

Above all, what is resonating with me most as I pray now for our newly elected president, is a passage of scripture I came across during the election. Was it written especially for this season? Possibly. But is it true? Of course. It always has been and always will be.

"There is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1

Mr. President, I am honored to be a part of your history and pledge to pray for you and support you, as my Jesus commands me to do. I pray that you feel and recognize the hands that hold you, for they are the same hands that hold me, and I find security in them. I pray you do, too. May your days be blessed with His love.

Jesus, I pray for Your protection and for Your peace for the Obama family in the coming days. I pray that You help us all to take one day at a time and see each day for the blessing it is. Thank You for freedom.

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

A Great Quote

2009-01-19T10:31:00.002-05:00

For anyone that knows me well, they know I like quotes. I like to post them, think on them, even pattern my life around them in some cases. This one has become my new favorite quote. We are studying the book of James in Sunday School, and our teacher used this yesterday morning. It's by Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Illinois:

“I would never want to reach out someday with a soft, uncalloused hand ~ a hand never dirtied by serving ~ and shake the nail-pierced hand of Jesus!”- Bill Hybels

Wow. What a thought. Let's face it- any of us that have ever been in ministry know that it is hard work. I struggle a little with the phrase "called to ministry". Yes, that phrase typically is used for those that serve God's church full-time, but that doesn't mean that laypeople or volunteers are any less called.

I accepted my "call" to the ministry while at Junior High Camp in Cleaveland, TN when I was in the 6th grade. I literally felt the hands of Jesus on my body as the speaker at camp asked us to move if we felt God speaking to us. I flashed back, in that moment, to the time I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 9 years old. I walked the aisle to publicly tell my church at revival services. As the invitation was being played, with my head bowed and eyes closed, I felt a hand on each of my shoulders guide me out of the pew and down the aisle. I looked up to see if it was my dad, who was standing beside me and knew of my plans to walk that aisle. But, no- it was my Heavenly Daddy, prodding me to tell my church of what He'd done in my life. Back to my camp experience, I felt the same hands, and, because I'd felt them before, I knew them. I knew that touch, that expression of love. My heart had been heavy all week- still to this day I'm not sure exactly why, but that night, I was able to finally tell my Jesus that I was ready to serve Him with my life. Did that mean moving to a third-world country? I didn't know. It didn't matter. He'd asked me to commit to serving Him, and I did. And, again, because I knew the hands that led me out of my chair and into the dark night and onto my knees on a patch of grass in a national forest, I knew that no matter where He led me, He'd be with me all the way. "All the way my Savior leads me..."

Now, to the reason I bring up this quote. There are many places, many ways to serve Jesus and His church. Some are in very public ways- singing, preaching, teaching. Others are in very private ways- praying over services, writing notes to homebound members, answering telephones. Notice I DIDN'T say "some are in big ways, and some are in small ways". In my eyes, NO ministry is small. It takes all kinds to minister. Why? Because those being ministered TO are "all kinds". God didn't call everyone to sing in the choir. If we were all in the choir, there would be no one in the congregation listening and receiving the musical Word. God didn't call everyone to teach Sunday School. If so, there would be no classes to teach. God didn't call everyone to pick up the left over bulletins after each service. If so, we'd never get to eat lunch. (OK, that one was funny, but you get my point).

Yes, in order to make services at church work, it takes us all. It takes someone to make the coffee, it takes someone to put out the chairs, it takes someone to stuff the bulletins we all use. It takes someone to type in the words we read on the walls. The trend? It takes SOMEONE. And guess what? SOMEONE is all-encompassing. SOMEONE is not gender-specific or age-specific. It just takes SOMEONE.

Sweet Jesus, please remind me every day that my service to Your church is my service to You. Admittedly, service is hard, messy, and sometimes downright exhausting, but You already know that, right? Please find in my heart a willingness to serve- to get dirty, to push myself, even to tire myself out. Because, as You proved in Your scriptures, You speak to dirty, pushed, tired people. You use even those people. Because, in the end, it's the dirty, pushed, and tired that You look for. It's those people that need You. It's those people who's hearts are open to You. I pray that You find my hands to be dirtied and calloused by the service I've offered to You. May they be my gifts- my offerings- that help bring people to You. You have a work to do in this world, and because it's Your promise to fulfill, You'll get it done either way- with our without me. I pray that I'm the vessel You choose to use to fulfill Your promise, whatever that may be. I pray that I'm ready and willing to be used. Find in my heart an openness, so that when You look for a servant, You don't pass by because I'm not ready. Use me. Let me be Your hands and Your feet. Move me out of myself, out past my attitudes and actions, so that Yours shine through. I want to radiate You more than I want to reflect You. Radiating You means You're so inside me that You can't help but shine through. In my life, be lifted high.

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

"Watch My Mouth"

2009-01-14T15:19:00.003-05:00

So, for those of you who have not had the pleasure of living life with our Saralynn directly, let me share what a joy it is. She is this huge ball of energy that goes non-stop from the time she gets up to the time she goes down. We enjoy every second of every day, even though our patience wears thin from time to time.

I had a hearing loss as a child that thankfully could be corrected with tubes. It seemed like I heard very well for a while and then, as the tubes began to wear down (or do whatever it is that tubes do), my ability to hear well decreased, too. Mom and Dad were more than patient as I would ask them to repeat, time and time again, what I missed hearing. Mom was great to tell me to watch her lips as she would form words, or even watch her closely as she spoke- a reading of lips, if you will. I find myself doing the same to Saralynn, not because she can't hear, but that sometimes she doesn't want to hear. :) Most times, I can say "watch my mouth" and she turns to me, watching very intently as I speak to her.

Lately, our words have come back to haunt us (or at least she's learned to use them back to us). Case in point: We were all gearing up for dinner Monday night- Mom bringing dishes to the table, Garrett putting ice in glasses, Dad putting finishing touches on the food on the stove, Matthew putting silverware out, (not sure what I was doing, but I know I was busy). Saralynn says "I want juice in my cup". I heard her, but again, we were all busy. I hear it again- "I want juice in my cup". Still no response. I guess we all kept on going, thinking someone would get the poor child something to drink. After a couple of more times saying it, trying to get SOMEONE to hear her, she finally says "WATCH MY MOUTH. I want juice in my cup". Wow. All the busyness stopped. We all turned, looked at each other, looked at her, and then spontaneously erupted into laughter.

I sat and thought about that later. It was cute, yes. We laughed, yes. But, do I want her to always watch my mouth? Hmm... Many times things come out of my mouth that I don't want her repeating or knowing. Is it fair to only want her to "watch my mouth" at certain times? Yikes. Very humbling for me. It makes me think of that song "Oh, Be Careful Little Eyes What You See". Shouldn't a parent's mouth be one a child can watch and mirror? Shouldn't she feel safe mimicking me?

Jesus, please help me be the example You want me to be to my daughter. You entrusted her to me for a reason. You gave her to me and put a desire in my heart to teach her about You so that one day she will accept You and we will spend eternity together with You. Help me weed out those things in my life that don't honor You. Help me not to say things that I don't want her to repeat, or act in ways I don't want her to imitate. Help me reflect You.

(And, by the way, it worked. Saralynn got her juice).

Emotions

2009-01-10T19:40:00.003-05:00

If you haven't already, please visit Angie Smith's blog: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com. Angie and her husband, Todd, who sings in my all-time favorite Christian group Selah, lost their daughter last April to what Angie calls "a situation that made her compatible with life". Their story will humble you. It did me. It touched me like I'm not sure I've ever been touched before. Even if you don't watch their video of the few hours they had with their daughter here on Earth, read her words. They are written from the heart of a woman who knows, in the most intimate way I think I've ever seen, her God. She knows Him the way I want to know Him. She trusts Him when it seems crazy to. But, she trusts.

The past few days have been very emotional for me. For many different reasons. But, at the end of it all, I'm grateful. I'm grateful that God takes our mourning, our insecurities, our frustration, and our sometimes unbearable-to-ourselves bad moods and turns them into beautiful songs and symphonies. I had a music professor that once said "You almost always expect a song to end on a major chord. But, the ones that end on minor chords always get your attention. That's no accident. That's the way the composer intended it."

Thank You, Jesus, Composer of beautiful music for making beautiful songs, even when they end on minor chords.

Intentionally,

Mary Beth

Why am I surprised?

2009-01-09T15:36:00.003-05:00

God is so neat. That sounds really elementary, but sometimes we so caught up in the "bigness" of it all that we miss the small things.

I'm a member of our church's prayer chain, and just received an email regarding another family whose granddaughter has been battling a difficult diagnosis and illness. This young girl ran across a scripture that maybe you've seen before, but maybe not.

I'm in a real attitude today of praying and thinking of those who are hurting. Mrs. Sharon is still on my heart, and this scripture blessed me. I hope it does you, too, as you pray for those around you that need the healing touch of Jesus. Isn't His touch such a balm that heals our hurts and wounds?

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an external glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal..." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I was on Beth Moore's blog earlier watching a tutorial on scripture memory. Guess what word she used as an acrostic to help me learn? RENEW. And, look- the scripture above says we are RENEWED day by day. Coincidence? I think not.

Thank You Jesus that are troubles are momentary and temporary, and thank You that what You're preparing us for is eternal!

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

Please Pray

2009-01-09T10:27:00.002-05:00

For those of you in the LaGrange area, you will see this request on multiple blogs and may even receive multiple emails asking you to pray. Please be intentional and pray each time you receive it. For those of you not in the area that happen upon my blog, please lift up prayers, though you may not know the family directly.

Mrs. Sharon Niedrach is a true hero of the faith in my life. Mrs. Sharon worked with our youth group while I was growing up, and I am blessed to say that she was on her knees for us so much that I bet she has calluses on her knees. She is one of the most genuinely beautiful people I have ever met in my life. I am blessed to know her and her precious children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Sharon has faught a most heroic battle with pancreatic cancer for the past two years. This horrible disease has brought havoc on her body, but has done nothing but strengthen her spirit and her faith in the God that has never left her during what must have surely been dark days. Tests from this week show that the treatments she has been receiving are not reacting as the doctors would like for them to, which is quite obviously not news she and her family wanted to hear. Her doctors are dilligently seeking a clinical trial for Mrs. Sharon, but as of now, nothing has been found.

Please pray for Mrs. Sharon and her family. Her husband, Bob, is also a true example of what it means to be a godly leader, father, husband, and more. He is her primary caregiver at this point. They have four children and their spouses who also need our prayers- Amy, Wendy, Jim, and Nancy. Amy and Wendy were counselors of mine at camps growing up and always have been role models to me. Nancy is a sweet friend of mine that I've had the privilege to pray for and with for a long time. Jim was older than me, as were Amy and Nancy, but was always an example of "that guy you wouldn't mind taking home to Mom and Dad". Mrs. Sharon is grandmother to beautiful grandchildren that are also testaments to her grace and faith.

Her children have asked for specific prayers, so I'd like to share them here. You will notice that they ask for prayers for other families who are hurting. What a testament of their faith! The LeGodais family lost their father unexpectedly this week. His daughters went to school with my brother and me. I'm personally unsure of Mrs. Beall's situation, but God is not, and will hear your prayers on her family's behalf. Thank you in advance for your prayers! Niedrachs, it is an honor to go before the Father and lay our prayers for you at His feet. May you all smell the sweet aroma of His goodness around you in the coming days.

Sweet Jesus, hear our hearts as we pray, and thank You ever so much for helping us understand that none of this is a surprise to You. It is all meant to bring You honor and glory. Thank You that even though we may feel angry, confused, not know how to trust that all is well, that You are strong enough to take our insecurity, and use it as a blessing in our lives. We give these families and their trials to You. Please complete the work You've started in them. Humbly we pray, in Your name, Amen.

P*R*A*Y!!!!James 5:13 "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray."James 5:16 "... pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

The next two weeks will be a time when Mother, Daddy & the doctors will need certain clarification on what to do next.Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all yourways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Isn't that what we need now most? The situation is impossible for us to understand with our human hearts & minds. All we can do is acknowledge His soverignty, His perfect plan, cling to Him for hope and pray He will direct the doctors in the right path. Please pray that Mother will have a strong sense of where she is in this fight. Psalm 143:8 "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."Psalm 142:1-3 "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before Him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows weak within me, it is you who knows my way...."

We continue to ask the Lord for a miraculous healing. And we know in death, as a believer, Mother will be healed. 1 Corinthians 15:42 "so will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable, it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power..." But we also beg of Him more time with her in this life. Please pray that with us. He is our only hope. Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shiled; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."

Pray for weight gain. Dr. Duttera encouraged her to eat anything & everything that sounded good to her... (which isn't much.)Pray for pain & nausea management... feeling better helps her eat better.Pray for my Daddy... her primary caregiver.Pray for others in similar situations: The Family of Claire Beall, The Family of Tom LeGodais... we are not alone in suffering.

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

a pic from a few months ago

2009-01-08T09:23:00.002-05:00

Our sweet Saralynn was a star in the LaGrange Daily News late last year. This photo was taken at her day care's annual Parade of Costumes on Halloween. Because she was not into any costume that didn't resemble her own clothing, we were a Kitty Cat this Halloween. She wore black leggings and a black turtleneck, and I found a set of ears and tail at Wal-Mart. I painted whiskers on her face with eyeliner and painted her nose pink with lipstick. The only way this was successful was telling her that I was painting a smiley face on her face. She loves to have smiley faces drawn on her hands, so liked the idea of one on her face. If one looks closely, they will see that the ears are rounded rather than pointed, so it can be argued that she was a mouse rather than a cat, but at any rate, she was cute, and she made the paper! We, of course, have multiple copies at home, but I was on the newpaper's website this morning and saw the picture still there, so figured it was blog-worthy. I hope you enjoy.

A Few Cute Pictures...

2009-01-05T15:10:00.003-05:00

So, since one of the main reasons I moved blog sites is because it's easier to post pictures, it'd help if I'd post some, huh?

Here are a few random pictures from the weekend. Saralynn's Nana and Paw Paw gave her a dress-up trunk that she's been exploring. We've gotten the boa, tiara, and shoes, but haven't yet graduated to the dresses and skirts. She'd much rather have her "Coach Shirt". Coach Phil Williamson, the Athletic Director at LaGrange College, and also one of Saralynn's first Sunday School teachers, gave her an LC shirt, which she would live her entire life in if she could. She also thought it would be neat to wrap her hair up like Mommy's when she got out of the tub. The last picture is her "oh, what iiiis it?" face. We saw this with almost every present she opened. The face was captured as she opened her baby doll stroller from Aunt Amy and Uncle Carl and cousins Carson and Lainey.

I hope you all enjoy glimpses into our life as much as I enjoy posting about them!

Intentionally Praying

2009-01-04T17:13:00.002-05:00

As mentioned earlier, I want to be more intentional this year, and one way I want to be more intentional is in my prayer life. So, with that said, I'm asking you to join me in praying for Tony and Lisa Amstutz, friends from church. Lisa and I serve together in the 11:11 cafe on Sunday mornings before our contemporary service begins. She is a fabulous mother and homeschool teacher to her children (ok, maybe only Chloe so far, but I'm sure Carson and Camilla will soon follow). She sews beautifully and is couponer-extraordinaire, among her many other talents. Tony faithfully serves each Sunday by showing up EARLY (like, 6:00 AM) to help set-up for the already mentioned 11:11 service. He then heads upstairs to sing in our 8:30 service choir, then joins Lisa as they teach our singles/somewhat newly professional/some college-aged folks' Sunday School class, then goes back upstairs to sing in the 11:00 service, and then after all that, heads home with his family. Whew! Lisa co-hosted our annual Birthday Party for Jesus this past Christmas season, and it was a success, as always!

Tony and Lisa are some of the most genuinely kind people I think I've ever met. They ALWAYS have a smile, and go out of their way to speak, even when they see me outside church (even in line at the consignment sale :) )

They don't know that I'm posting here, and would probably fuss at me for all the words above, but I would ask that you please join me in praying for this precious couple. For reasons only God knows, and though we shouldn't, we find ourselves questioning, the baby Lisa was 3+ months along carrying is now in the arms of Jesus. Please join me in praying for comfort, for peace, and for a calmness of spirit for Tony, Lisa, Chloe, Carson, and Camilla. Questions? Yes. That God will answer? In His time, I believe so, yes. It may not be until they reach Heaven themselves, but I believe with all my heart that yes, their questions, their hurts, will all be answered. But for now, we are left. Left to wonder. Left to hurt. But, most of all, left to pray. I, for one, am hoping God uses this trial for His good- to complete whatever work He started. Our Sunday School class began a study of the book of James this morning, and my mind constantly drew back to Tony and Lisa as I thought about James' mention of considering it joy to face trials of many kinds. Tony and Lisa, if you're reading, know that we hurt with you in this trial, and even though you might not be able to now, I consider it a joy on your behalf. Why? Because we have a faith in Jesus that lets, no, beckons me to believe that this trial will work out for the good of those THAT LET IT. Sure, we can go through trials and come out somewhat bruised and battered, but otherwise unchanged. Or, we can go through trials, come out on the other end, battle scars and all, and show the world that because of the healing hands of Jesus, we are better people for it.

Thank you, sweet friends, for praying for Tony and Lisa and their family. And, thank you, Tony and Lisa, for living out your faith to those around you. It is an honor to pray with and for you now.

Sweet Jesus, hold this family tight in Your arms. Thank You for holding that precious baby now. Thank You for holding us up when we feel like trials are unfair or too hard to bear. Only You, Jesus know how truly unbearable trials can be, because only You were able to withstand the weight of the cross You were given to bear. Thank You for holding the weight for us now as we lay our hurts, our disappointments, and our questions, at Your feet. Please see them as the offerings they are intended to be, and continue to complete the work You started in each of us, so that, in Your timing, we are made complete. Our offerings are Yours, Lord.

Intentionally,

Mary Beth

One Word 2009

2009-01-02T13:35:00.003-05:00

I love reading other blogs, and admittedly stealing other peoples' ideas... Hey, at least I'm owning up to it, right?

I came across a blog a little big ago by Ali Edwards. I'm excited to read some more about her in a bit, but one of her posts struck me. She suggests that everyone come up with A word- that's right- ONE WORD to (hopefully) define your 2009. Read more here- http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2008/12/one-little-wo-1.html#comments (even gain a little insight into a word or two, if you need some help). What an awesome concept! Something you hope to live by, something you hope to gain. This word can be a noun, verb, adjective, etc. As soon as I read about the idea, my word came to me, so I share it here:

My word for 2009 is: INTENTIONAL.

From Mr. Webster:

intentional: (adj.) 1. done with intention or purpose: intended 2. of or pertaining to intention or purpose

and, perhaps, my favorite definition: 3. pointing beyond itself

In 2009, I want to be intentional:
In my affection towards my husband. I want to SHOW him more than just TELLING him how much I love him and our life together.
In my time with my daughter. Every day that passes is a gift I'll never open again. I want to relish each and every second I have with her. As Angie Smith says, live life as if it were in snapshots. When Saralynn does something cute, take a picture in your mind. She smiled that smile that makes her eyes disappear, so in my mind, I take a picture- CLICK goes the camera.
In my time spent with God. I want my prayer life to flourish like it never has before. I want to read and study more (a bit more on this later).
I want to be intentional about life in general. I don't want to ever take life for granted. It's too short, goes to quickly, and has too much to offer to let it move swiftly by and just assume it'll always be like it is now.

But, most importantly, I want to be intentional about pointing people beyond myself. I want my life to be such that it's all about Jesus, which in turn becomes all about the people around me. I want the songs I sing, the messages I share, the cards I make, the conversations I have to be all about Him. That is, after all, the point, right?

As mentioned above, I want to be more intentional in my time spent with God. As an outpouring of that desire, I am committing, along with thousands of other women, to learning, memorizing, and internalizing scripture. For me, this is being done through Beth Moore's blog (you can log on to find out more about it- http://http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2008/12/1st-15-siesta-scripture-memory-team.html. What an awesome opportunity! Can you imagine the joy our Father must feel as He hears the hearts of His Princesses learning and internalizing His word? If you'd like to join in, feel free to do so. You can leave comments here, or on Beth's site.

I am also borrowing an idea from another fellow blogger, Angie Smith. She says it so much better than I ever could: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/11/seven-prayers-day.html In a nutshell, as a mother, I want to commit to praying over and for my daughter. Yes, something I should, and do, every day. But, these are intentional prayers, prayed at intentional times during the day. Would you like to join me in this area, too? Please do. There's no greater gift we can give our children than praying over them and for them.

And, finally, on the note of living life as if it were a series of snapshots, I'm participating in Project 365. Read for more info here, http://www.beckyhiggins.com/blog/2008/12/this-is-big.html, but in short, Project 365 is all about pictures. A picture a day for a year. Wow, a big project, you might say, and you'd be right. But, in trying to live an intentional life, I'm giving this a shot. You take a picture a day and journal about it. At the end of the year, you have a year's worth of pictures to look back on. Pictures of what? ANYTHING. Maybe a picture of the messy den. Why? To signify that, yes, it will get picked up, but not now. Saralynn has asked for a story, so I'm going to read to her. The den will be spruced later. Or, one I'm looking forward to soon: a picture of a pair of our shoes on either side of hers. Why? A reminder that she's watching us- waiting to one day fill our shoes. Care to join this one? I'd love to know of some of your picture ideas- only if you don't mind sharing- I just might snag an idea or two. HA!

So, as 2009 rolls on, please, Lord Jesus, help me be intentional in all things. Thank you for the creativity and passion You gave me. Help those to be blessings to others in this coming year!

Intentionally,
Mary Beth

So, here we are...

2009-01-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

The move is now complete. For those of you that are willingly changing locations with me, thank you. It is my sincere prayer that this blog becomes a place of community. For us to share life together. I hope it brings family in far away places a little closer to us more often. I hope it brings friends we don't see often together, sooner, too. So, at any time, about anything, please feel free to leave a comment. I'm resolving to do a better job this new year of staying more in touch with the ones we love. Please do your part and do the same.

We love you all and can't wait to see what this new year brings. Happy New Year! Happy Reading!

From our hearts to yours,
Mary Beth, Garrett, and Saralynn

Back-Up, Part 4

2009-01-02T09:59:00.000-05:00

Moving to a new location
January 2, 2009 at 2:47 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, after much thinking, I’ve decided to move my blog. This is for many reasons. I already have my email account with Google, so moving to Blogspot/Blogger makes sense. The backgrounds, etc. are cuter. Some people may think that this is not an acceptable reason to move, however, it is indeed one of the reasons. Plus, I’ve given the blog address on the new blog the entire family’s name, not just my own. So, in the future, please visit http://peltfamily.blogspot.com. I’m hoping the new blog becomes a place where my family and friends can catch glimpses into our day, and grow and learn right along with us. I’m going to back up all of my old posts from this blog there, so everything will be together. But, for now, please visit the new site. I hope everyone is pleased.
Love,
Mary Beth

Not the Way You Planned
December 29, 2008 at 3:13 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
I just got an email that seeems to tell it all… Christmas posts to come, but for now…
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.
They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, ‘Someday I hope to be a greattreasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with anintricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.’
Then the second tree said, ‘Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and Queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. People will feel safe in me because of the strength of my Hull.’
Finally the third tree said, ‘I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill, look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.’
After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, ‘This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree the woodsman said, ‘This looks like a strong tree. I will be able to sell it to the shipyard.’ The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the men said,’I don’t need anything special from my tree, I’ll take this one,’ and he cut it down.
When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying Kings had come to an end.
The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.
The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.
Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said ‘Peace’ and the storm stopped. A t this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don’t seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.
Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.
We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
May your day be blessed. And until we meet again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand.

The Absence of Blogging
December 16, 2008 at 9:51 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, in case anyone noticed, I’ve been a little behind on the blog lately. Not for any particular reason, just behind. So, here I was, trying to get my thoughts together to pick up where I left off, when it hit me- my idea to recount some of the things I’m thankful for was, and is, a good idea, but shouldn’t be something I think about in order to blog about. Those things should radiate out of me anyway. Do they? Can you tell by seeing me that I’m grateful for the things I’ve already mentioned? I surely do hope so!
My heart is literally racing as I think of the things I’m thankful for. Little things. Decorating the Christmas tree with my ever-so-chatty 2 year-old… “Mommy, an apple”. “Mommy, a train”. As we list out each and every ornament we’re putting on the tree. So thankful. Thankful for the precious voice that shouts “look, the sunshine” as my dad puts the star on the top of the tree. (Our star has the wise men going to see Baby Jesus on it- I promise to put pictures on the site as soon as I figure out how- instructions, anyone?- I’m not the techie in our family).
I’m thankful for a husband that can fix anything. The dimmer switch in the dining room is on the fritz, and he’s fixing it today. Whew! Thanks, honey!
I’m thankful for my grandparents and their influence on my life. I’m grateful that they enjoy the loudness and chaos that sometimes abounds when Saralynn shows up for weekly visit on Fridays. What they see as music to their ears is to some people chatter and clammer, but they love it. I’m thankful Saralynn knows and loves her “Eemaw” (Memaw) and Papa and loves to go to their house. She can give you directions- “go dis way Mimi”, pointing all the while.
I’m thankful to be a part of the most amazing church ever. This past weekend we exprienced Jesus during our “Tonight, Heaven Touches Earth” musical. I’m thankful that God calls talented people like Jay and Amy Rouse to use their gifts to advance the kingdom. I’m grateful to be a part of the choir that helps lead people to the throneroom of the King of Kings!
I got to sing at our amazing 11:11 service, for which I am extremely grateful. I sang “Breath of Heaven”, and even though that song is a staple at Christmas like “Amazing Grace” is every other day of the year, I messed up the words. Oh, well. God never asked for perfect gifts. He asked for gifts of all kinds, that He perfects in His timing. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to use my talent- to be able to take my gift and lay it at His feet. Thanks, Chad and leadership team, for the opportunity. I pray God listened and unwrapped the gift of my song with all the excitement with which I presented it to Him.
So many things for which to be thankful this season. The list goes on and on and on… Little things, big things, things in between. (paying homage to the one-and-only Dr. Seuss).
But, most of all, Jesus, I’m thankful for you- thankful that You find it worth Your time to listen to my rambling heart that often can’t articulate what I want to say. Thankful that You can form my thoughts into words and actions that You can use.
Friends, are you thankful? If so, I’d love to know what you’re thankful for. Comments welcome!

Christmas Songs…
December 11, 2008 at 7:41 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
This past Tuesday night, Saralynn’s day care put on their annual Christmas program. What a fabulous time we all had, watching our angels sing songs they’ve been learning.
Saralynn’s class sang “Jingle Bells” and “Where is Jesus?” (to the tune of “Where is Thumbkin?”. (Where is Jesus, where is Jesus? Here He is, Here He is, lying in a manger, lying in a manger, Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.) Though she’s been singing at the top of her lungs the past few weeks, she didn’t sing that loudly that night. She bobbed her head to the beat of the music and sang every few words or so, but was just precious either way!
This season, and always, I am so very thankful to the staff at the FBC Child Development Center. Since I have to work and am not able to be with Saralynn on a daily basis, I am so thankful to know that her teachers take such wonderful care of her. Thank you, Ms. Kathy, Miss Cara, and Miss Holly, for the care you provide to my daughter. Your love and caring are true gifts that we cherish! Mrs. LaGail and Mrs. Kim, thank you for your leadership to all of the teachers and all of our children. We pray for you often and are grateful for you!

My Aunt Elsie
December 11, 2008 at 7:35 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Thank you for your prayers for my Aunt Elsie. She did indeed have a small stroke, but thanks to some quick thinking by the staff at Vernon Woods, she was able to be quickly transported to the hospital and treated.
I’m so thankful for Aunt Elsie. She will be 91 years young on New Year’s Day. She is my grandfather’s younger sister. Though I don’t have too many memories of Aunt Elsie and her husband, Uncle Vester, from my childhood, I’ve enjoyed reconnecting more with her in the past few years. Saralynn loves picking her up every Sunday from Vernon Woods and taking her to church with us. She loves to show Aunt Elsie that the water is wet (in the fountain on the square).
Aunt Elsie lost her son, Robert, to a most courageous battle with cancer in August. Robert was one of the heroes of the faith, and of life in general, and if he were here, I’m sure he’d agree that he got his good qualities from his mother. So, during this thankful season, and this season of awaiting the coming, I’m thankful for Aunt Elsie and look forward to the coming of her 91st birthday, and many more birthdays to come!

Lookin’ at Lights
December 8, 2008 at 3:08 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
As previously mentioned, Garrett and I went to his company Christmas party. We met up for dinner, catered by our church’s own chef extraordinaire, Jim Pendergraph, and then it was off to Callaway Gardens for Fantasy In Lights. It was cold, but a good time was had by all! Thank you, Jonathan and Shannon Lawson, for opening your home, and to Rob and Mandy Bowman for a great evening of fun and fellowship.
Garrett works for a great company in Chick-fil-A, and for a great boss in Rob. I’m so very thankful to Rob for his friendship and support to Garrett. Rob’s beautiful wife Mandy was my nurse when I had Saralynn, and their son Bo is a few weeks younger than Saralynn, so their family, complete with Sweet Ansley, is very special to ours. Bowmans, may you be blessed tenfold for the way you give of yourselves and support those around you!
It’s been a long day, so a good night’s sleep is in order… Until tomorrow…

Chili+Football= a ton of fun!
December 7, 2008 at 9:35 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
On the 6th day of December, I’m thinking thankfully… hmmm… kinda has a ring to it…
Garrett and I went to Coach Kenny and Mrs. Teresa Moores’ house for our Sunday School Christmas social. We had a chili cookoff and the guys watched the SEC championship football game between our beloved Alabama Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators. Most of the girls stayed upstairs talking and catching up. It’s funny how you can get so behind with such dear friends, but sometimes kids and life just get in the way. We had a great time!
As I mentioned, we had a chili cookoff. There were 6 different pots of really good, yet really different chili. My Garrett’s chili brought home first place! I have to say, it was very yummy! We’re enjoying our Christmas Cookie candle prize already!
And, unfortunately, our Roll Tide gang’s undefeated season came to an end at the hand of the Gators. That would be the only down portion of the evening.
So, today, I’m thankful to the Moores for opening their home to us, and for our wonderful Sunday School class, who accepted us with open arms. Garrett hasn’t missed a Sunday since we joined, and the only reason I missed one week was because I was teaching the singles’ class. I’m grateful to God for allowing us to have such wonderful, supportive friends who are only a call away and willing to pray for any need that arises. We moved to a new classroom today because we’ve grown so big! WHAT A GREAT SIGN!
So, with a thankful heart, I close. Garrett and I are going tonight to his company Christmas party. Hmmm? A glimpse into what I’m thankful for in my next post? Could be…

Please Pray
December 7, 2008 at 2:23 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
Please pray for my great-aunt Elsie Whatley. As she is lovingly known to our family, Eichie (pronounced Eye-chee), suffered a “baby stroke” this morning. I was able to go to the hospital with her and stay while the doctors examined and diagnosed, and I was very privileged to do so. Aunt Elsie will be 91 years young on New Year’s Day and is more lucid than I am. She is a true hero in my life, one I’m grateful for, and one for whom I covet your prayers. All signs point to the fact that she will be fine and that this was isolated and caught early, but we all appreciate very much your prayers!

My Mom…
December 7, 2008 at 2:20 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, I missed blogging on the 5th. Today is the 6th and I’m playing catch-up. But, with good reason. The 5th was my mom’s birthday, and I was able to spend some good time with her. My departmental Christmas party was during lunchtime, and afterwards, we were granted the afternoon off. Mom already had the day off, so I came home and picked her up and we took a girls’ trip to the best place on Earth… Wal-Mart. (Collective groan here). We then picked Saralynn up from day care and went to my grandparents’ house. We enjoyed our time there, visiting and watching them smile at Saralynn’s antics. Then, we enjoyed a spaghetti meal at home and a nice, quiet evening.
So, as you can imagine, on this, the 5th day of “who I’m thankful for”, I write to say how much I love my mom. For people that didn’t or don’t have good relationships with their mothers, I’m so sorry. I have the best relationship I could ever ask for with my mom. She always has been such a source of support and love for me. She cared for Matthew and I while my dad worked hard, long, and sometimes out of town hours in the car business. She always knew just what we needed, and knew that a Ziploc baggie with ice that had been crushed with a hammer was the cure-all for any illness. She lovingly (though maybe through tightly clinched teeth) stayed up most of the night reading a book that had to be read when I had procrastinated and had a test the next day, and stayed up well past midnight hand-coloring the Spanish flag for a project. She very precisely applied make-up to the spots on my arms that had peeled from sunburn so I could attend my senior prom looking as normal as possible. She was there every step of the way during the wedding planning process. She so beautifully sang “Happy Birthday” to Saralynn while she was still in the nursery and made up the tune to a song that still to this day soothes Saralynn when Mimi sings it. All these things and so many more describe my mom and the admiration I have for her. But, above all, the thing that defines my mom best is her friendship to me. We’ve laughed, cried, fought, made up, and through it all, enjoyed each other’s company all through the years. I’ll never forget the look on her face as she read the poem I wrote for her birthday 3 years ago that told her she would be a grandmother. Moments like that make me proud, not only to be her daughter, but to be her friend.
Happy Birthday, Mom. Your love, your caring, your friendship, and your just being you are such gifts to me. Thank you for your example to me. Your never-give-up spirit taught me that anything you love is worth fighting for. Your words of encouragement, in good times and bad, resonate in my heart every day. Thank you for being the perfect example of what a woman of God is. Thank you for praying for from the minute you found out I was coming. Thank you for praying for my husband before you knew him, and my children before you knew them- though now there is just Saralynn, I hope God blesses us with more one day, and I know that you’re already praying for them. Most of all, thank you for modeling Jesus to me. I accepted Him because I was taught to want to meet Him and experience His love because I saw you love and experience Him.
I owe you so much, but today, your birthday, all I can offer is “thank you”.
With all my love and admiration,Mary Beth

The Parade
December 5, 2008 at 3:39 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
Today, as strange as it may sound at first, I’m thankful for the workers of the City of LaGrange. Mom, Dad, and I took Saralynn to the annual Christmas parade, and had a blast. I left work early and got to LaGrange early to make sure we got good “seats”. I was able to nab a place for all of us right on Church Street, right near the rope that warned “don’t go any further”. We sat with Paul, Kristen, Michael, and Katie Barnes and Don, Dawn, Juliette, and Jonathan May. The kids all chattered the entire parade about the Christmas trees, big trucks, dogs, horses, and many floats they saw. Seeing the twinkle in my daughter’s eyes as she experienced the parade for the first time was magical for me, and I have the City of LaGrange employees to thank for some of that. When I got to the church, there were at least a dozen workers driving and walking up and down the road putting out cones and checking to make sure that everything was as it should be. Yes, it’s their job, but they all did it seemingly willingly, and hopefully in the name of instilling the Christmas spirit in the hearts of a few youngsters along the way. So, from this tired yet extremely happy Mommy, thank you COL workers, for doing your part to spread Christmas cheer to my family. I wish each of you the Merriest of Christmas seasons!
As my child anticipated the sight of Santa tonight, I anticipate the sight of the Savior,Mary Beth

Back-Up, Part 3

2009-01-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Gert
December 3, 2008 at 7:32 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Six years ago this past July, the 16th to be exact, I met the man of my dreams. Location: Ormond Beach Youth Camp, Daytona Beach. I was the Youth Minister at FBC Pine Mountain, which, though thought by many at camp that year, is not a town that only consists of a speed bump. They have two or three traffic lights, thank you very much. I took my group of 22 to camp and we had a blast! It was awesome because the youth ministers didn’t have a specific “job” once we were there, meaning we didn’t have to lead a group or anything very detailed. We had to have the right ratio of kids to adults to come, so the ministers got to enjoy the week hanging out and loving on our kids, leaving the “discipline” and in and outs to our chaperones. So, on Tuesday morning of camp week, I was headed to the beach (in my perfectly legal tankini, of course). On the way out the door, I hear one of the directors’ voices, “Hey, I need your help”. I look down at my ghostly white legs, thinking “my legs need the sun’s help”, but opted instead to see what Cindy needed.
Unbeknownst to me at that point, the resort in which we were staying was vandalized, and much of the sound/audio visual stuff was stolen. Enter Garrett. He was, for lack of a better way to explain it, the techy geek for the week. (He’ll read this, and probably respond with the technical term). He was evaluating all that was missing and needed someone to follow along behind him, making a list for the police, who were on their way to file a report. I followed, meticulously writing every detail he as he gave it to me. This went on for the better part of the day, and even included viewing surveillance footage to see if any faces were recognized. That night, some of the chaperones and other adults were asked to keep watch of the meeting room to assure the vandals would not return. Sensing a pattern, I’m sure you can tell by now where this is headed- Garrett and I were paired up for “watch”. Suffice it to say, you learn a lot about a person while constantly chatting all night long to keep yourself awake. For the rest of the week, where one was, the other was not far behind.
We parted ways on Friday with plans for me to meet him at West Point Lake for his family’s annual reunion that Sunday. Let’s just say that from then on, we’ve not been apart much. The next year was spent back and forth at one another’s homes each and every weekend. He would mostly make the drive to LaGrange as I was still serving in Pine Mountain and couldn’t spend as much time in Jonesboro as he could in LaGrange, coming to church with me.
Almost a year after our first meeting, on Sunday, June 22, 2003, he proposed to me at Pyne Road Park. It was awesome! He had just moved to LaGrange the day before, and we had gone to Jamin and Michelle’s house for dinner and games- a pretty regular past-time, pre children. He had my ring with him and showed it off to them before giving it to me the next day. To say I was shocked was an understatement, but I was thrilled. The next year brought about wedding plans, showers, etc.
On June 19, 2004, I married my soul mate in a beautiful ceremony PACKED with music. Yes, those that were there remember that the service was almost 45 minutes long. To my wedding party, I’m glad you wore comfy shoes. Paul Blair took over as mostly my brother sang/wept, through the song they sang together, Jamin sang, Cindy Skipwroth sang, the Faithful Hearts sang, the handbells played, and yes, yours truly sang. Rewind 18 years. My dad and I went to a concert at our church a couple of days after my brother was born, and the lady there sang a song to her husband. I looked at my dad and told him I’d sing that song at my wedding one day. Back to the wedding. I looked into my groom’s eyes after we’d recited our vows and sang “Only God Could Love You More”, which still rings true today.
Then, on July 24, 2006, a little earlier that we ourselves had planned, but obviously in line with God’s plan, we welcomed our little Saralynn into the world. The day I’d taken the test to learn she was coming, Garrett had read the stick, seen the two lines, and stormed to our bedroom. But, as Saralynn was handed to him over the surgical sheet after my C-section, the world was a better place. The culmination of our love was crying hysterically back at him, pleading to be put back in her safe, warm environment. Thinking he’d have something incredibly profound to say, I suddenly heard, “I think she just peed on me”. Leave it to my Garrett to find humor in life’s most serious situations.
Now, to present day. Seven years later, packed full of many a laugh and tear, a very independent two year old mini-Garrett, and memories to last a lifetime, I still think so fondly back to the days of Ormond Beach. God ordained our union long ago. I often joke that God can take something as awful as a $10,000 vandalism at youth camp to bring about great things, and He did just that for me. I don’t know who those teenagers were that felt they needed video cameras and computers, but, I feel that I owe them a little- they helped me meet the one for whom I’d lifted countless prayers for so long. Sure, we would’ve met somehow, someway, but I still wonder about how it all came to be. What forshadowing- Garrett and his techy stuff, me and my writing. I was told yesterday that I should be writing somehow. I would love to, but this is my outlet for now. Oh, how ironic it really was…
On today, day three of my “important people in my life that are teaching me to anticipate and be thankful this Advent season” campaign, I am thankful for my wonderful husband that puts up with me, no matter what. I don’t appreciate him enough, don’t tell him enough, and often take him for granted, but underneath all that, I am truly grateful to be his wife and love our life together. Though it’s hectic, crazy, and often too crowded for much couple time, I relish the moments we’re able to spend as husband and wife, and not just Mommy and Daddy. The weekend of weddings a few weeks back started the notion that I need to tell him more often what he means to me, and my devotion today focused on honoring my husband, so that’s what I’m attempting to do, though I haven’t been very good at it lately.
Garrett, I love you, and am committing to do better at showing you what you mean to me. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life. Yes, the road has been long and difficult at times, but the potholes make me grateful for the lines and directional arrows that direct us back to each other when life presents distractions and detours. I’m honored to co-pilot with you as we look forward to the journey ahead. Together, with the map of God’s word and Jesus, who’s more trustworthy than the Garmin, leading the way, we’ll journey together.
To Infinity, and Beyond,Mary Beth
1 Comment

annemarieunderwood1 said,
December 5, 2008 at 3:05 am · Edit
Mary Beth,
This is Anne Marie, a good friend of Katie’s from Douglasville. I just wanted you to know that I did receive your blog message and it has been a blessing to me. I kept checking daily to see if anyone had left one and it was very neat to receive one from another sister in Christ even though we don’t know each other very well. However we already have an amazing gift in common and that is Katie and Chad and precious little Charlie. Also my husbands family knows the Blair family very well. My father-in-law and Paul have lunch as often as they can. I love blog hopping too! It’s neat to get a glimpse of other peoples lives and you never know how God is going to draw people to one another. I want to thank you for the sweet and encouraging verse you left, I am going to write it in my journal and remember it frequently. I know that when God blesses us with the joy of a little one I will remember your encouragement. I keep telling Katie we are going to make it to LaGrange one of these days for one of the new services that Chad leads. I have only gotten to visit once for Charlie’s first birthday a couple years ago. Boy where does time go. My husband is also in the ministry and works for our church full time. He is on the creative team and works under our creative pastor so we do not get weekends off except for rare occasions. Anyway as girls can do I know I am rambling, but I wanted to let you know that I would love to email you my ePatterns. The only thing you are not allowed to do is resell the patterns themselves. So my prayer has been that I can use these in some way to bless others and I am going to take that opportunity and send both the patterns to you. If you would like, you can just leave a comment on my blog with your email address, or if you dont want it out there for the world to see I completely understand and you can email me at annemariefarmer@yahoo.com so that I can send them to you. Thank you for allowing God to use you in someones life that you hardly know.Blessings,Anne Marie

Pop Paul
December 2, 2008 at 6:16 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
As I sit and reflect on people in my life that I’m thankful for, and that I’m anticipating good things to come for, I think about “Pop Paul” as he’s known to Saralynn. None other than our Minister of Music, Paul Blair.
There are so many things to say about Paul, but the first is THANK YOU. Paul is one of the purest, kindest souls I have ever known. God blessed not only our church, but my family in particular, when He sent Paul and his family to LaGrange. Our families have a rich history, from a cookout at our house where I watched Paul eat a hamburger that had been on the grill a total of about 15 seconds, to countless musicals, to Paul’s part in both my grandparents’ funerals, and many other precious moments in between. Paul has always had a soft shoulder that has caught many a Carter tear, a heart bigger than his body, and a spirit that rivals any other person on this earth. His caring spirit, gentle hand, always caring heart, and ever-upbeat words are true gifts to me, and I am forever grateful for knowing this precious man!
Our church has made many changes in the past few months, all of which I think are in the best interest of the environment of the church and its people. Our contemporary service has exploded, and has been just what many of the people in our church and community have needed. Garrett and I are blessed to serve in this service. With those changes comes the difficulty of trying to keep what “was” in tact while bringing along something new. Paul seems to have the biggest job of all in doing what he can to make sure that the Music Ministry doesn’t suffer too much. The most important thing to note about these changes is that we are still ONE CHURCH, and should work that way. Paul is doing all he can to keep that thought alive and well.
This Advent season, that gives way to Christmas, I am grateful for God’s present to me in Paul Blair. Paul, I promise you that I’m along for the ride that’s set before us. Please pray for Paul as I know he’s stretched thin during this season. Our entire church staff is, but none quite like Paul. Please pray for protection for Paul as he continues to seek God’s will for our church, and for the ministries and people of each.
Anticipating the Coming,Mary Beth
1 Comment

Michelle Blair said,
December 2, 2008 at 7:47 pm · Edit
Mary Beth- You said it much better than I could have! That was so sweet! We love our Pop too! Thanks for all of your support; I know he appreciates it! I forwarded this on to him!

Coming
December 1, 2008 at 2:39 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Yesterday began the season of Advent. I have to admit, I don’t know that much about Advent, but am looking forward to learning. I remember as a child, I had a felt calendar that we hung out at Christmas that had 25 “pockets”- and in each, Mom always tucked a piece of candy. At some point during the busy routine of the day, we’d go to the calendar, take out the piece of candy, eat it, of course, and then prepare for the next day. It was our way of “counting down” to the big day! I’m sure she shared the meaning of Advent with me, but I don’t guess it ever really “stuck”. Our church has begun the tradtion of lighting the candles on the Advent wreath in the past couple of years, and this year is no exception. Yesterday’s candle was the Candle of Promise. Wow. What a way to start it off. The entire purpose of this crazy, hectic season is wrapped up in a promise- from God to us. He’ll be with us, always! He came in the form of a vulnerable baby, and I must admit, the story never resonated with me as much as it has now that I am a parent myself. The Miracle of the Season is so real to me this year, and I’m blessed to be a witness to the Love and Protection that came through that precious Baby!
As Advent literally means “coming” or “anticipation”, what are you anticipating this Christmas? I, for one, am waiting to watch promises unfold in the lives of those around me. So, during this Advent season, I hope to spotlight special people in my life, and ask you to join in praying for those people.
Today, Dec. 1st, please join my family in lifting up a prayer of thanksgiving for Chad, Katie, and Charlie Cottle. The Cottles have been a constant source of love and support since they arrived in LaGrange. Of course, since Chad and Garrett have known each other much longer than that, the support goes way back, but we are grateful for his family. Katie is the purest, kindest friend I have ever known. She is a constant source of encouragement to me, even while beautifully working through struggles of her own. Chad is a source of calm and trustworthy advice for Garrett, for which I am forever grateful. Charlie melted Saralynn’s heart long ago, and is often times one of the few ways we can “encourage” her out the door to church- “we’ll see Charlie”. This precious couple so selflessly gives of their time, talent, and treasure for the Kingdom and the imperfect people that go along with it. When I find myself tired and a bit dismayed at all going on around me, I think back on conversations and read encouraging emails from both Chad and Katie, and move on past myself, doing what I can to help tell the Story.
Please join me in continually praying for Chad and Katie’s pregnancy, that God would put His almighty Hand of Protection on their precious baby until it is time for us to meet him or her- sometime around the end of June. Thank Him, as we are, for the beautiful miracle we’ll witness through this family and their journey. Chad, Katie, and Charlie, we await with anticipation with you the journey that is to come for all of us, and are overwhelmed by your love for all of us. We love you more than you know and are grateful to be part of your lives.
Praying with anticipation, of what is to come for us all, in this season and always…The Pelts
1 Comment

Katie Cottle said,
December 5, 2008 at 2:49 pm · Edit
Mary Beth, You are too kind! We are so thankful for your friendship and prayers!!

Dobble, dobble, dobble
November 30, 2008 at 2:41 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
Like I know you did, the Pelt clan enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. My grandparents, Memaw and Papa, or “Emaw and Papa” as Saralynn calls them, came over in time to watch some of the parade, which was lots of fun! They came armed with a turkey Saralynn had made at school the week before. She took it to their house to show it off and left it, but it arrived home just in time for the big day. As she says, “a turtey says dobble, dobble, dobble”. So cute! If I can figure out how to do it, I’ll have to put up a video. We made napkin rings out of her handprint made to look like turkeys and made Indian hats and necklaces. We’re still making necklaces.
The day after Thanksgiving was a day for Garrett and I to spend some much needed time with Saralynn. She’s been a little under the weather, so we didn’t venture out shopping. We instead went to the Country Store at Callaway Gardens for breakfast and then enjoyed a nice, relaxing day at home.
Today has been a day of mixed emotions. Our beloved Dawgs got stung by a pack of Yellow Jackets, but the Crimson Tide rolled over some folks that can’t decide if they want to be eagles or tigers. Overall, a good day. Now, we set our eyes on a elephant/gator showdown next weekend. That’s all I’ll say. I’m not much on the trash talk- at least not until the game is over.
Please say a little prayer for my sweet baby. She’s been fighting this nasty cough and spiking fever since Wednesday. All seems well for a good bit of the day, and then all of a sudden, a 102.5 fever spikes. We’re praying for a good night’s sleep. Updates to come…
So much to be thankful for! I’ve become a blog junkie and am enjoying reading all the different angles of joy that are offered by and for the Cottles. Please continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy! God is so faithful, in His own time. Chad and Katie are some of the best friends Garrett and I have ever had, and we are absolutely overjoyed for them!
It’s off to prepare for Sunday School. I’m substitute teaching in the college/singles/young adult class. Reports on that tomorrow, too…

What a weekend!
November 24, 2008 at 4:46 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
This was one of those weekends that was a blur, but was one that I’ll remember for a long time!
Saturday morning we went to a birthday party for one of Saralynn’s very special friends, Katie Barnes, aka “KayBar”. We had a wonderful time playing with friends and watching Katie enjoy her special day.
Garrett and I then went to a wedding for one of the girls that was in the youth group I served. Paige married the perfect man for her in the sight of God and many witnesses, and it was a very special moment for me. During our DiscipleNow weekend, I had the girls write out their “list of attributes they looked for in a husband” and had the guys do the same for the wife they hoped to find. I’m not sure if this is the list Paige held on to or not, but she and Frank both had “lists” that they wrote out long before they met each other, and it was as if they had written it about each other now. Her mother was awed, but I reminded her that God knew the minute Paige was conceived who she would marry, so He knew all along that she wrote about Frank, and Frank about her. It was a very special day! Paige has always held a very special place in my heart, and I am very blessed to have been a part of her special day. Thanks, Paige, for the invite, and for allowing me the pleasure of being in your life.
Garrett and I then travelled back to LaGrange for the wedding of some childhood friends of mine. He was such a sport to accompany me to a wedding and not knowing the bride or the groom. This wedding was absolutely beautiful, and was 10 years in the making. Dean and Phil have known each other since preschool, as have many of our classmates. We all grew up together through ballroom dancing classes, schools, functions, etc., and it took AP biology to finally bring these two together. They began dating, and 10 years later, were married in one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever seen. The reception proved to be a precursor to our 10 year class reunion next year, and it was great to see some faces I haven’t seen since graduation night.
It was so nice to get dressed up and have somewhere fancy to go. Garrett looked very handsome in his suit, and I enjoyed breaking out the nice dress, makeup, and hair rollers again. I absolutely adore my everyday, somewhat mundane life at home as Mommy, but to glam up a little surely was a welcomed detour from the everyday. Thanks, Mimi, Pop, and Uncle Bub for babysitting! Thanks, Dean and Phil, for a great evening!
Then, to top off the weekend, we went to an amazing church service yesterday. The service began with Chad reading what church members are thankful for this season, and he read mine (mentioned in an earlier post). Though I had penned the words myself, it still touched me to hear them read. In the midst of this portion of the service, Chad also mentioned what he himself is thankful for this season, and one of the things is BABY COTTLE #2! He and Katie have prayed so earnestly for a new addition to their family, and God in His faithfulness, provided an answer to their prayers. If you haven’t already, check out their blogs for pictures of their cute little butterbean. :) Katie and Chad, it has been a pleasure to pray to the Father on your behalf. May this baby be blessed and annointed as Charlie is!
God is so faithful, even when we are not. He provides little and big blessings for us every day, some in the form of makeup and rollers, and others in the form of new life. Thank You, Jesus, for investing in us, even when we don’t deserve it!
And to think- all this, and it isn’t even Thanksgiving Day yet!!!

a wise piece of information
November 21, 2008 at 3:21 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
I ran across a little nugget today that I thought I would share.
On growing older…It’s frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
Do you have someone a little more advanced in years in your life? If so, ask them a question- any question, really, and wait for their answer. It’ll brighten your day that you found out something (hopefully) new, and brighten theirs that you took the time to ask and listen for the answer

I’m thankful for…
November 20, 2008 at 1:19 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Chad asked us at church last Sunday to think about things we’re thankful for. He asked us to email them to him, as part of this week’s service. I just emailed my thoughts, and thought I’d share them here. What are you thankful for this season?
Like everyone else, there’s so much to be thankful for, but, this Thanksgiving season, I’m most thankful for free will. At first glance, an odd thing to be thankful for, I know. But, I’m thankful for free will because, yet again, it’s one of God’s ways of showing just how much He loves me. God gives me the option to choose how I live my life. He wants all of me, 100% of the time- all my love, my talents, my time, but He allows me to decide how I will share my love, my talents, my time, and loves me even when I fall short of giving that all back to Him. He isn’t a puppet master that holds me by strings, manipulating my every move. No, He lovingly sets me on the stage and watches from the audience, willingly loving and applauding my good times, and even loving and applauding the times I don’t do well- in hopes that I’ll turn to Him for help. His gift of free will also allows me the opportunity to show His kind of love to those around me- those I know well and that know me well, and even those I don’t know and that don’t know me- and, sprinkled in along the way, those that don’t know Him. In His infinite wisdom, surely He could’ve come up with another plan to get His word out to a hurting and dying world than using imperfect me, but instead, He chooses to tell me “I love you enough to entrust My Story and My Love to you, for you to share it with the world”. Wow. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is! Thank You, Jesus, for loving me enough to let me choose, for applauding me when I choose well, and for dusting me off and letting me try again when I don’t choose well. Your gift of free will is one I cherish and am thankful for, this season and always!

Germs, germs, go away…
November 18, 2008 at 8:16 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
Saralynn isn’t the only one struggling with the cooties that come when the weather changes. Mom is at home with the crud, and poor Garrett is struggling with what I believe to be the flu. Lysol is our dearest friend these days!
Please say a prayer for precious Katie Cottle. She re-injured her back and is in lots of pain. We love you, Katie, and are praying for a quick recovery!
1 Comment

Kate said,
November 19, 2008 at 12:17 am · Edit
Thanks Mary Beth! I am very anxious to get well and come home and take care of my boys!!!

Mommy, my ears hurt
November 14, 2008 at 10:35 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
That’s one of those things you don’t want to hear first thing in the morning…
I had been doing so well on keeping the blog updated…
Tuesday morning of this week, as I woke Saralynn up for day care, she sleepily wakes up and says to me throug slanted eyes “Mommy, my ears hurt!” She digs her knuckles in her ears and, through tear-stained eyes, says it again, for emphasis. “Mommy, my ears hurt.” Then, the dreaded three words “Mommy, fix it”. By now, I’m ready to cry with her. She’s never said anything specific hurt before, so I knew it was a real, genuine hurt.
I sent everyone else on to work, and called the doctor. That was the most horrific thing I’ve ever been through in my life. DISCLAIMER: If you have a two-year old that complains of hurting ears, DON’T go to the doctor by yourself. My mom dropped us off while she ran a few errands, and Saralynn knew where she was as soon as we drove into the parking lot. “No, no, no”… came the muffled whines from the backseat.
Fast forward to the point at which they call our names. We had been peacefully watching “Charlotte’s Web”, methodically pointing out each animal as it passed across the screen. “Saralynn Pelt to the back please”. This phrase shattered our peacefulness. We get up to walk to the back and I hear “I want to watch TV”. Yet another phrase I’ve never heard my child utter. She would’ve asked for anything to get out of seeing the doctor!
The nurse asks her symptoms and orders bloodwork. Oh, boy, the fun… Saralynn begins to scream, as one would expect. The doctor then comes in and does a strep test. Again, screaming. Poor thing works herself up so she makes herself sick. Then, the exam. The doctor and the nurse come in. The nurse holds her feet, and the doctor asks ME to restrain her arms AND hold her head still. Thus, I get to see my two year old piece of my heart longingly look up at me through tear-filled eyes as if to say “how could you let them do this to me? And how could you partake in this?” My eyes began to fill at this point, as Saralynn cries “Mommy!” Little did she know, I was crying the same thing on the inside, wanting my mommy to help me help my baby.
Diagnosis: a double ear infection. Again. Prescription: antibiotic. Again. Poor Saralynn. The “messinine” is not her friend, and neither is the person that gives it to her. Namely, me. We’re three days into the medicine with seven more to go, and I’m ready for those seven days to be a memory.
So, we survived the past three days. We put countless diapers on countless babies, read stories over and over and over again, watched Elmo and Barney on TV (yes, I cracked. The mommy that said she’d never willingly expose her children to Barney gave in. She watches it at school, saw a commercial for it, and asked. What can I say? She’s sick.) And, all the while, as the thoughts of stir-craziness began to creep into my mind, all I can think of is how wonderful it is to have some one-one-one time with my baby, who is growing so fast!
“Mommy, my ears hurt”. Those words I don’t want to hear again, but that I’m grateful for hearing, because it means I got a few priceless moments with my Saralynn during the middle of the week. A rare treat I’ll cherish, even if it means a few doses of yucky “messinine”.
2 Comments

Michelle Blair said,
November 16, 2008 at 12:32 am · Edit
Bless your heart AND hers! I HATE ear infections! Grayson’s right ear is draining for the first time since we got tubes in February. I guess the only thing I am thankful for is that I got what I paid for- they are doing their job!! BUT, the ear drops are NOT Grayson’s friend! Hope to see you in the morning! Michelle

Pam Pruett said,
November 16, 2008 at 9:45 pm · Edit
Tubes were the best thing I ever did for Addie! She had an ear infection just about every month from 4 m-13 months!! Got tubes at 13 months and really, I must say that runny noses and colds have never bothered her! Sinus drainage occasionally is all we have dealth with in the past 7 years!!! Dr. Novelly (our ENT) is a GODSEND!!!
Hope she feels better soon!

couponing
November 10, 2008 at 4:42 pm (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, I’ve joined the world of couponing. My family watched in awe as I spent most of my Sunday afternoon clipping and organinzing. Whew! What a job! But, if it helps my family, then I’m all for it. Some thrifty heroes at church have inspired me. Tips, tricks, anyone?

Back-Up, Part 2

2009-01-02T09:52:00.000-05:00

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?…

The Back-Up of Previous Posts from Previous Blog, part 1

2009-01-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

Here are my previous posts. If you aren't new to the blog, you've read these before. If you are new to the blog, feel free to read...

Whine and Cheese…
May 1, 2008 at 1:33 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, it’s been a while since I blogged… Lots going on lately. But, back to the present…
Today is Wednesday, which means we went to church. We listened to the youth give their own personal accounts of their Ecuador trip and it was great to hear all they had to say. We enjoyed hanging out with the Cottles. Charlie and Saralynn had fun together!
Then, we came home… and we cried… and we cried… and we cried. Garrett decided to have some cheese and crackers- a staple late night snack at our house, and Saralynn of course wanted some- she loves cheese almost as much as her Daddy. Ask him sometime about the youth trip on which he ate an ENTIRE block of cheese… Anyway, the cheese I bought was extra sharp, so he was afraid it would aggravate her, so he wouldn’t let her have much. That didn’t go well, as you might imagine. But, the evening ended well- Saralynn fell asleep in her Daddy’s arms after 2 sips of milk. It was definitely a Kodak moment!

just chillin’…
April 6, 2008 at 2:03 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
Today is Saturday. Today was AWESOME!!! We did NOTHING! Garrett worked from 7 to 1- was supposed to work until 3, but got off early. Saralynn slept until 8:30 and came downstairs with Pop and Uncle Bub about 9:00, which is when Mommy woke up. THAT was AMZING! We played in the rain for about 2 minutes, watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and a couple of NCIS episodes- today’s a marathon. :) We napped for two hours, too.
We went to Charlie Joseph’s for lunch around 2:30, to the grocery store for a few essentials, and back home to watch the Final Four games. A few more NCIS episodes were sprinkled in.
We love having things to do on the weekends, but it’s also nice to have a day to do nothing. Very energizing and refreshing!!! Now, we’re looking forward to church tomorrow… :)

bragging on Bub…
April 5, 2008 at 2:00 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, nothing really big to note today. Woke up, went to work, sat there and tried to look busy since the systems are locked down at the moment… Went to lunch, sat there looking busy again, and came home… My brother has been home this week for Spring Break, which has been very cool. Saralynn is so digging having Uncle Bub at home. The weather hasn’t been so exciting today. Bub went outside to see what all was happening with it, and left Saralynn inside with Mommy. How rude!!! She got my shoes and put them down on the floor and proceeded to pick up my feet up and try to get them in my shoes, all the while saying “Bub, outside, Bub, outside…” So, we went outside. She noticed that he had on his rain coat, so of course, she had to have hers on, too. Too funny!
Speaking of Bub, he found out the other day that he’ll get to wear a Legacy medallion at graduation because I attended LaGrange College long enough to show the intention of graduating. Wow. I’m so excited for him… The first to graduate from college… And, he’s talking full-time job at Interface next week. WOO-HOO!!! He had a meeting today with Mr. George- no big deal, right? Apparently he’s pretty high up and is also the godfather of Shaquille O’Neal’s oldest children. Too cool!
My brother rocks my life! This is the proudest big sister ever!!!

The Pelt Family’s Favorite Color is NOT Yellow
April 4, 2008 at 1:51 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, for anyone that might not realize it, pollen is falling from the sky like rain, and it isn’t cool. Poor Saralynn and Garrett are having a horrible time dealing with the yucky stuff. I, for one, don’t usually have trouble, so at least for now am counting myself lucky. Saralynn woke up last night miserable, which of course didn’t do much for everyone else’s sleep. Garrett sounds pitiful, too. Hopefully we’ll get some rain soon to wash it all away.As for the situation with Mickey Fred… Well, apparently he had a girlfriend, Minnie Wilma. She also met her demise. Apparently they found our peanut buttery treats around the same time, but Garrett only discovered Minnie Wilma this afternoon. Ok, so we don’t really know if we had two Mickey Freds or two Minnie Wilmas or one of each or what- we didn’t inspect that closely. But, we do know that they don’t belong in our domain and must go. As I type, another trap snaps, and I jump to the ceiling and back. Hopefully Ronnie and Meyer Pest Control will come tomorrow and make sure we got the entire family. I guess this is a drawback to living in a basement that’s partially underground and easily accessible. Let’s just hope… On a more serious note, I’m beginning tonight to read a Chronological Bible, which I’m stoked about. I really think I might connect more with some of the history of the Old Testament if I can know the timeframe of when stuff happened. The version I chose is The Daily Bible, which means I’ll read the Bible through chronologically in one year. I’ve also been doing a lot of praying and really want to present to the church staff the idea of a small group Bible study that will focus on the stories behind some of our modern-day worship songs. I’ve been doing some searching on the internet and have found quite a bit of information, which excites me. At first I’d thought about compiling my own info, but the more I’ve searched, there are already quite a few books on the subject(s), so I think I’ll pick up a couple of books and read them and see what happens. I’m super excited about the prospect- now I just have to get the staff behind the idea… Off to read…

Whiskers and Peanut Butter
April 3, 2008 at 1:18 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, Garrett and I are sitting up in bed but getting ready to go to sleep, literally just minutes after I wrote last night’s blog. We’re watching “The Biggest Loser”- there’s only one more week before the finale, by the way. Anyway, we’re watching TV, when all of a sudden, we both see something move across the floor. We both looked at each other as if to say “Did you see that?” Not quite sure what it was, and not really wanting to stick around to find out, I did the only thing a sane woman would do- I left Garrett on the bed and high-tailed it upstairs. A few shrieks later, Garrett joined me upstairs, informing us that there was a mouse in our bedroom. A small, almost cute one, but a mouse nonetheless. Garrett stayed downstairs trying to lure Mickey out of his safe haven, but after a half hour or so, gave up and joined me in the upstairs den. If I may, an observation: sleeping on the love seat doesn’t make for the best night’s rest ever.
So, I woke up this morning and got ready, only to realize that my cell phone was downstairs, in Mickey Land. I ran downstairs and back up faster than the speed of light, with my phone tucked securely in my pocket. Whew! I went to work, only to think all day about how much I wanted to sleep in my own bed!!!
Fast forward to 3:15 this afternoon. Garrett tells me he’s talked to Meyer Pest Control (bless you all!), and Ronnie tells Garrett to set some traps and put peanut butter on them. So, what does Garrett do? He buys 12 mouse traps and a jar of peanut butter, of course. Wal-Mart is handy sometimes!
Forward again to 8:30 this evening. I’m longing for my bed. Saralynn is trying to go down for the night, and I’m wishing I could join her soon. Just as I’m about to dose off myself, Garrett comes bounding up the stairs with the news that “Fred is DEAD!” I want so badly to feel sorry for the living creature that has just met his demise in my house, but I just can’t. I’m overjoyed! I get my domain back! But, Garrett does remind us all that he didn’t die hungry. His last meal consisted of a mouthful of peanut butter. I’m really not sure I’ll ever view peanut butter the same way again, but I’m just glad the furry creature is out of my bedroom! Garrett escorted Fred to the edge of the woods and released his body from the confines of the trap. We’re hoping we won’t, but you never know when we might need it, along with the other 11, again some day.
All in all, it was a good day. Fred got to go back outside where he belongs, though he won’t be able to enjoy it, and I’ll get to enjoy my bed. Oh, and I’m making a note to consider naming a son after Ronnie. He is now officially my hero.

Random Thoughts…
April 2, 2008 at 1:47 am (Uncategorized) · Edit
So, I thought I’d join the world of blogging. Who knows what compelled me, but I did. And, no, it’s not an April Fool’s Day joke. I’ve gotta give this some thought, but for today, the blog goes like this… Saralynn fell down and skinned her knee in the driveway tonight. A few tears and some Neosporin later, we’re all ok, but it’s no fun to watch your baby hurt. This is the first big boo-boo that’s brought some blood with it, so we’re in unchartered territory. Watching her cry and knowing how it makes me feel reminds me of how much God hurts when we hurt. He wants so badly to pick us up and brush us off and kiss our boo-boos. But, it’s up to us to come running to Him with our arms up, tears and all, asking Him to help as only He can. Even though Saralynn was hurt, all she had to know was that Mommy and Daddy were there to pick her up, brush her off, clean her up, and make it all better, which, of course, we did. I’m constantly in awe of the fact that God entrusted her to us, and am so in awe of all He teaches us through her. That’s it for now… :) More to come…

Movin' on Up...

2009-01-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

This is the first post on this site, but to follow previous posts, please visit http://marybethpelt.wordpress.com.

I had been debating whether or not to move my blog from Wordpress to Blogger, and decided it was the right thing to do. After all, my email account is set up through Google, Blogger offers more template choices, and this gives me the chance to make this blog more about my family than me, thus changing the address, etc. So, welcome to Profoundly Pelt. (If you have another adjective that can go in front of Pelt, I'm all ears- nothing's set in stone yet).

For now, that is all... going to design the blog. More postings later.

Love,
Mary Beth