BYE

As soon as I load up,I am heading to Sandy's for a haircut, and then I am heading to Aiken!.....My Sunshine Garden Club,of which I was a member for thirty years,made me an honorary,lifetime member,before I left Aiken, and they are having their sit down Christmas dinner on Tuesday night, caterd by a lady who cooks with herbs.It's wonderful.Sometimes Jane cooks at her house, but this year we are having it at Jackie Heath's in Montmorenci.We do this every year,followed by a chinese auction.
We won several tri colors,but weren't the best flower arrangers.We were grand cooks!.... Go figure!These ladies were there for me when I came home from the hospital from my brain hemorrage, and with a shaved head,they embraced me with so much love,that I have never forgotten them.They are very special to me,and they love hearing about all of you.I will see you on Thursday, with all sorts of stories,I'm sure.
Becky

GIFT OF LIFE

Each year,at Christmas time,I am reminded of my son,and all the Mom's who have given back a child,or children, to God.I think that this must be the greatest sacrifice that a Mother can give back to God.A child is her greatest gift,and one she treasures most deeply.She has spent nine months,or there abouts, nurturing this child, and teaching it to grow in the wisdom of the Lord.Then,one day,the rug is pulled out from under her,or so she thinks......
She will never be the same,until she understands that some 2,000 years ago, the Creator of the Universe willingly gave His own Son to die.
Now, a Mother hears those words,and it blows her mind.I have a hard time imagining anyone doing that,but to know that some ONE did,and He did it for me,shows me that He understands my hurt and pain all too well.
He understands the pain of these Mom's who have gone through what they have, and if He will understand us, and our pain and grief, I know He will understand the pain of plain,ordinary people who haven't gone through such hurt.
He is an extraordinary God for everyone, but just happens to be there for everyone in extraordinary times.I'm grateful this Christmas, that He made it possible for me to give back to Him a son,knowing that I will see my son again one day.That was my gift to God.His gift to me was to see my son again.
If you ask me,that's a pretty neat gift.
Besides that,I get to live with God!
Becky

WORD PICTURE

Uncle MJ told me that Grandaddy Bouterse,really had the better command of the Bible,than Grandmother did.He could come up with some wonderful sermon's,according to Uncle MJ,but to a young five year old,all my ears heard was "hell fire and damnation",and I knew I didn't like that one bit!His type of preaching gave me nothing to get excited about,nor did it make God's word appealing at all.Grandmother,on the other hand made the Bible sound exciting, and she made even those things about hell,seem serious,and yet not frightening.Grandmother might not have known alot,intellectually,about the Bible,but she had such faith,deep down,in side of her,and could convey with her smile that scripture that she did know.
She would explain when you made "Guava Jelly Jesus",that you had to take the impurities out of the Guava Jelly,first,before it became jelly! "In the same way",she would say, "a christian must have the impurities taken out of them before they can be used as a child of God"!
Grandmother gave me a word picture that I could relate to.I'm sure,that later on in life I could relate to Grandaddy's idea too, but as a little girl,I really understood Grandmother's better!
The best word picture hung on a cross for our sins!
Becky

MILK

If you are partaking of spiritual milk,make sure that it's not evaporated milk!
Becky

GRAHAM CRACKERS

When I fix my graham crackers,with the chocolate frosting inbetween them,for the grands this weekend,I will make sure I tell them the same thing my Grandmother Bouterse told me when we made them.She would tell me that each cracker represented something from God to me.The first graham cracker represented a difficult problem I might have.The second cracker represented the solution to that problem, that needed to happen.The frosting inbetween,was the glue that held them together,and that was the word of God! Any problem I encountered could be solved,if I held it together by God's word,and it always has!The coolest part about these cookies,is that you put them in the freezer to harden,before you eat them!
Likewise,after you swallow and digest God's word,it needs to conform to your life,so much that it will harden your heart to any of satan's enticing attacks!
Bon Apetit!
Becky.

GOD SAID

...............THEN GOD SAID!
What better way to start life?
Becky

OLD MAID

Daddy's Mother,Grandmother Ray,was the exact opposite of Grandmother Bouterse,and yet,she could be sweet in her own way.She taught me alot of different values.She was a big Canasta player,and she liked to win....I MEAN REALLY WIN!
She played cards with a serious mind,folks,so when I played Old Maid with her as a little girl,she was NOT gonna get stuck holding the Old Maid card.....not even for her Grandaughter!
(That's probably where I got my competitiveness from!)
Today I think so many of us are wishy washy,or luke warm in our feelings for God's word, and He has said in His word,that He would rather we be hot or cold concerning His word, but not luke warm........If we are luke warm,He will spit us out! I think Grandmother Ray was so determined in her spirit,that if she were ready to give a defense of the gospel,she could very well have given a defense for the hope she had within her!
And when she did,she did it,without holding an Old maid card in her hand! :p)
Becky

WHAT A BLESSING!

When David and I went to Aiken for the oyster roast,Kelly and I went shopping for baby clothes,and we had sooooooo much fun!We talked about names,and those special things that Mom's and daughter's always do.
The special thing about this,was that both Mother and daughter understood that this child was known by the creator of the Universe before he or she was even in the womb!How blessed to have that understanding.
How blessed to have a God who knows our babies before they were even formed in the womb,and who loves them with an everlasting love!
Wow!
Becky

HIDE'N' SEEK

When I was growing up,and Mama and Daddy would go out at night,my brothers Michael, and then later on Chris,would babysit me.We would play "Hide 'N' Seek" alot of the times. Later on when I was older,Chris would go upstairs and hide in a closet.Daddy had built a secret hideout in Jeff or Michael's closet,and I was afraid to go in it, because I thought it was gonna be like the closet in the "Lion;The Witch,and The Wardrobe".I don't know if that book had been written back then, but that's what I thought was in that hidden room,so he was safe from me,up there!I knew he would go upstairs first,and my mind always went up there first too, but......
The little girl in me just couldn't go up there.(He always won the game too!)
In the same manner,Christ tells us to set our minds on things above, so that the frustrating issues on earth,that seem to hide from us, will grow strangly dim, as we seek after Christ.
We don't have to be afraid to go after them,either, because He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of a sound mind.
And if there's anything I like,.......it's a sound mind!
Becky

TRUST IT!

Everywhere I go,I see things I must put my trust in.
When I come to an intersection stop sign,I have to trust that the other car is also gonna stop at that stop sign too.I'm trusting him to know what that sign means too!
I've put my trust in so many things.To me,if a product claims it "IS" something,then that's what it should be! The trouble is,that so many things claim to be something that they aren't!
Only one thing can claim to be absolutely,and perfectly, what it is all the way through!.........You can always count on The Word Of God to be the same from beginning to end, and you can trust it to stand forever!
Becky

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Mrs Detra came into our class and pulled out her flannel board and walked us through the pilgrims,as they landed at Plymouth,Massachusetts.
Every year for 6 years the students at Roseborough Elementary School,were treated to this wonderful scene.Pine cone turkeys were made,and those little pilgram hats and ladies bonnets were made and all of us anxiously awaited the arrival of "The Big Day."
Every year,the cafeteria served turkey and dressing;cranberry sauce,ambrosia;green peas(always green peas);and cafeteria pumpkin pie.The Macy's Day Parade always came on early on Thursday morning,and we eagerly watched for "the cats"( which was something my brothers and sister understood)and while I helped Mama set the table and put the place cards on,my brother Michael would play the piano.Somebody was always playing a game of football outside,until Mama called us inside for dinner.
Grandmother and Grandaddy Ray would arrive,followed by Grandmother and Grandaddy Bouterse.Daddy;Mama;Betty Ann;Jeff;Michael;Chris,and I would all sit down to our dinner,with Mama or Daddy giving thanks.
We had a lady that helped us name Jessie May and she was there too.She was a big part of our family,until the day she died.
I learned values around that table,and I learned that manners and family mattered.
I learned that by the grace of God,I had been given a family that knew and loved this God of the Universe....The Great I AM!
This Thanksgiving,I must say that I am most thankful that my family encouraged those values in me too.They are the best of the best in a family.One sister is in Heaven, and since I am the baby,and the other three are on up there in age,well........
Atleast,I know where they are gonna be when I leave this earth, and that's something else to be thankful for!
If you didn't have a great childhood,growing up,that's alright.
God will make all things right........He can do the impossible.
He's gonna give me a Heavenly Home that's on a street of gold,with gates of pearl,and if He'll do that much for a long time believer,just think what He will do for a new believer?
So this Thanksgiving,I wish you all the very best of Thanksgiving wishes and prayers.
To all my family and friends.........You are the very best!
Becky

COOL,HUH?

So many times we are in such a hurry,and we are always telling folks to get back with us on one thing or another,and we always end it with ASAP....
Well,Mar sent me an email the other day,with the neatest definition of what that stood for,and I think the next time we send ASAP out to someone,we might just think of this new definition for it.....
"ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER"
Cool,huh?
Becky

LEAD ON!

Susan and I went to hear the Beaufort Youth Orchestra tonight, along with listening to the Community Bible Church choir in a fantastic display of music and song.Those youngsters gave us a treat,and when the conducter told us that some of them ranged from high school seniors to elementary students,I was amazed! They played Hayden;Bach,and even some renditions of the Beetles favorites,which the conductor said the students had never heard before! (Go figure!)
Listening to the productions of Bach and Hayden,I knew they had their work cut out for them.They were intricate pieces and involved alot of work,and practice.There was alot of memorizing,I'm sure,even though they had their music in front of them. They still had to recognize when to come in for each piece.
The conducter played an older piece for us,that was made quite popular. It required alot of work on the part of the orchestra,but it was well worth the effort!
It requires alot of work,and effort too, when you are digging into God's word and memorizing it, but that is REALLY worth an eternal effort!
Besides the conductor that gives us the words is one Magnificent Maestro!
Becky

STRONG THERAPY

My schedule!
I went to therapy excercise today; a meeting out on Dataw to help celebrate a 90 year old's lady's birthday; Women's Life @ Night tonight. Bible study tomorrow @ one o'clock; The choir is singing with the Beaufort Choral Society @ 7pm; Wednesday is church night @ 6:30 Choir is @7:00 onThursday; NOTHING ON FRIDAY!
Saturday is choir rehearsal from 9-12am.
I'm tired and I haven't even started.
I realized something though.If I don't take care of me,and leave off a few of these things....even things I want to do,I will pay the price.
So,tomorrow,I am staying home.ALL DAY!(Until the songfest tomorrow night!)
I'm not even going to therapy!God will be my Strong Tower, and probably my good Strong Therapy too!
Becky

TIMBUKTOO

Beaufort was a sleepy little town,when we moved here, but that's all coming to an end pretty soon.There are new bridges being built, and new buildings downtown,that look like something that should be in downtown Central Park!
Highways are being repaved to make way for the new traffic coming into town and lots of new homes are being built.There isn't much left of sleepy Beaufort,as far as I can tell.People drive too fast going into town,and they are always trying to get somewhere in a hurry.The jets are flying maneuvres all the time,and the schools are in disarray.People are arguing over this and that,and no-one is satisfied with anything anymore.For the life of me,I don't see that quiet little sleepy town anymore, and it saddens me.
Everything has changed, even since I moved here in 2003.Stores have closed, and new ones have come in,and now they have closed!I love Beaufort.I loved the city of Aiken,too, and its beauty, but even it has changed when I go back to visit.It seems everywhere you go,things change.I'm not one that's big on change.It confuses me too much.I like things to stay the same,or atleast most of the things to stay the same.
However,there is one thing I can always count on, to always be there for me,and to always stay the same........That's the word of God! It will never,ever change and will always stay the same. It will be there for me,wherever I go.
Why,I could even move to Timbuktoo, and God's word, will still be the same there too!
Becky

A BAT OUTA HELL

If a bat is the only one that can fly "like a bat outa hell", and a bat looks the way it does,I'd say something scared the wits out of it pretty bad, down there!
Becky

A KODAK"GOD" MOMENT

Before going to Asheville to see the Biltmore House and the Grove Park Inn,I had to recharge the batteries in my camera,to make sure I could take the pictures I wanted to take.I wanted a good reflection of the trip we were experiencing.
In the same manner, we have to recharge our spiritual batteries too. Our soul needs renourishing everyday.We need to plug into God's word and seek out the Holy Spirit's counsel. Our Father told us that He would send us a helper and I've never known Him to lie,so seek Him out and get yourself charged up!
I can get good pictures when my camera is charged up.
God can use us too, when our spiritual batteries are charged, and the pictures He gets from our lives turn into a KODAK,"God " MOMENT,that lasts for eternity!
Becky

BIRTHDAYS OR ANYDAYS!

Phyllis,Beth and I, arrived at The Grove Park Inn today, amidst cold rainy weather, but the vista we beheld was well worth the trip! We overlooked mountain stones that had formed into a waterfall,with a hazy view of colorful leaves. Somewhere between walking from the car to the room,we managed to shop,eat and laugh.Then we ate some more;shopped some more;and laughed a whole bunch more! :pD
I called my Physical Education professor from Montreat(Coach Wilson),who knew me as "Bleach", and to whom I always referred to as "Coach." He instantly knew who it was when I asked for "Coach." Beth,Phyllis and I,exchanged our Christmas gifts in the lobby and then shortly thereafter, talked ourselves into "nightime sleepies".........Morning comes eartly at our age now!
As we laughed,we decided that God had given us this gift to each other as the best gift of all......The gift of our friendship!
Becky

A SIGN!

There was a sign in Augusta,today,as Pat and I drove to her sorority meeting.
It read:

"TRUST THE ENGINEERING DESIGNER"

I think they had it wrong.It should have said:

"TRUST THE DESIGNER'S ENGINEERING"
Becky

CHILD OF GOD!

I told you all how much I liked "The Smith System," and how it relates to your driving regulations.......
The five principles were:

1.) Leave yourself an out
2.) Keep your eyes moving
3.) Make sure you are seen
4.) Avoid hyway hypnosis
5.) Get the big picture

The more I thought about it,the more I thought that this sounded like a good way for us to avoid temptations!
*Make sure you when you are in a difficult situation,you leave yourself an out!
.....and then get out!
*Before you get into that difficult situation,keep your eyes moving,* to avoid being hypnotized along the highway of life,by those alluring temptations!
*Get the big picture that satan won't let up on you,once you've given your life to the Lord,so it's best to * make sure that you are seen as a strong and faithful child of God!
Becky

THE GROVE PARK INN & BILTMORE HOUSE

Phyllis and I left New Holland around nine o'clock last Tuesday morning,amid a constant drizzle of rain.It continued to get worse,as I followed her all the way into Asheville.We met Beth for lunch,and checked into The Grove Park Inn, and these three "Country girls" were in another world.We were catered too,in the best way!
We shopped; ate, and laughed and then decided what really "hard" thing we should do next! We tried to get into the Spa,but they were booked up,so that put a damper on out spirits.....but not for long! :p)
We ate some more!.........(That took care of alot of our blues!)
We found A Coldwater Creek store; a Chico's, and a Dewey's Bakery,so we were alright after that!
Check out my new wardrobe soon,folks!(lol)
Breakfast was an introduction by the hostess to what was on the Inn's buffet and I went straight to the chef,who was making specialized omelet's. While he was fixing mine,I told him about the three of us celebrating thirty years of birthday's together,and that being the reason we were at the Grove Park Inn,and going to the Biltmore House.He brought us three Belgian Waffles with fresh blueberry syrup, and blueberries,with whipped cream on top.He topped it of with a sliver of chocolate that said "Happy Birthday" on it!
...................."He refreshes those who are themselves refreshed!"
What a special treat from a special man.
We only had one mishap.Phyllis tripped over one of those concrete parking blocks,in the underground parking deck,and fell flat on her face,but after some soaking and resting,I think she was somewhat better.
The Biltmore House was beyond words and I couldn't begin to tell you what I liked best.I'm in amazement to think that one man could create something like that. One of the "Mrs.Vanderbilt's",loved her servants so much,that she taught them to read, using the Bible,and she had Bible studies for them, and I thought that was pretty special.
All in all,I was richly blessed these past few days,and my "God's Plan of Salvation" got me home just fine! No matter where I go,though,I love my home best.
I think that's what God wants us to say about our real home too! No matter where we go,we should always love our Heavenly Home best!
Becky

THE GROVE PARK INN & BILTMORE HOUSE

THE GROVE PARK INN & BILTMORE HOUSE

HOT STUFF!

When I started Montreat in 1969,I went with the determination,that I was going to change my personality.I decided that I was going to be a cool;sophisticated type person.I was gonna be ever so clever and crisp with my demeanor and hoped that everyone would like me.
Things went along well,for awhile, but a funny thing happened to 'ole Bec one weekend.Somewhere during that time frame,the ole me made an appearance and I couldn't hold her back. Many of the friends I was around,didn't seem to hold Christ up in importance,like I did,and that was the stopping point for me. The old Becky appeared and they didn't enjoy having her around as much as that "newer" and "revised" edition.
It was then that I realized that the God of the Universe created me exactly the way He wanted me to be, in the first place.....and who was I to argue with the God of the Universe?!
Since then,I've come to realize that He has a plan for me,and it is for good,and not for evil. If He has a good plan for me,then the way He created me should be pretty good too,huh?
I guess you could say,I'm pretty hot stuff,in the eyes of the Lord!
Becky

EVERLASTING FRIENDSHIP

When I taught school in Aiken,I taught for almost twenty five years.During those years,one of the teachers that taught with me,was Beth Lynn.She taught second grade,and had my daughter for a student,......."way back when." Another friend,Phyllis Ingram lived in New Holland,which was about twenty minutes away,and she drove her boys into school everyday. Our boys ranged in order of the oldest to the youngest........ Gordon;Chad;David;Steven;Chase;George;Kelly,Clay...Phyllis had Chad;Chase,and Clay....Beth had Gordon & Steven.I had David;George & Kelly....We became fast friends and started going to lunch together when she got out of school.It soon developed into suppers,and Christmas exchanges, and then we did weeekends on special occasions.We would go to the Outing Club and swim with our children and eat boiled peanuts....Yum! Was that ever fun!!!The year after my David died,Beth lost her son Gordon, so another bond was sealed between all of us.Some thirty years later we decided to celebrate this Christmas in a special way.These are very dear friends,and even though I'm not keen on driving all that way,I would do it for them.The nicest thing is,that we get to celebrate birthdays in Heaven together too!(If we have birthdays there!)
Becky

MR PARACHUTE

I started teaching school in 1971, but didn't start teaching in Aiken at Mead Hall until 1975.I taught Elementary Physical Education classes at the Episcopal Day School in Aiken for almost 25 years, and absolutely loved it! I taught my students a different way to go about having physical education in their lives. I gave them a chance to learn what their bodies were capable of doing in relation to things around them.We moved to the count of rhythmic notes from the music classes;we jumped to the answer of a times table problem in a math class;We raced with the answer to a history question from the social studies class;Mr Parachute,Bohonkus and Rag Hockey were all words that my students found as part of my vocabulary at Mead Hall. They also found as a big part of my speech,words that often said,"What do you think Jesus would do or say,if he would hear you talk like that?" I loved to tell them how much He loved His children ..... He was as much a part of me in my teaching as my breathing.I'd like to think that somewhere down the line there will be a few of those students who will remember Mr Parachute;Bohonkus,and Rag Hockey, but more importantly,I'd like to think that many more of them would remember that Jesus was there on the playground too!
Becky

GOOD,SOLID FOOD!

I noticed that several places around town were offering free meals for veterans during the holidays, as a way of expressing their thanks for giving of their lives and service to our country.
That got me to thinking.(Again!)
Christ has given us a free meal too.He paid for all of us to partake in the Bread of Life,when He gave His life for us.We don't have to go into battle or serve, but we may some skirnmishes along the way.Our Commander in Chief,has already won the war,so we are assured of victory
He will have a pretty good banquet though, and The Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be awesome too!
Becky

DRESS FOR THE DAY

When I leave my house in the morning,I have to get dressed for the day, because I live so far out.I put on everything that I plan to wear for the entire day,and take along those extra things I might need incase bad weather occurs! David always tells me I look like I'm going into battle,I'm so dressed up!
Actually,I am!
When I put on my clothes in the morning,I know I'm going into battle sometime during the day,so I put on Jesus too!
If I dress myself with His armor I not only look good, but I sound good too!
His word is pleasing to the ears,and sweeter than honeycomb.
He's my best set of permanent wear clothes too!
Becky

YOUNG LIFE

This is a wonderful event that happened on Monday night, but the principle behind the event, might teach all of us how important it is to not give up on sharing our faith......even though we might not see the fruit of it right away!

Most of you know that I drove to Aiken,this past week, and that I stayed with Edie.She is one of the one's who is responsible for getting Young Life started, and going full steam in Aiken.She does alot of the decorating for the banquet's that they have now,so while I was there,I helped her fix the centerpieces for their fall banquet that was this past Monday night.We put a variety of fall artificial flowers in mason jars, and then wrapped the jars with fall colored tissue, and tied them up with rafia.
She had thirty to do,so I left for Beaufort,having completed twenty some.
I called her this morning and here's the story she told me......
Young Life took in some $84,000 at the banquet,which is remarkable in itself,but the story that blew me away,was this one.....
A young high school chearleader came to YL and came to know Jesus,and continually told everybody about Him.Her entire family were unbelievers,and kind of belittled her whole faith.Her brother was invited to a campaigners meeting at Young Life,where they were studying the book of Mark.The leader told them the story of Jesus healing people,but how He said NOT to go and tell anyone.The leader then asked the students "why do you suppose He said that?" Her brother raised his hand and said "because the people would just come for the healing and not for what "God" said to the people!"
(I think He got the message folks!)He started coming to YL and received Christ, but it doesn't stop there.He invited his folks to the banquet, where they heard the word and received Christ too!
One faithful girl, never gave up, and three more people are now in the Kingdom!
How much more important for us not to give up sharing our faith.......
Even when we don't see the results right away!
Becky

THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Here comes another one of Becky's profound observations.Actually,I think the Holy Sprit decided that I'd had enough Mexican food at lunch today,so He gave me some really cool thoughts that I was sharing with Angela,at lunch today! Here goes.....
I told her that I thought my thorn in the flesh was my loss of of alot of my memory or recall of past things and events.He gives me wonderful experiences and allows me to revel in them.....for the moment!
Then He wants me to move on........I usually cannot remember a thing about these experiences to recall to anyone, because I think He thinks the experience would become so important to me,and I would put the emphasis on "me",and I might received a big head.I think He wants me to enjoy the moment,and to know that He has many more planned for me on down the road!Why look back on what "was" fun,when you can look forward to what "will" be even better?
Remember how wonderful the Garden of Eden "was" for Adam and Eve,and how through man's sin,our world became what it is today?
Think what it "will" be,when we have a New Earth!Now,that's really looking forward to an ultimate thrill!
We don't need to look back for our enjoyable times.If we know, and trust in God's word and His promises,and take Him at His word,then.....
THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
Becky

GOD'S GPS

Allen and Theresa came over from Hilton Head tonight and we went to Outback for supper, before they drove back to Aiken. Allen was telling us about his GPS and how its delightful "voice" always gives them so many different directions to take,when they they want to go somewhere.Seems,it tells them, they can go this way or that way, and it's so confusing for them.I know when we go back to Aiken through the Savannah River Plant,it won't allow us to go that way, because it doesn't acknowledge that it exists.(I guesss it's because it is a federal facility!)
I'm glad God has His own GPS system,which has only has one way to go. His GPS system is called "God's Plan of Salvation!"
Becky

HE IS ETERNAL

Have you noticed how everything in life needs either changing,or replacing?
I don't think there is one single thing on this earth, that doesn't wear out or needs to be replaced!......Think of it. tires;hairspray;radios;TV's;cars;toothbrushes;houses;our bodies;glasses....
Nope,I can't think of a thing,that either doesn't need to be replaced,or upgraded.....
except one!
Our Lord and Savior,Jesus Christ!
The Same yesterday! Today!Tomorrow!
He is eternal and the best is yet to come!
Becky

EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION!

When Araya drew that picture of the exclamation mark and told me that it was an "emancipation proclamation," I laughed so hard! Afterwards,though,I thought how much it really depicted the christian's true character.We are,indeed a creation of God's,proclaiming our emancipated from sin!
We can now stand straight and tall,like that exclamation mark,proclaiming the word of God!......Period.
Becky