Bethany’s Blog

Hello Family!

I know that it has been awhile since I have written; time has just slipped by faster than I realized. Read the rest…

I was so excited after this Sunday!  The kids did an awesome job with the special music and musical!  I was so proud of them for all of the work and time that they put into everything.  Andrea and I were thrilled with how well everything fell into place. And it only fell into place with the help of some very special people. Read the rest…

We had a great time at Super Start!

We left Friday afternoon to head up to Indy.  Our final destination was 91st Street Christian Church where we gathered with approximately 400 other pre-teens.  We spent the weekend worshiping, learning, and having a lot of fun.  The weekend’s main theme came from 1 John 3:1–How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!   We were blessed to have made it up there and back safely, and we didn’t have any problems. So, thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

I believe that this is going to become a regular event for the children’s ministry.  It was definitely worth it!

Starting in March is when our new curriculum will be here! It will be exciting to see how it works with everyone from the kids to the adults studying the same lessons from the Bible. With this new curriculum, we want to make it the most effective, Read the rest…

Working on the Easter Musical with Andrea and the kids, it has made me think back. I remember when I was a kid we had all kinds of special music, skits and musicals. I also remember that there were times that I wanted to be a part of what was going on, and then there were some times that my parents just said “you’re going.” Some evenings I went into the church grumbling and complaining under my breath, but afterwards I was happy and excited. There were times that I was so nervous I thought I was going to get sick or not make it through. Some of the skits I remember vividly while others are not so clear. The one thing that I do cherish about those times now is how they encouraged me to be more. Sometimes God asks us to be more or do more than what we think we can. The great thing about it is that He is with us, and He knows that we can. As a kid, I didn’t think I could, but I had parents, friends and a God that knew I could. Still today I need that encouragement and push sometimes, and I appreciate those individuals in my life that do that for me. More importantly, I know God is still with me too.

Who are you encouraging or pushing?

Who is encouraging and pushing you?

Hello everyone!

Wednesday was my first day officially back from maternity leave.  It was a bitter sweet moment.  I am glad to be back, but I did enjoy the time I had at home with Spencer.  And yes, I did shed a few tears after I dropped Spencer off at the babysitter.  Josh, told me I better get ready because there were going to be more moments like that.

It amazes me that even though Spencer has been in our lives for only 6 weeks now and  how much he is already engulfed in our lives.  Let me share a little moment from our house. Read the rest…

This past Sunday I had planned on getting up at 6am, so that I could get ready before Spencer was suppose to wake up.  I was excited when I went to bed because I thought I had everything laid out and ready to go for the next morning.  I would be getting up earlier than Spencer has been with enough time to get myself ready.  If he did wake up I should still be able to swing everything.

The night went pretty well.  Spencer was on his normal routine.  The alarm clock went off like planned, but Spencer was stirring.  I turned off my alarm clock and thought “I will lay here just a minute and see if he is really awake.”  The next thing I know I am waking up to Spencer crying and the alarm clock reading 7:02am.  Oh no!  This was not what I had planned.  Then out of character for myself, I said oh well.  I decided to just go feed Spencer, and if I didn’t make it, I didn’t make it.  As I was feeding him, I started thinking this could really happen on a normal morning that I am suppose to be at the church.  So, I took the one hour challenge to get Spencer feed,  to get myself and him out the door looking presentable, and with everything that he would need.

To my surprise, I did get him feed and myself presentable.  Josh helped out with dressing Spencer.  And I even got lunch into the slow cooker.  I couldn’t believe that I made it and with everything that got accomplished.  I knew right away I couldn’t have done it without Josh.  I also knew that this will definitely happen again.  I am a person that loves to have a plan and everything taken care of, but I am realizing that I am a parent now; I will not be ready for everything.  I will have to go with the unexpected.  While most organized, structured individuals cringe at the unexpected (I know–I am one of those individuals), I am very excited about this new chapter in my life.

This is going to be a growing experience.  With all the change that is happening, I am looking forward to the stability of my Lord.  I know that He is going to use this chapter to push and stretch me, but He will always be there with me because He has a plan.

I can not hardly believe that Spencer is three weeks old today!  Wow! It is amazing how fast time goes, and how much of the first couple of weeks have been a sleepy blur.  We are doing great though.  Spencer had his first doctor’s appointment this past Monday.  The doctor says that he is a little under weight which we are going to watch, but other than that he looks great!  (This report made mommy feel pretty good.)  Everyday he seems to be staying awake a little longer, eating more and changing.

I guess I feel the same way.  Everyday I feel like I can function a little more like my old self.  I know soon I will be back to normal as much as I can be;  I remember several women telling me about aspects of themselves that never returned after their baby was born.  I am just hoping that my memory holds out because if you know Josh and I to any degree you know that I am the one that has the better memory (Josh will even agree to this).  If my memory goes, please forgive us for …. what was I going to say?   Just joking. : )  We will see what each day brings or doesn’t bring back. : )

I hope that everyone has a wonderful day today, and I pray that we will all take each day as it comes because we are told not to worry about tomorrow.   Enjoy all the little and/or big blessings that God puts in your path, and don’t forget to be willing to be used by Him.  You could be someone’s blessing.

-Bethany

Hello everyone!

I am officially a mom!

I am so excited to share with you that Spencer and I are doing great!  Everyday we get a little more acquainted with each other, and  Josh and I are figuring out how to incorporate this little bundle of joy into our lives.  There have been a few less hours of sleep, but it is all worth it.  It has been amazing to hold him in my arms or to watch Josh take care of him!

I don’t really have a lot to report on at this time, but I wanted to let you know that I am doing good and appreciate all the prayer, love and support that you have showered over us!

I know that this is only the beginning of motherhood for me, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead!  I am sure that this adventure will bring forth many topics, stories and questions for future blogs.

~Bethany~

I thought I would share with you a little blessing.

Yesterday, I was totally surprised by the teens.  They had collected diapers, and filled our car with various sized diapers and wipes.  It was definitely a great surprise!  It has been amazing how much love and support that has been shown to Josh and I.  We both feel very blessed to be a part of this wonderful church family!  Isn’t it amazing how God takes care of us, especially when we are not expecting it!

I hope that this season you will allow God to use you to bless someone.

Thank You Dennis, Mary, Bert and the Teens for Everything!