Posted by: Beth | August 22, 2026

Letting Go

Letting go can be

difficult,

a relief,

planned,

 or unexpected.

Letting go is often painful either in the moment or in the preparation for it or in the aftermath.

For some of us, letting go of things is problematic and our homes are constantly cluttered. Blessed are those who can evaluate quickly, toss without a care, and breeze through a home with clear floors and baseboards.

I know people who can let go of people that easily.  Or, at least they say they have.  One too many offenses or one terrible offense and it’s as if the other person never took a breath.  On the other extreme, I struggle letting go of people.  Even when offended or cheated, I still care.  (Yes, I have talked with my therapist about this.) 

The “letting go” on my mind today is about people. Our daughter once told me once, “Mama, you think you can love everybody into being good. You can’t.”  She is right about that.  No matter how much I – or any of you – want to “fix” someone, or help them help themselves, we simply cannot.  Can we make a positive difference in the lives of those around us?  Absolutely.

However, some situations are way outside our realm of influence.  Even in complicated situations where we can influence a part of it, the overall situation is simply beyond our control.

I do not know why I am writing this today.  I have a few hunches but nothing I’m confident enough to share. So, it’s just one of those things that started writing itself in my head so I’m sharing it.  If you’re looking for a happy story, stop here.  Scroll on.

I have shared this with many people but I don’t think I have written it out on social media.  If I have, oh well, here goes again.  I’m past the 300-word ideal for posts and I’m just getting started. Go figure.

Our son Ben struggled with mental health problems most of hie life.  I won’t – honestly I can’t at the moment – go into even half the ups and downs.  I will say there were a number of ups: graduating from high school, working his way up from driver to store manager at Pizza Hut, volunteering as a firefighter for ten years, earning an award for the most education credits one of those years, and loving on his two boys. There were days that seemed so “normal.”

Still, the demons of mental instability were there, causing havoc in all his relationships.

I prayed for so many things. Of course I prayed for his healing.  I prayed for his relationships with all the people in his life.  I prayed for them all to come to or come back to Jesus. I will confess to praying some not nice things during times of desperation.  I “laid at Jesus’ feet” the entire situation.  But then I’d pick it up again by giving him advice and praying specific “I want this” prayers. 

I have told many people that October to December of 2017 was God’s gift to us.  It was a glimpse of what Ben’s life could be like. He seemed “settled in his spirit” and happy. He was living on his own, working, and visiting with the boys who were staying with us. The old saying “good things always come to an end” proved correct. Challenges and struggles began to get the better of him again.  In the summer of 2018, I literally laid my body on the altar of the Episcopal church in Laurens; their doors are always open.  I lay there alone and cried with tears and words and wordless groanings for God to take care of Ben.  That day I left Ben at Jesus’ feet.  I let go of trying to have any control of his present and future.  I left the church with a peace that whatever happened, it would be okay.  My friends and I continued to pray that whatever was best for the children would happen.

Life was not okay. October 30, 2018, when Chuck told me, “Ben is gone” my reply was  “He’s not struggling anymore.” I cried then. I’m crying as I type this.  I kinda don’t want to post this, but I will in a few minutes.  It seems that some of the hardest posts for me to write are the most timely for a person or two.  So, whoever you that needs to read this, this is what I know.

There are days when life on this earth stinks (That’s my G-rated version. You can replace it in your mind with whatever adjective is appropriate for you).

God is always faithful.

God answers prayers, especially when we can’t find words.

What is best is not always what is comfortable.

God’s answer is not always what we want.

God will sustain us through any quagmire by his Holy Spirit and the people he sends to us.

God’s peace that the world doesn’t understand is a precious gift.

While experiencing God’s peace, we may also feel a host of bad emotions.  Just when I’ve felt like I was drowning in grief, anguish, despair, guilt, regret, sadness, depression, and whatever else there was, something brought me back to God.  A glimmer of sunlight.  A fresh Kleenex.  A text. A remembered song. A hug.  A cool breeze.  God sends comfort in more ways than the world has troubles, if only we open our eyes and hearts to see and receive.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , ,

Posted by: Beth | May 13, 2026

you what?!


Are you serious?

I can’t believe you did that!

What were you thinking?!?!

You still don’t believe me?

We’ve all yelled the above statements and asked the questions.  If not exactly those words, then something that means the same thing.  Somebody cut in front of you while driving down the interstate.  A loved one betrayed you.  A friend did something really out of character.  Life can be confusing, exasperating, and bewildering.  We are emotional creatures.  Even when we try to stay calm and carry on, there are moments when the emotions erupt.

I’m still reading through the Gospel According to Mark.   I came to some verses where Jesus is exasperated and disappointed.  Let me set the stage.

A large crowd was with Jesus for three days.  He didn’t want to send them home, for fear they would faint along the way. So, Jesus fed 4000 people with seven loaves and a few fish.  There were seven baskets of food left over. Jesus healed a blind man.  He asked the disciples who he was, and Peter called him Messiah. Then Jesus told them he would suffer and be killed. Then there’s the transfiguration.  Peter, James, John, and Jesus travel to a high mountain.  They are joined by Moses and Elijah.  Jesus’ face and clothes are out-of-this-world white.  After warning the three disciples to keep quiet about the event, they go back to town. 

In town, they are met by a crowd (of course) looking for healing.  One man in particular is very unhappy because the disciples who had stayed in town could not heal his son. After hearing the father’s story, Jesus replies.

“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”  (NIV)

He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. (KJV)

Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” (New Living Translation)

And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.”  (ESV)

“How long shall I suffer you,” “put up with you,” “bear with you.” –thiis sounds like Jesus had had enough of the unbelief.

It is okay to be fed up with people and their attitudes.  It’s okay to be exasperated.  The question is – what do we do next?  Do we argue? Complain? Walk away?  Jesus did none of those.  He simply went straight to work, requesting the boy be brought to him.  It’s no shock to us reading this 2000 years later – he healed the boy.

When we’ve had enough of the craziness life throws at us, it’s okay to feel the emotion and voice it.  We need to follow-up the same way Jesus did.  Be compassionate.  Do the next right thing.

#bgwww26

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Beth | April 28, 2026

Get more? Lose it all?


While reading in the book of Mark recently, I came across a verse that seems straight-forward.  “For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”  (Mark 4:25 CSB) Essentially, if you have stuff, you will get more; if you don’t have stuff, it will be taken away.  In a way, this makes a lot of sense.  We’ve all seen the rich get richer while the poor get poorer. But I’ve long wondered just how it is that you take something away from a person who doesn’t have it in the first place.  This morning more questions started running through my mind.  What is it?  How do you take something that isn’t there?  How does this align with other scripture?  So this is where my mind wondered and some things I found as I read more.

First things first – context.  This verse follows two parables about the kingdom of God. One is a story of a farmer sowing seed. Scripture includes the explanation of this one, so we don’t have to figure it out.  Some people hear the word of God and reject it.  Some hear it and are over-joyed but stick with it a very short time.  Others hear it but get sidetracked with the worries of life and don’t share the gospel.  Others hear it and share it, resulting in many other people deciding to follow Jesus and his teachings. The next parable is about putting a lamp on a stand rather than under the bed.  Again, the message is to live so that other people see the love of God.  And then these two verses about hearing if you have ears and getting more if you already have whatever it is.

What is “it”?  What is this thing that you get more of if you already have it?  Note that you don’t work for more of it, it is given to you.  Since this is after two stories about spiritual growth, I doubt “it” is anything material. Perhaps it is has a spiritual meaning.

A short backstory.  When I was a teenager, Grandpa Bright gave me a copy of The Amplified Bible.  It’s a little different – a little difficult to read because there are words in parentheses and some in brackets and footnotes and oh my word! Why would anyone try to read this???  A little patience and reading the information at the front of the book explained why all the extra words and markings.  I learned to read once skipping over all the extra stuff, and then to go back and use the additional information.  Before study Bibles with lots of commentary on the side of the page and footnotes with alternate interpretations, and decades before the internet with all its study tools, there was The Amplified Bible.  All those extras are like a mentor explaining the scriptures.

Here is Mark 4:24-25 from The Amplified Bible.
Then He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By your own standard of measurement [that is, to the extent that you study spiritual truth and apply godly wisdom] it will be measured to you [and you will be given even greater ability to respond]—and more will be given to you besides.“For [fn]whoever has [a teachable heart], to him more [understanding] will be given; and whoever does not have [a yearning for truth], even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Aha!  An understanding of the verse based on spiritual things not physical stuff!  How many times have we seen a person with a well-worn Bible, and they’re still digging into the Word even while they can tell you many, many things from the Scriptures?  The more we stay in God’s word, the more knowledge of Scripture we gain.  The more we commune with God – both talking to Him and taking time to be quiet and listen for the still, small voice, the more we understand about God, his plan for the world, and our part in that plan.  God gives more and more understanding to those who continue to pursue knowing Him more.

So why is it being taken away if you’re not being given more?  Each of us is born with a longing for something that is bigger than ourselves and full of purpose.  If you ignore that tug to know God long enough, the desire goes away. Scripture is clear that God’s desire is for all to willingly worship him.  Scripture says and life affirms that not all will choose to follow him. If you repeatedly ignore that tug to find the something bigger and more meaningful, even the desire to connect with God will go away.

I pray that you will search for him, so that you are given more – more of his presence, more of his strength, more of his peace.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jerimiah 29:13 NIV 

Come near to God and he will come near to you – James 4:8 NIV

#bgwww26

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Beth | March 16, 2026

Catch up? HA HA

Will I EVER catch up?

                        Probably not.

Ugh.
Not what I wanted to hear.
Will the things I put aside stop jumping up and biting me in the butt?

                        Maybe. AFTER you’re caught up.

You have GOT to be kidding me!
No. No. NO. NO!  Just NO!

                        NO what?

Just NO!  This is NOT how things are supposed to be!

                        Says who?

Says ME!

I mean …. Really …. Honestly …. 

The last of December, early January – I was so optimistic.  Sure, we had a busy time ahead.  School work to do and record.  Events at church. Tax returns (of course). Traveling to see sights and family. Maybe, after planning several, actually getting a photo book put together and printed in time for a birthday.  Yes, a busy season lay ahead but it was doable without a lot of stress. 

And then.  A dislocated shoulder.  Two abdominal surgeries during a thirty-nine day hospital stay.  A cap that fell off a tooth. Back-to-back weekends of historic ice and snow storms. So much for a low-stress winter/spring season!!

Add in several sermons on self-reflection and not being too proud to ask for help.  Could the timing be any more appropriate?

Yes, I had to swallow pride I didn’t know that I had. Here’s a partial list of things people did for us.
Took care of the kids while I traveled to and from the hospital. 
Drove me places while my arm was in a sling.
Sat with me during his surgery. 
Took care of my duties at co-op.
Swept the floors and folded clothes and washed dishes. 
Helped me with computer issues.
Helped with science fair experiments and carved derby cars.
Listened to me whine and passed me Kleenex.
Curled my hair and fastened a necklace.
Brought us food – lots of good food. For weeks.
Took the kids places they needed to be.
Visited the hospital.
Rejoiced with the bits of good news, sighed over the set-backs, and prayed with us through it all. 

Ten weeks later, they still ask, “Are you okay? Do you need anything?  How can I help?”  When I figure it out, I say something and we receive help.  Pride is not easy to swallow.  Grace isn’t always easy to accept. Love in action may not make the world go round, but it certainly makes it a better place to live.

“And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.”  I Corinthians 13:13, Amplified Bible

#bgwww26

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Beth | January 1, 2026

Stable? Cave?

Most of us have grown up with the idea of Jesus being born in a stable – a shelter providing a little less protection from the outside world than a barn.  Recently, stories are circulating that he was born in cave.  Really? A cave? Are you kidding me? 

Nope. Not kidding.

So what’s going on?  The whole story would fill multiple books, so let’s hit just a few high points.

The writings that eventually became our New Testament were written in Greek.  Have you heard of the Roman Empire?  They spoke Latin, and the scriptures were being translated into Latin as early as the second century CE (AD for those of us who are old).  Around 405 Jerome completed the first complete translation, The Vulgate, which became the official translation for the Catholic Church.

Fast forward several hundred years, In Europe, Latin is the language of the educated (usually the wealthy and church leaders) but not the language of common people.  In the late 1300s, John Wycliff translated the scriptures into Middle English. Noted translators in the 16th century include Martin Luther (German, 1522), William Tyndale (English, 1526), Gustav Vasa (Swedish, 1541), and Olivtan (French, 1535).

So what does this have to do with the stable/cave question?

Imagine you are translating a work of literature.  You come across a word that translates to “stable” – a place for sheltering animals.  What do you and your readers envision?  Whatever building you are used to seeing animals living in – that’s what.  In our day in America, many people would see something like cages at a zoo.  Rural folks might see a barn enclosed on all sides with a loft.  Expensive horses are housed in quarters that make some homes look shabby.   So, if you’re living in Europe where the landscape is covered in trees and many structures are made of wood, including shelters for animals, your visual of “stable” would be very much like our traditional nativity scene depicts.

And THEN there are archeological discoveries and people who study the culture of different eras. In Israel, long ago and now, there are not a lot of trees.  Rocks, however, are abundant.  What materials do people use for building?  Those that are available. Homes for people and animals are made of rock.

Overall, does it really matter if Jesus was laid in a wooden manger or a stone feeding trough? Yes and no.  Details matter. Context matters.  BUT what matters the most is what you believe about Jesus and his purpose in coming to Earth.  Do you believe he came to restore our relationship with God? Are you willing to follow his teachings, including sharing his story and making disciples?

Note:  While I have a basic understanding of how the scriptures came to be what we use today, I used this website on 22 Dec 25 for specific information.

The History of Bible Translations: Key Milestones and Influential Figures

#bgwww26

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Beth | September 20, 2025

Daydreams and Hope

Daydreams.

Sweet, happy, fleeting thoughts of what might be.

Maybe a connection to reality, maybe not.

A few days ago I daydreamed. I realized with a start that it had been ….. how long?? …. I have no idea …. Since I had daydreamed.

Have I planned? Oh, yes! A lot!

Have I schemed a time or two?  Mmmm…. Yeah, that, too.

But to daydream?  To let my mind wander over possibilities and maybe things that aren’t really possible – that I have not done in years

So, I bought a pack of sticky notes.  I started writing.  Some things are really a to-do list for today and next week and next month.  I had to write those things down to get them out of my head so the fun stuff could surface again.  Most of these are long-term hopes and dreams.  Most of the pages have multiple things on them.  I turned them over to take a picture to share because I just don’t feel like baring my soul to the social media world.

You may be stuck in the muck.  The muck of being overwhelmed. Sadly, I have been there so much it feels like home.  I’m pretty sure I’ll feel it again within a day or two.  Please hear this. There is hope!  Beyond the to-do lists and grief and worries of all kinds, hope springs eternal.

You may glimpse it in a sunrise, a stranger’s smile, a Bible verse shared on social media, a flower breaking through a sidewalk, or any of a thousand little things.

My heart aches deeply today over so many things – a few made the news; most didn’t.

But there is hope – a deep conviction that God is good and will take care of his children, and he calls each of us.  Will we answer him with a yes?  Will we accept his gift?  Will we live in the hope of a better future, while walking daily with the Spirit he has sent to guide us? #bgwww25

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Beth | September 8, 2025

Mini Vacation


Ah …. How peaceful!

Pleasant temperature

Warm sun on my face

Cool breeze from time to time

Quiet enough to hear the birds singing and the cars over on the interstate

No discontent nor anger swirling about me

What a relaxing, refreshing vacation!!

Okay …. I admit it …. It was ten minutes long.  Yes, just ten minutes.  Between sleeping a little late and having the typical mom-to-do-list that is always long, I set a timer for ten minutes so I could forget about everything that’s piled and dirty or both and lessons that need to be done and people I haven’t called or visited and … oh… you know the routine.

And I share this because the thing God has been reminding me of lately is that He is enough.  No matter what is happening, he is enough. His grace is sufficient. Most of these reminders have come when I was at the end of my rope and the person I called didn’t answer the phone. Or, as has happened a few times recently, I didn’t even call anyone.  I repeat to myself, “God is sufficient.  God is here.  However this ends will be okay.”

I am very aware and extremely grateful that I have a list of friends and family who will be here in a minute if I call.  But sometimes, I need to walk through a situation with just God.  Let the Holy Spirit be my only companion.  Do I like it? NO. I am a people-person. Do I see the benefit?  YES.  Surviving adversity builds strength and endurance and confidence in the truth that God is enough.  Oh, and by the way, most of my recent at-the-end-of-my-rope struggles were spiritual more than physical world problems.

Anyway, as I prepare to get started on the day’s list of things to accomplish (and it’s nearly lunchtime …. geez) I leave you with this thought: In bad times and good times (like a ten-minute vacation 😊) God is enough. 

Also, it is OKAY to call your brothers and sisters in Christ for help.  We all need that.  Jesus did not send out individuals but teams of two or more.  Growing spiritually is kinda like growing physically and socially –you need help to learn and support along the way, and some things you just have to do yourself.

 May we each be wise enough to know when to stretch ourselves and our spiritual growth and when to be brave enough to call a friend.

#bgwww25

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Beth | August 14, 2025

Unique

I’ve told myself it is way too early in the school year to be going down this road.

However, struggles do not make appointments at our convenience.  I suppose if they did, we would just say no and have none 😊.

My current problem is that my well-planned -okay, maybe my decently-planned – days are NOT going as planned.  I suppose many parents have experienced that already this school year, whether they are home-educating or dealing with homework and after school activities and childcare.

I have had to remind myself of these few facts.  Perhaps you need to hear them again, too.

You are a unique individual.  Your abilities, strengths, and experiences are like no one else’s.

Your child – in fact each and every one of your children – is (no news to you) a unique individual.  Each child is a wonderful, delightful, challenging blend of characteristics.  Some of those traits we adore; others frustrate us to the point of tears. Some traits are obviously strengths (reading early, ability to focus, a natural bent toward organization).  Others seem to be liabilities (easily distracted, interested in everything in the book at once, energetic). 

Because we are each unique, our “schooldays” are different from everyone else’s.  Some of us home schoolers start at 8am sharp every day.  Others laze around until 10 or later.  It’s okay to study on “second shift” – in the afternoon and evenings – if other responsibilities or personal preferences work out that way.  Just get it done.

Thinking of “getting it done” – that looks different from family to family and even from child to child within a family.  It is okay for every student to achieve skills in a different order and at a different pace.

Well, now that I’ve heard my own pep talk, let’s get to it.

Have a blessed year of learning, wherever you do your studying

#bgwww25

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Beth | July 20, 2025

Sunday Musings

Inadequate.

Sad.

Tired.

Just exactly how you want to feel before being at the front of the church (that is, on stage) during worship service, right?

A little more background:   Some Sundays we sing three or four songs.  Some days we sing eight or so.  Some days I play the piano for one of them and we have recorded music for the others. On rare occasions, I play for all the songs.  You get the idea — it varies every week.  I am not a great pianist.  That’s okay.  To me, it’s a lot more about worship than technical skills.  So, I usually play something simple.  I can practice a lot and play a moderately difficult piece and people clap when I’m done. Or, I play a familiar hymn and add in a few notes as I go along with a pause here and there and we like it just as well. The point is to help create an atmosphere where people can prepare their hearts to hear from God’s Word.

All that brings us to today.

By the time I arrived at church I felt a little better.  God uses cracked pots, right?  Early music practice went well.  Sunday school was a little heavy – there’s a lot going on in our extended church family.  Our choir runs through the special for today. Then, it’s on to worship service.

The first song went well – recorded music.  Then I played the next two songs, and messed up them both!  Choir special went okay.  Then I played the next three songs.  And noisy mistakes in every single one.  I don’t know when I have ever made mistakes in that many songs in one service.  It was bad.  The one positive thing is that I kept going; kept trying.  Sometimes I’m the only one who hears the mistakes.  Today, they were noticeable.  Praise the Lord, we had the highest attendance we have had in months!  I suppose if I’m going to mess up like this, might as well do it big time.  I’m back to feeling not so great.

 I try to sneak to my seat.  There’s one more song.  A solo with a recorded track.  Randy sang “Through the Fire” – first time I heard it.  I don’t know who asked for it to be sung, but God sent it to me.

“He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
And the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting
But He said help would always come in time” – Through the Fire by Crabb Family
Perhaps making mistakes in music is not a cross, but to keep trying when the successes seem small and far apart certainly feels like climbing a hill.  I needed the musical reminder that Jesus did not promise us a ride on a cruise ship, but a war (That was the sermon topic.), and that he would be with us.

Stay strong.

Or, maybe instead of staying strong, be weak.  Lean on the strength of Jesus.

#bgwww2025

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , ,

Posted by: Beth | June 4, 2025

Good Morning

Good morning!
Hello, sunrise 😊
Yes, I am *that* morning person who loves to be up shortly before sunrise (okay … not always in June and July when the days are SO long).  I enjoy watching the darkness slowly lighten through that soft glow of daybreak. I enjoy the gradual warming of the air as the first rays of sunlight pierce the atmosphere.  Sometimes a colorful burst of God’s artwork in the scattered clouds to adds to the beauty of the morning.  I enjoy the quiet, and the chatter of birds greeting the new day.

This morning as I read in Psalm 5, I was reminded that multiple times the scriptures call us to meet God in the morning.  In the quiet solitude, to be still physically and mentally (that’s the harder of the two) and to listen.  He reassures me of his presence and availability throughout the day.  He reminds me of his goodness and his provision.  He points out an attitude I need to adjust.  He brings to mind people and community needs to lift in prayer. Oh yes, I enjoy quite mornings.

However, I am well aware that not all mornings are quiet.  It is not always easy, and sometimes it is impossible to spend a quiet, still half hour or so to prepare for the day.

Perhaps a crying child awoke you at 4am.  Perhaps at 3am you had not yet been to sleep because of insomnia or too much study and work to do or … well, that list of reasons can be long.  Worries for your family and friends may invade your thoughts before you even stretch to get out of bed.  The alarm may jolt your body and senses, urging you on to work to provide for yourself and your family. A child or a pet may pounce on you, alerting you to urgent needs that you must meet.  Perhaps your body is screaming in pain from an accident or surgery or chronic illness.  The beep of an IV controller may have been your companion all night, and you’re not even sure when yesterday ended and today began.

Even on those hectic mornings, God is available.  We can cry out to him as we let out the dog or prepare breakfast for the toddler or mumble a greeting to the nurse on duty. Storing his promises in our hearts and minds is critical, so that on those mornings when life takes off like a dragster, we can recall his promise to walk with us, lighting our paths.  And hopefully, at some point, you can take a few moments to breathe slowly and deeply and let his words refresh your soul “I am with you always.  I will give you strength.  The comforter will guide you.”

#bgwww25

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Older Posts »

Categories