Happy Birthday from My MAN!!! (and Christmas Pics too!)

Wow! Two posts in one day! I guess that is what vacation is for, right? BTW, having a BLAST on vacation.

Much to my surprise the door bell rang this afternoon and as we opened the door we found our friendly neighborhood delivery man standing at the door with a delivery for "Becky Burton" (the birthday girl,..did I tell you it was my birthday?). My man had not only gone out to buy steaks and ice cream (duh! It is MY birthday) and chocolate cake, but he had gone to order me 12 beautiful red birthday roses. AWWWWWW.



Notice the Christmas Tree in the background? Yep, it is neat to have a birthday two days after Christmas.

So, as I sit here and listen to my Fi-pod (that is what I nick named my fake ipod that mom and dad gave me for Christmas) I get the best of both worlds. Christmas Tree and Birthday roses.

I'll leave you with some Christmas Pictures.

My girls on Christmas Morning


The Gang's all here!



Me and Cousin Chris (AKA Toot)



Mom and Dad's FAMOUS Jello Salad...yummy!



Little Miss Tillie Mae and her "new friend"



My little brother...aka Bubs (isn't he handsome??)



My man (who HATES having his picture taken)enjoying his Christmas Morning coffee




TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) Concert...it was AMAZING! Thanks for the tickets G and C!!!




Last but not least, mom and dad! (I think mom liked her gift!)

Happy Birthday to Me!

Need a gift idea for the Beckster? Visit Maggie Moo's by clicking here - The Worlds BEST ice cream (according to me!)

Though it is a 45 minute drive....it is worth it! Better Batter with a scoop of Dark Chocolate...ahhhhhhhh there is nothing like it. Of course, don't forget a cone for the "drive home". (my mouth is watering thinking about it).

Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday dear Beck Beck
Happy Birthday to me!

My Man!

Oh, I know Jim will be quite upset with me as he doesn't like this picture...and actually, he doesn't like getting his picture taken but I couldn't resist! I just love my man!!! He is so much more than my hubby. He is my Pastor, accountability partner, therapist (poor guy), lover (stop gasping..I'm married to him I can say that!!) and last not but not least my very best friend in the world. I have so much respect for him. I am blessed to have a Godly man who loves Jesus more than anything on this earth.

If you are reading this and your marriage isn't that great. Please don't despair. Pray! Pour your heart out to The Lord and cry out for help. Pray for your "man". Ask God to save him, deliver him from strongholds...whatever it is you have on your heart.

I read a quote the other day that said, "The grass is greener on the other side, but to get it to be green you must water and fertilize it.". Maybe your "grass isn't so green", pray and ask God to show you how to invest in your marriage. Marriage is hard work, it takes 100% from both spouses. With The Lord, you can do it! All things (even wonderful marriages) are possible with Him!

What to my wondering eyes should appear...but wisemen!

I couldn't believe it! When my family and I returned from Friday Night Live (ministries at church), someone had tinkered with my outside nativity.

Imagine my surprise when we pulled up to find my plastic nativity (Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus) had visitors!!! It was like a Christmas version of "While You Were Out". Someone anonymously came and added three wise men and a beautiful, bright star to my outside decor!! (oh, need I mention the neatly arranged electrical wiring that was added).

So, to whoever you are... THANK YOU! What a surprise and unexpected blessing.

Nananda is in the house!

My oldest daughter, Amanda (A.K.A. Nananda) popped in today to see us. What a nice surprise. Here's some pics from our visit!



Also, here is a pic of me and Bubs (my little brother) from Thanksgiving

72 Ounces of Chocolate Chips...worth repeating 72 OUNCES!

'Tis the season!! Can you believe it? Christmas time already! All I can tell you is that I am so excited! I love this time of year. Today I had the privilege of going to Sam's club for my monthly grocery stop. I was able to stay with the list, until I rounded the corner and what to my wondering eyes did appear!!! 72 glorious ounces of Nestle's Toll House chocolate chips. And Yes, I put them in my cart as fast as I could and I skipped down the aisle! It is officially, "the most wonderful time of the year!"

Seriously, before you think I have totally lost my mind, I will tell you that I am excited about the season for more reasons than 4 pounds of chocolate chips. Don't get me wrong, I, like most of you, do not like what this time of year has become. But I do LOVE what it is about. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. My Jesus! Your Jesus. Our Savior. What a great time to be joyful and share His love for the world. As we go out and about this time of year it is easy to lose our focus. It is easy to get "scrooge-y" as we stand in long lines. But Christmas is a time for us to embrace our faith. Faith that a baby was born to a virgin in a manger. This baby was born, to die. Die for us. For our sins. With that in the forefront of our minds, what a great opportunity we have before us this season. We can share the gospel to our cashier, give the sales clerk a tract, encourage a single mom with an anonymous gift, talk to the Salvation Army Bell ringers, bake a batch of cookies (I have some chips you can borrow) for your lost neighbors. Take your family out Christmas Caroling to a nursing home, volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, write a letter to a missionary and tell them "Thank You" for sacrificing their life to serve The Lord. Host a Happy Birthday Jesus Party for the neighborhood kids (thanks Neener from CBS for this great idea!!) The opportunities are endless.

The important thing this time of year is to just shine for Jesus! And sure, we should do this all year long...but why not start now!

'Tis the Season......for change

There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. Ecc 3:1-4


Wow, so maybe I have been M.I.A. in Blogville for a month or so. I have thought of posting, but just didn't have any words (imagine me w/o words! ha ha). However, today I am ready! With my faithful Mr. Coffee mug beside me, Christmas Tree glowing and KLOVE (Christian radio) playing in the background...I am ready! WARNING: Beware, this could be long.

The past month has been certainly a time for reflection. And a time for change. Some change is good, sometimes it is bad...sometimes it is very sad. The past month we have relfected on change as we learn of family members (nieces and nephews) getting married. One moving far away, while another will be moving closer. We have sat with friends as they have shed tears of pain due to unwanted, unexpected change that came their way. Friends have resigned from the ministry after years of service, babies were born and the list could go on and on. I won't bore you with the details but there are a few that are on my heart today that I want to share.

Our family learned last week that one of our friends and precious brothers in Christ, Danny Velasco, passed away. We had the privilege of getting to know him this past year and even had the honor of having him down to VA to speak at our church in January. Please pray for Danny's family and for his spiritual family at Brooklyn Tabernacle as they deal with their loss. We can rejoice to know he is with Jesus. If you have not heard Danny's testimony...you MUST! It is powerful stuff! Check out his ministry website, you will be blessed. www.dannyvelasco.org




Earlier this month, I was saddened with the loss my precious little buddy, Chester, (10 year old Yorkie). Some may think I am being "silly" but I loved this little pup very much!! I sure do miss him but at the same time I am thankful for the 10 years that he made me laugh and was a great companion!



It's a girl!!! I am happy to add we have a small blessing in the Burton household. Little Miss Tilli Mae. She's only 4 pounds and is pretty much full grown. Tillie is Jordyn's 8 month old Yorkie puppy. We got her in July and she has made the lost of Chester much easier for me. (Thanks Jordy for sharing her with me!)



Jordyn turned 15 last week! Wow! How time flies. Enough said about her birthday...it makes me feel old and sad! ha ha One thing that Jordyn wanted for her birthday was tickets to see her favorite Christian group, Leeland. Lee who?? I know. I was the same way prior to the concert. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. I must say, I was totally blown away at this group. What an incredible group of young men. They totally blessed the socks off of me and Jim. Dynamic lyrics (no compromise) and what a precious spirit they all had. The Lead singer (Leeland) is only 19 and what an incredible songwriter/singer. In my opinion, we need more solid Christian bands like this for our Youth to listen too. Their CD has made a permanent home in our Honda. And BTW, let's pray for this group....they are sold out for Jesus. Not only are they singing non-compromising songs of Jesus they are presenting the Gospel to countless youth (and adults) at their concerts. Talk about an instant target for the enemy.

Be sure to check out some of their tunes at www.leelandonline.com

Jordyn was thrilled to get a picture with Leeland (below). (Once again, this shows the hearts of these young men...they took time to actually pose for a picture with a fan!!! That is unheard of, even with our christian groups, these days!!!)



As I reflect back on the past few weeks...change is inevitable. One thing that never changes is The Lord. There is not even a shadow of change in Him.

It makes me think of Daniel's prayer :
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."

I realize I have SO much to be thankful for. My cup runneth over...so much so that my saucer is full too! The Lord is so faithful to us! May we never forget that...in the good the bad...He NEVER changes!

Nothing can separate us from His love. Praise you Jesus!!!

Well, Enough for my November Novel.

Uber???

Oh, my! How do I exist in this world??? Where have I been?? That is the very question my 15 year old asked me today when I heard her use the word "uber". So many important things to learn and just not enough time. Well, interestingly enough it turns out that it is a word (don't take my word for it...check Merriam- Webster)and it means "good to the extreme".

I sat down with my afternoon cup of coffee and checked one of my favorite blogs (Beth Moore, of course) to find yet another word I was unfamiliar with! Spittle?? My brain hurts from the increase of wrinkles today! ha ha Be sure to take a peek at Beth's blog for more information...she explains "spittle" better than I.

I am off to buy a dictionary! Hope your day is an "uber" one!?

Court

I was recently asked to sit with someone in court as they faced a charge.

While in court, I made some interesting observations. Like many, going into a court room is far from my favorite event in life. After being thoroughly searched, I was allowed in to the court room with others. I personally wasn’t charged with anything, but the setting itself was enough to make me nervous. As I waited for the session to begin, I noticed the casual chatter and laughter of some in the room. Finally, a sheriff’s deputy walked forward and recited the rules of the court. All stand when the Judge enters, no chewing gum, no hats, no sunglasses, no slouching, no giggling, absolutely no talking, and on and on.


Then the big moment arrived as the Judge entered the room, “All rise!” the deputy declared and everyone suddenly stood. No one dared to continue to sit when the Judge walked in. It was amazing how quiet everything became and even more amazing how even the most unruly instantly appeared to be the most respectful.As each name was called, the person charged slowly stood, then with a deliberate, dreadful pace they each nervously approached the Judge's bench. Each person waited with anticipation to hear the Judge’s decision. “Guilty” or “Not Guilty” was pronounced on each case that was heard. Sentences were handed out and some who had seemed so unconcerned only a few minutes earlier suddenly looked downcast and worried as they were led away to pay the price for their wrongdoing.


After court was over, I was driving home and thinking about the experience. Then it hit me, there will come a day in the future where all will stand before THE Judge, The Great I AM. In HIS courtroom, there will hardly be any talking, slouching, or gum chewing… fear and dread will grip everyone. Books will be opened and names will be read. There will be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth as eternal sentences are pronounced. No appeals. No continuances. No more litigation.


What will that day be like for you? It is worth considering.

Extreme Make-over

Awww! Okay, so let me endulge for a minute and say I have the most incredible, almost 15 year old (she's counting the days) daughter ever!!! My very own "Jordy B", gave my old Blog an overhaul. Isn't it too cute! This picture couldn't describe me better...always ready for some cake (and ice cream of course!). If you like the blog and want Jordy B to make on for you, too, just leave me a comment.

Oh, let me include a pic of my precious girl:

And, for those of you who do not know me very well, the reason why Jordyn incorporated a cake on her "moms" blog is below (chocolate, of course!)

One of my favs of summer!

Sighhhh...one of the best things about summer! I will miss you "Scotty". Until next year! Bye!!! (Sniff Sniff)

Thoughts of Fall

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5: 1-2

Wow! I love this time of year. As we enter the cold months, I get excited! I think of the crisp fall evenings, football games, homemade chili and cornbread for dinner, cozy sweaters, boots, gloves, hot chocolate, Thanksgiving, Christmas and of course, my prayer each year...SNOW!

Then my "rose color thoughts" are immediately interrupted by reality! The truth is this time of year can bring a lot of extra responsibility for women. Everything kicks back into full swing. School, PTO meetings, Lesson planning, soccer practice, football practice, dance, college courses, new Bible study opportunities, putting away summer clothes, putting up the patio furniture, making a Christmas shopping list, decorating, and on and on it can go.

In the busyness of the season are we stopping long enough to glorify the Lord? To delight ourselves in Him? Are we seeking Him in each area of our life. Are we so busy getting back in to the "swing of things" that we are forgetting and neglecting our Lord.

I want to be more like Jesus! How about you? What is your passion? What is number one on your "to do" list???

Original or Copy?

Here is a recent "blurb" I wrote for the Women's Ministry Newsletter at my church (CCF!!!):

You were born an original. Don't die a copy. ~John Mason

How about that! You were born an original. That saying touched me when I read it. Especially after arriving home from The Women of Faith Conference (Washington, DC)and hearing such wonderful testimonies and speakers. I found myself saying, "I'd love to be like so and so", or "Did you see her shoes?" or "I wish I could share like sister so and so". Then The Lord reminded me, I am an original. He has made me and you for "such a time as this".

We women were reminded in DC that we all have a ministry. Whether you attended the conference with us or not, take heart you, too, have a ministry. Okay, so our ministry may not be standing in front of 16,000 women, but our personal ministry is just as important and we can impact lives too. Maybe your ministry is staying home and taking care of your children (which by the way, no matter how you feel at times, they are a gift from God). Maybe you are to minister to your husband who is lost. Maybe going to work and sharing Jesus with your co-workers every day is your ministry. Maybe it is ministering at the nursing home. The Jail. To your neighbors. Whatever it is....we all are here to minister in the name of Jesus.

I challenge each of you to embrace the ministry The Lord has for you (no matter how insignificant you feel it is!).

I'll leave you with the words of Patsy Clairmont, "Live lively, love lavishly and forgive frequently!"

The Birds....

I went out on my back deck yesterday morning as I waited on my coffee to come down in the pot. As I sat down and pried my eyes opened, I heard the most beautiful noise. Birds! Many birds, just singing their hearts out. I thought, "Wow! What a God moment...let me run get my Bible and take advantage of this moment!". As I settled into my chair opening my Bible, I started to wonder what the birds were singing about, especially at the early hour. I barely had my eyes open and they were chirping like there was no tomorrow. I wish I could translate their chirps and songs...if I could, I would bet they are praising the name of their Creator. Their Creator.... My Savior! My eyes fell upon the following Scripture:
"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. Psalms 51:15"

Can we challenge one another to open our mouths and let the praises to Our Lord and Savior Jesus come singing out?

To Do Lists....

I read a great quote yesterday "Don't let your 'to do list' be more important than your 'to be list". Wow! Starting today, I am going to write at the top of my Planner (on each day) my bottom line agenda "Glorify God".