Yes, I love technology - Day 6

Day 6 - Christmas Praise and Celebration 


As Kip sang in Napoleaon Dynomite, "Yes, I love technology but not as much as you, you see!".  (Did I just quote Napoleon Dynomite?  Oh dear. My husband has brainwashed me! )


I just disconnected my video camera and I am fill with thanksgiving that we live in the day of Skype so I can keep in touch with my girls when they are far from home.  

God Winks - Day 5

Day 6 - Christmas Praise and Prayer


God Wink - when something happens that makes you smile in a way that only God can.  It seems as if He is looking right at you with a smile and a wink as if to say, "That little blessing is JUST for you! I love YOU!" *wink*.


Well, that's my definition.  Hopefully, you get the point.  


I totally love when I get a God wink.  God knows my heart and He knows exactly what and when I need some encouragement.  I am always thankful for each random "God wink". 


**Preface to my recent God wink:  My nickname for my grand daughter is Pepita.  (Here's why).  Pepita means little seed in Spanish.  Hold that thought.**


Last week I drove my daughter back to college.  My man had a wedding and was unable to make the road trip with me.  So, as they say I was "riding solo" which meant I would be traveling back home alone at night for a few hours.  I didn't mind but I must admit driving alone that far (at night) was a little out of my comfort zone. I asked a few of my dear prayer warrior buddies to pray and off I went on my adventure.


After delivering my girl to her dorm, nature decided to call so I made a quick stop at the College Bookstore before hitting the road back home.  While at the bookstore, I picked up a little snack for the road.  I decided on trail mix since it was a good source of protein.  I turned the bag over to read the ingredients (didn't want added sugar) and imagine my delight when I got a little "God Wink".

It was as if He was saying to me, "You'll be just fine on this trip home, Beck.  I'm with you. You know how much you love your little grand-baby, Pepita?  Well, I love you MORE than that. You are MY little seed!"


What God-winks are you thankful for?

Monday Morning Dance Party - Day 4

Ding Dong. ( followed by banging on the front door)


"Hi Miiiiiimiiiii!"


That is what I heard first thing this morning as a little visitor came by to see us before she returned home to NC.   She entered our house bright and early with tons of energy and an equal amount of giggles.   Her mama (my oldest daughter) enjoyed a cup of coffee and a moment of quiet before hitting the road.   I enjoyed a unexpected Dance Party with my precious little Pepita.  

Jaelynn a.k.a. Mimi's Pepita

Day 4 of Christmas Praise and Celebration finds me so thankful for life and for God's Miracles.  Jaelynn is nothing short of a miracle.  (click here for her story).

Church Lady - Day 3

Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people.

Day 3 of Christmas Praise and Celebration finds me full of gratitude for Church.  Not a particular church. Not a building.  Not a denomination.  The Church.  The Body of Christ.  Christians.   The collective church that is made up of many people worldwide with many backgrounds from various denominations.  That Church. 

Photo credit:  Kathryn Fincher "Here's the Church.."

This morning, I had the honor to visit the church where I received my Christian foundation for many years.  The church where I met my husband and the one both of my daughters grew-up in and attended every week--everytime the door was open.   I was invitied to interpret for the Deaf at the early service of my former church and  I was excited to be able to return to serve.   When I arrived I was bombarded with love and hugs.  It was such a blessing to see precious brothers and sisters I had not seen in quite a while.   Many of those precious people spent years investing in me and my husband in teaching us and demonstrating Godly lifestyles for us in our early years of our Christian walk.  Needless to say, it was a fantastic reunion this morning. 


After the service as I was walking across the parking lot to my car,  I couldn't help but to think how amazing heaven will be.  When all Believers will be together and re-united.  All denominational barriers will be gone and we will be in unity worshiping Christ together.  With that thought, I proceeded to drive to my current church--the one my husband pastors.  The one where I found many more big 'ol hugs awaiting me from even more precious Christian people.


I experienced two very different worship services this morning in two different locations.   The common denominator that I experienced was the love of Jesus at both places.   Though differing in many ways, both are part of the Church universal.  Oh, the anticipation as I think of how many more Christians gathered together this morning in churches through out the world.  All that make up the body of Christ. The Church.  What a day of rejoicing it will be when we all see Jesus (as the song says) and we are united together around the Throne. 

The Gift of Java - Day 2

Day 2 of my Christmas Praise and Celebration finds me super thankful for this:   

photo from Keurig.com

I totally heart my Keurig. We received ours as a gift last year from my brother and super SIL.  My faithful Mr. Keurig makes getting up to go to work at 6:00am on a cold Saturday morning much easier.  Did I mention, I heart my Keurig?

Oh yeah--throw in a few of these K-cups and it is guaranteed to make one happy (and wide-awake) Beck!

greenmountaincoffee.com

In case you think coffee is not "spiritual" enough to qualify for a post , need I remind you of the "Hebrews" joke?  Okay--here goes:


Q:  How do we know that Jesus made coffee?
A:  It says so in the book of He Brews (Hebrews).

Only A Mom - Day 1 Gift

 Christmas Praise and Celebration - Day 1  

They are not mine.  They belong to Him.  Yet, my heart overflows with thanksgiving that He loaned them to me to nurture and raise. They make me laugh.  They make me cry.  They are the reason for my grey hairs (kidding).  I miss the days when they were little but I am so proud of each of them and the beautiful, Godly young women they have become. 


I am thankful for the gift of being a mother.

Some things only a mom can do. Only a mother can powder a baby’s behind with one hand and hold the phone with the other. Only a mom can discern which teen is entering the door just by the sound of the key in the lock. Only a mom can spend a day wiping noses, laundering enough socks for the Yankees, balancing a checkbook down to $1.27, and still mean it when she thanks God for her kids. Only a mom. Some things only a mom can fix. Like Hamburger Helper without the hamburger.Like the cabinet door her husband couldn’t and his bruised ego when he found out that she could. Broken shoelace? Broken heart? Breaking out on your face? Breaking up with your sweetheart? Moms can handle that. Some things only a mom can fix. Some things only a mom can know. The time it takes to drive from piano lesson to Little League practice? She knows. How many pizzas you need for a middle school sleepover? Mom knows: How many Weight Watcher points are left in the day and days are left in the semester? Mom can tell you. She knows. We men usually don’t. The kids are usually clueless.

Moms are a breed apart.

 ~ Max Lucado (pg. 89 - Next Door Savior)

Also, today I am thankful to link up with my buddies at Company Girl.  I have missed them!  

Christmas Praise and Celebration

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  James 1:17

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived.  Preparations are underway. The hussle and bussle has started. The traffic is crazy and the lines in the stores---even crazier.  The hunt for finding the perfect gift for friends and loved ones continues again this year. (You know, the "one" gift they will love and remember for years to come.)  We wrap the gifts with foil paper and large bows and place them under the tree to ultimately have hidden treasure in each box revealed. The Lord has been impressing upon my heart this season  to look for the delightful treasures and gifts He has daily given me.  

I believe Our Lord is the Ultimate gift giver and His perfect gift to each of us is His Son, Jesus Christ.  As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth this year I want to take time out each day during this Christmas season and reflect on the gifts He has given me.   No matter how big or small, obvious or not-so-obvious this gift may seem, I want to take time this Christmas to give Him intentional daily praise and thanksgiving.  I hope you will join me during this time of Christmas Praise and Celebration as we give thanks. 
(Feel free to copy the picture (above) and chime in on your blog.  There is no right or wrong way.  Just Celebrate Christ with Praises and Thanksgiving!)


Merry CHRISTmas! 

November Re-cap

My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. Psalms 71:8

To say time is going faster than I am would be a massive understatement. I have been rather neglectful in posting but I'm ready for a fresh start.  Sometimes we need to pull back from the busyness of life and just "be still". I thought I had just become lazy with my blog, however, after a short hiatus I realize I needed time away to re-focus.   I have been really praying and seeking The Lord the past few months for direction and clarity in my life.  Being an "empty nester" has been a challenging and tough season for this mother's heart. (I hope to share more in later posts).  During these past few months I have enjoyed a sweet time of seeking Him and He has been faithful to hold me, guide me and teach me.   


 During this time The Lord worked and convicted me of my lack of praising Him.  Especially here on my blog.  Last year I posted everyday in November listing thanks each day for 30 days.   I am sad I missed that opportunity this year, however, with Thanksgiving reflecting in my heart I realize it is never too late to give Thanks to Him!  A fresh start!


I believe this is the most wonderful time of the year and my personal goal will be to post each day during the Christmas season something that I am thankful for.  I want to take time to recognize the precious gifts I have been given each day.   I plan to taking time to slow down, enjoy the season, love my family and reflect on the gifts The Lord has given me.  I hope you will join me too (so check back if you want join it!)


Here is a glimpse of the past few weeks in the Burton house and just a few of the things I I am thankful for:


(~~First, no picture for this one but I passed my state interpreting test!  Thanks to all who prayed for me as I took my two-part test and waiting for my results!~~)

Having all my family with me on Thanksgiving Day
Josh, Jaelynn, Amanda, Jim, Me(front), Jordyn, Mom (front), Dad, Ryan, Holly (front)

The sheer delight on Jaelynn's  face about her candy cane reminds me to enjoy the simple things in life everyday!

Sums it all up!  Celebrate God for all He has done!

My baby girl turned 19 this month.  We were thrilled she was home from college to celebrate with us!

Can you tell that I truly can not get enough of my grand daughter?

Enjoying Jordyn being home for 9 days from college.  How I have missed our girls time.

Odd, I know.  But my favorite number is "11"!!

Goofing off with my oldest, Amanda and her precious pregnant belly.  Baby Zoie will be here in 6 weeks!  Maybe she will make it in time for Christmas (or Mimi's birthday!)

My man was a bit under the weather over Thanksgiving and didn't want to get close enough to anyone to have pictures taken.  I was able to capture this a few weeks ago.  I love this picture of his handsome self.  Shows his serious, yet almost cracking a silly smile, side.

Monday Morning Update Complete with Planking

Just like the seasons change during the year, seasons of life change too.   The season of "empty nest" has been a time of adjustment for us.  If you follow my blog, you know one of my favorite things in life is being a mommy (only second to being a wife). Though I will always wear my 'mommy' hat , my daily responsibilities have changed now that our baby has gone to college.  One change in recent months is that I started working a neat little part time job in June.  The job was a God-send for us and I am so thankful, especially in light of the current job market.  Besides, in addition to adjustment,  the "empty-nest" season also brings a little thing called college tuition!  Working, while only part time, and being a wife to a man in the ministry has limited my blog time.  I'm still a blog stalker and miss my friends in Blogville but I think of you and pray for you often.

I had a few minutes this morning to log-in for a quick update.  If you are seeking random (my usual) then skip ahead to the second-to-last  point:

• Jordyn came home for Fall Break this weekend.  To say we were delighted to see her would be an understatement.  She is doing great and is loving college.  She is diggin' her Theology class and is praying about a Theology/Philosophy major with a music minor (she has her dad's brains and musical abilities).

• My precious little grand-baby is doing great! Jaelynn is getting ready for her own little adjustment.  Her baby sister (Zoie) is due in January.   

• Still waiting for the results of my state interpreting test.  It's been 4 months so they should arrive any day. 

• Saturday night I double-dog dared my sister-in-law to plank with me!  It was my first attempt and might be my last (I'm injury prone and I don't think my Chiropractor would approve!)

• If you want a good sermon, you have to check out "Bulls, Lions and Dogs" (Sept. 25th)  by Pastor Jim Cymbala of The Brooklyn Tabernacle.  I tried to embed the sermon but I was unsuccessful.  Take the time to go to the link, find it and listen.   I was totally bawling the entire message.  I pray this will touch your heart as it did mine!

TGIF

Today is Company Girl Friday!!  I miss you all but life has been a little "weird" here in Virginia lately.  Got my girl settled in college.  Cried my eyes out then it got really wild around here!    The past week here in Virginia has been interesting to say the least!  We experienced a 5.8 earthquake a week ago and this past weekend we found ourselves face to face with Hurricane Irene.  Irene did minimal damage to my home, however, we lost our electricity for a few days.  We were blessed as many in our area were not so fortunate.  We still have many families in our community without electricity, as well as, trees down in their yard and even on their houses.   Please continue to pray for our area. 


Hope to be back soon with a fun blog post!!  I've been praying for you all the past few weeks.


Just in case you don't know what Company Girls is all about go here and join in on the weekly Friday fun: Company Girls 9.2

It's time to fly

To quote my hubby from earlier today, "The little bird is about to leave the nest.".   Indeed.  Indeed.  I couldn't help but take a quick picture today of this cute sight from her room:

Meet Scruffy.  Scruffy is Jo's BBF (best bear forever.).  If Scruffy could talk he could share some major stories.  Scruffy use to follow Jo around everywhere.  He's gone on a gazillion trips and he even went to Europe with her on two mission trips.  Like any best buds, Jo and Scruffy have been through thick and thin together.  And of course, as one might expect they have been through countless childhood illnesses.  Through it all, they made it; Jordyn through life's growing pains and Scruffy through many wash cycles.  After today, I am happy to report it looks like they are off on another adventure together.  It sure makes this mom's heart happy knowing my baby won't be alone at college.  If I can't go with her, I'm glad Scruffy can.   Glad to know she's not flying solo.

Speaking of flying solo, I randomly just  realized my Editor-in-Chief (that's Jo) will no longer be sitting by me in on the sofa when I need a quick proof on my blog. (Oh dear...I need the Kleenex again.....) so I hope the typo's are not too many in future posts.  Please bear with me (bear with me!....I crack myself up at times.)

In all seriousness my soon to be empty-nest is nothing compared to the many trials and hardships many are facing right now.   So many are struggling with job loss, health problems, marital issues, financial woes, etc.  If you read my blog regularly then you know I am a huge believer in the supernatural power of prayer.  I want to pray for you.  If I can intercede for you in any way, please just leave me a comment or shoot me an email and I'll be praying for you.  You are loved!!