My New Church Family

I'm so thrilled to share this news...
On December 28, 2008, I was baptised at the First Baptist Church of Woodstock in Woodstock, GA. :) It was such an awesome moment in my life and I know I'll never forget a second of it. I'm still amazed at the overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude I felt as the water rushed over my face. I really can't put it into words, so I'll stop trying. :)
So, moving forward -- My daughter, Kylie, and I joined First Baptist Church of St. Charles. It's right next to my brother and sister-in-law's house. A few weeks ago, my sister-in-law told me her parents (who live nearby) began going to my church (different service than we go to, though). Well, recently, her parents were baptised and became members of the church. (Yay!) So I told my sister-in-law (who doubles as my best friend) she should think about going with her parents or with Kylie and me. She kicked around the idea and then proceeded to whine about the weekend, about sleeping in, about dragging her sons (3 yrs. and 4 mos.) up there on her "day off"... yada yada yada... we've all heard it...
Well, I wasn't giving up.
Now the good part: She's been attending EVERY week and last week she went forward and asked to be baptised and to become a member of the church! (Double yay!!!)
Soon we'll have the whole family there at this rate!
...Now if I could just get my husband to go...

Kaeden Patrick Greenlee

This is the son of a dear friend of mine. His name is Kaeden Greenlee and he was born with many physical difficulties. This boy has been through more in his first 6 months of life than most of us will see in a lifetime. Please keep Kaeden and his parents, Julie and Jeremy, in your prayers. He still faces many more surgeries and is constantly battling for his life.
Thanks to each and every one of you who lift this family in prayer.
-Beth

Gone Baby Gone... but that's okay.

Hello, all. Remember me? Ya know, a few major things happen in my life and it's like I forgot how to blog. Forgive me. :)
Well, I'm sad to report that the whole pregnancy thing did not pan out. Child #5 has joined his/her siblings in heaven where (I'm told) we will someday meet. Dave and I went to the doctor for our weekly ultrasound on December 2nd and the heartbeat we had seen only 7 days prior was no longer there. The doctor did an outpatient surgery to remove the baby (or "cells" as they like to call it). It was a very sad and frustrating time, but I rest easy knowing, I repeat - KNOWING - that everything happens for a reason and our family of three feels more perfect than ever.
I wasn't able to say that before. I used to feel like there was a void I thought could only be filled by another child. And I was angry about my miscarriages. I hated the phrase "everything happens for a reason". Bologna. What possible reason could there be for three of my children dying before we even had a chance to meet them? Well, I'm so glad to say that those days of anger and frustration are behind me; replaced with a calm sense of acceptance and faith. I truly believe that God has a wonderful plan for me and my family. Understanding it is not nearly as important as enjoying it, so that's where my focus lies - on enjoying the life He has given me.