Day 30 Christmas Surprise

We were quite surprised when we arrived at Adam's on Christmas Eve for breakfast when the doorbell rang and Adam indicated it was a neighbor when in fact it was Jake, Carrie, Annika, Eden and Jake's sister Cassie. Without us knowing they arrived in MN on Thursday evening after driving here from TX.

The fact that they came and our whole family was together this Christmas was wonderful. Family for me is the most important part of living ....

I am so grateful for the family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus that is the reason for us to be together yet one more time as the "Original Pedersons" with spouses and children celebrating His birth.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight. Sleep, sweet in Jesus' arms! B.

Home Again (day 29)

9/26/2010 Who would have thought that it would take me a 3-month period to follow through with my goal of 30 days of writing but it has ... and I am totally OK with this, today, being day 29!

I have been home since Monday, December 13 but am just now sitting down to blog for the first time. The trip to Liberia was amazing! For now I would like to share just two quick stories to go with the above pictures in this post ....

On the 3rd and 4th day in country the team from New Hope Church facilitated a conference on Reconciliation and Evangelism. I was a facilitator for 2 of the workshops on Evangelism. The first conference day there was a women named Rebecca who participated in the one of the workshops I presented. At the end of the workshop I told of how I had come to Christ in January of 1977. I gave everyone an opportunity to pray to receive Christ. After the workshop was over Rebecca came and asked me for my mailing information and said that she had received Christ that day! I was thrilled but of course God was more thrilled. This past Monday I sent a Bible to Rebecca and to another individual who received Christ! I will now continue to pray for Rebecca and for her growth in Christ.

On one of our final days we traveled to one of the villages where we gave out the gifts provided by the kids from the NHC children's prayer team, Hopewatchers. The gifts were school supplies. Pictured here is one of the girls using a crayon for the first time. Each child was given one crayon from the box of 24 crayons. What wonder to see and appreciate this act of giving from the kids in MN to the kids in Liberia. As a teacher this was especially meaningful as many of these children did not have school supplies or even know how to use them. So many things we just take for granted in the United States!

I am every so grateful to each of you who "gave and sent" me to Liberia to be the hands and feet of Christ.

We make a great team! In His Arms, Beth

Day 28 with gratitude!

Sometimes I am dependent on other's word of encouragement and prayer to lift me towards gratitude. Today in my in box I found this attachment of
A Psalm of Gratitude from a dear friend and ministry partner ....

I thought it worthy to share as it blessed me and hopefully will bless you as you think on the many ways you are thankful during this season of Thanksgiving!

A PSALM OF GRATITUDE
AND CHANGE OF ATTITUDE
by Elaine Tietz

Christ Jesus my Lord
Center of all the universe
totally God, eternal
became one of the created
bound by a human body
living the life of a servant.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus my Savior
Redeemer of all that is dead
Redeemer of all that is lost
Redeemer of all that is forgotten
by humbling Yourself in obedience
that led to Your death on a cross.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus my Shepherd
giving Your life for the sheep
for the joy set before You—
to sit at the right hand of Your Father
to see multitudes receive salvation
to have Your blood be the cleansing flood.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus, Faithful Son of God
suffering as an example to us
having grace toward Your tormentors
entrusting Yourself to Your Father
healing us with Your wounds
the Overseer of our souls.

My heart is full of gratitude
Jesus change my attitude
to be the same as Yours.

Christ Jesus, Alpha and Omega
Son of God, holy and true
the Amen, ruler of all creation
sitting on Your throne in splendor
all of heaven singing Your praises
the Lamb of God reigning in glory.

Overflowing gratitude
open to Your magnitude
take me, I am Yours.

Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:20-25; Revelation 2:1-3


Continuing to count my 1000 gifts ...

172. family

173. friends

174. gifts for the Liberians

175. packing the suitcase to 50 # for Liberia and having leftovers gifts of crayons, pencils, notebooks and more because of the gift of giving from the 4-6th grader prayer team members!

176. Just 5 days until the team leaves for Liberia

177. He is my refuge

178. He is my comforter

179. He is my grief bearer

180. He is my rest

Day 27 Thank God for Praying Friends

Today is day 27 in my 30 days of writing goal. When I started my 30 days I fulled intended to complete this in 30 consecutive days but looking back I am thankful for the fact that I am doing what I love writing. Today, even though I like and have a passion to write I have been encouraged by the writings of my friends! I am ever so grateful that I can request pray from friends by e-mail push the send button and receive all of these words of encouragement in my in box, minutes, hours, and even days after the news of my nephews death. Thank you my friends for your words that have spoken to my heart during this time of loss!

I know the pain and shock of loss. Father, please give her peace in the midst of all of the trouble. Please give her grace to make it through this day. Please let your hand of comfort and love be on the entire family. Jesus, please draw near. Amen.
Andrea

Father God, once again we are reminded of what a fallen world we live in. But, You in Your grace and mercy has overcome the world and conquered death. I pray that as the Almighty, You would use this tragic situation for Your glory and Diane’s good. Thank you for Beth. I pray that she will be a great comfort to her sister. In Jesus Name Amen.
Becky

Oh, my dear Beth,
Just came back to the office to shut down for a few hours. And here you are. With your tremendously heavy heart due to this tragic news. Sorry isn't sufficient. Simply don't have words. Do know, Beth, that I'm praying for you, Diane, and everyone in your family. I'll be focusing prayer on her grief and your grief. I'm just so, so very sorry, Beth.
Love you,
Mary Beth

Oh friend,
I am so sorry for your loss! I can’t even imagine how heartbreaking that must be. My prayers go out to you and your family. Praying also that God will be able to use you in this time to shine His light through this darkness.
If I can help with anything, please let me know.
In His Grip,
Holly

Beth,
I just got the message concerning your sister Diane. I am so very sorry to hear this and have no words for you but will surely uphold you in prayer as you seek to love her. I will also pray for her as she deals with God and what to do with this unbelievable hardship.
I hurt with you and her,
Sally

Oh Beth,
I am so sorry to read a message of such terrible news...praying for Diane and the rest of your family...
Karen

Dear Beth:
Our hearts go out to you and your sister Diane. May the GREAT COMFORTER,
wrap you and your family in HIS ARMS, provide you with HIS LOVE, and HIS
COMFORT in this very difficult time of mourning for John. We know that
GOD is in control and HE will show grace and mercy for you to accept that
which you cannot change.

May God grant you inner peace and strength!!

Please let us know how we can help.

With love,

Wilhelmina and Burleigh


As a good friend reminded me it may be a long road ahead with waves of grief coming at various times. Remaining In His Arms and allowing him to hold me during this time of grief, B.

Day 25 This is actually why I love living in Minnesota!

Plan A for today in my mind went something like this
get up
sort Laundry
eat breakfast
pack bag for Sati class
drive to class, especially today for 2 important reasons. The Star and Tribune was coming to write an article about Lisa's class and 5 weeks ago I tore ligaments in my ankle and I was pumped and ready to be back in class for the first time in 5 weeks!

Oh how my plan changed, as I got in my car early, because of the snow, to drive to Richfield. I got as far as over the railroad tracks and called Lisa. I told her I was going to try to make it but the driving was not so good .... she said, "Mom it's OK for you not to come. Do not drive if it is stressful and dangerous." (love that my kids always stand ready to think about what is best for me, Thanks Lisa!)

Well I have to say that I heeded her advice, and as much as I wanted to be in class today I choose plan B.

Plan B actually went like this
get up
sort Laundry
eat breakfast
pack bag for Sati class
drive
call Lisa
drive to Cub to get postcard stamps
drive to Caribou to get a Vanilla White Chocolate Mocha (with my gift card from Angie)
drive home
dress warm
get on snowshoes
go snowshoeing down towards 3 ponds park and back

All of the words of this post are significant for the a couple of reasons .... When one is listening to the heart and soul of our being we tend to be more obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Also, the fact that I had MS for 12 years and had an injury to the right ankle just 5 weeks ago, yet took a walk in the snow enjoying the beauty of His creation is worth the change to Plan B. My ways are not His ways ....

In His Arms, B.

Day 24 Surprise for Annika

If you know my family you know how much they like to surprise and be surprised ... with that said this post is for the purpose of letting others know that I have a surprise for Annika!

You see bumpa, Kelley and Kids, and Adam are headed to TX this weekend and I have a surprise I am sending along with them for Annika! They are actually headed to TX to celebrate Eden's first birthday but because I am headed to Liberia in less than 3 weeks I am not going. :-(
But my surprise will be going to Annika even though it is Eden's birhtday.

Not to worry Carrie, I am sending something for Eden's birthday too. Can't wait to surprise all of you.

Day 23 words of the song from The Father's Love Letter that moves me to serve in Liberia

My child
You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
I am familiar with all your ways.
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
For you were made in my image.
In me you live and move and have your being.
For you are my offspring.
I knew you even before you were conceived.
I chose you when I planned creation.
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
For I am the perfect father.
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
And I rejoice over you with singing.
I will never stop doing good to you.
For you are my treasured possession.
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
For it is I who gave you those desires.
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
For I am your greatest encourager.
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
He is the exact representation of my being.
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
My question is…Will you be my child?
I am waiting for you.
Love, Your Dad. Almight God.


Please pray with me (us) as the team is half way to full financial Support and we leave in just 18 days!

Father, please help us as a team to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:3

Remaining In His Arms, B.

Day 22 Too Tired

Let's just say I got so much done on my "do it now" list that I am too tired to write about it .... therefore I leave you with this quote ....

"Do it today so as not to suffer a regret tomorrow". --- Pat Croce

Day 21 Friday, Family, Fun Night and a Week in Review

My latest journaling has produced a number of lists so in honor of my new
Do It Now journal I will create a list of a week in review ....

Sunday we found our selves celebrating with Sid and Pru at the Oct 31st gathering at our church.

Monday it was time for chai at Starbucks with Ashley.

Tuesday it was time for coffee at Caribou with Kaye.

Wednesday time for chai once again from Starbucks with my friend Angie Hanson as we looked at the new creative memories catalog.

Thursday time for dinner with my dear friends from Edinbrook Elementary.

Friday morning yep, for sure, you betcha it was time for
rooibos tea at Caribou to celebrate my other good friend Angie and her birthday.

And Friday, Family, Fun night was pizza, family, grand kids and a Happy Birthday song from the whole crew to me ... I am so excited that I received exactly what I wanted!

Because there is officially one more day in the week of 7 days be sure and stop back tomorrow for the end of list #1 and another extraordinary list # 2.

Day 20 Friday, Family, Fun, Night

I am so glad that even if I am behind on my 30 day journey of writing that I am picking up where I left off a week ago.

Tonight we had fun as a family (as many as were available) hanging out at Lisa's new studio! It is so fun to see her very excited about all that is ahead for her in the area of yogi, wellness, and community ... I am so excited for her and know that many will experience great health and wellness because of all Lisa has to offer!

Check out her site at http://www.santefit.com/

We also enjoyed pizza and I ordered the gf Pizza Luce (yum, thanks Lisa). After we ate we elebrated Josh's soon to be 29th birthday. The guys were able to help a bit by taping off the studio so that Matt, Lisa and other friends would be prepared to paint the place in preparations for opening day November 1. And as if that was not enough fun we got to bring Sid and Pru back for their monthly sleep-over at Bampas, and Nanas.

When we got home the 2 little ones tried to go potty before brushing their teeth and then they were off to bed. I prayed and Sid asked if I would sing "You are my Sunshine". This is a song that I used to sing to Kelley as she left the hospital each time she visited me when I was hospitalized for treatment for the MS. The singing of the song tonight with Sid brought back memories. I lost a few of the words near the end of the song but where I left off Sid picked up singing and finished out the song.

Oh how I love family! In His Arms soon to be asleep ....B.

Day 18 Still feeling crummy :-(

Ok I have to say that there is not a lot to say or write about when I still feel crummy ... except maybe to say how thankful I am for my husband who has taken such good care of me. He got up with me at 12:30 am and took me to the hospital last night. The doctor ran IV fluids and anti-nausea meds for the night because I have been unable to keep anything in my system.

As of 9:30 this evening I am happy to report I am doing a bit better and I have kept the banana, applesauce, toast and even popcorn down. Hopefully by tomorrow things will be a bit closer to normal.

One upside of being sick is at times during the day I actually feel like reading and I jump between the Bible, a leisure book and the following book I am reading towards spiritual growth:

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us.

Fasting, Solitude, Contemplative Prayer ... Have you wandered from one practice to another? Then you may want to pick up this book. I love that this book is written by a women as many books like this are written by men and in particular Pastors. ... for me I am reading it on my Kindle!

Gratitude October 18 Day 17

Well so much for staying on track with my 30 days ... I am a day off after having the flu yesterday and not spending any time at the computer. The story is that it started on Friday night when the family met for pizza at Kelley's. Kelley was sick and proceded to throw-up for the first time in 6 years. Then Saturday Terry and Josh were on the golf course when Josh got sick. Then I received a text message from Ashley at 5 am on Sunday that I should call as soon as I got the message and yes, you guessed it Ashley was sick ....then on the very same day Sunday at 3:30 in the afternoon I started to feel sick. I am home today from work and will be home again tomorrow as I am still sick.

I remember back to almost a year ago when I was out of work for numberous days due to the H1N1 flu ... the following was my post ....

Thursday, October 29, 2009 flu yuck!

morning pages
October 29, 2009
one month from my last post

Illness .... Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick ...But He, being full of compassion ... for He rememberes that they were but flesh ... therefore I take pleasure in infirmities ... for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Not sure I am taking pleasure in these infirmities but when illness and or injury hit me I know that this is one way God slows me down to get refocused on Him and knowing and keeping at the forefront that He is the Healer.

This too being Monday a day to reflect on graditude .... counting my thousand gifts right along with Ann's community ....

161. Friday family night (even if we did share sickness along with fellowship)

162. Saturday morning coffee (thanks Ashley)

163. Saturday mroning skyping with Carrie and reading a book to Annika via skype

164. Having Sid and Pru help me with the Saturday morning laundry

165. Take-out PF Chang's gf spicy chicken and enjoying time with Terry on the couch

166. Sunday morning prayer time with my friends at NHC

167. Having 25 kids present and praying on Sunday at HopeWatcher;s

168. Taking 18 kids and several parents on a Pray-Day-Away on Friday

169. Looking forward to Women of Faith this coming weekend

170. Finally grateful that I am on the way to wellness because He is my Healer!

Laundry Day (day 16)

Wow if I can keep up on the daily writing it will be easy to remember what day I am on 'cause it matches the date!

Laundry day usually is not very exciting but today was quite different ...

Today I had 2 amazing helpers as Sid and Pru took my entire white load from my bedroom into the hallway and then they placed each item in the washing machine. What I can't believe is that there was not a camera in the place so ... you just have to imagine to toddlers walking back and forth at least 4 times each to place the laundry into the washing machine.

"Here Sid" says Pru.

"OK Pru bring it. Put it in here" says Sid.

"Here's more Nana" says Sid.

Mind you I take the whole small load (2 person laundry load) in one trip. This was way more fun though to do laundry with these two little helpers.

10-15-10 day 15

Let's see if it is day 15 that means I am halfway through my 30 days of writing commitment! Because I love to write this is not a difficult commitment but rather taking the time to write presents itself as the challenge.

I love this saying I have on my wall

"Motivation is what gets you started.
Habit is what keeps you going".

I have some things on my to-do list and one of those things is getting in the habit of word-processing my handwritten journals. Please join me in praying that I will make a habit of daily typing so within my life time I will get all journal's (43 of them) word processed.

I am thinking it would be easier to do this if I just had a more portable typing system. You know something without the cords and printers and extra stuff. Something that is lightweight and portable for taking notes and such. Well you guessed it ... it's the alphasmart at the top of the page.

Since I love to read (the kindle) and write (the alphasmart) make a great portable pair!

And I got the kindle for graduation so I am hoping to get the alphasmart for my birthday ... hint, hint.

a prayer I came across in a book I am reading Day 14

Who every said that 30 days of writing had to be 30 consecutive days?

Not me .... yes it was my intention but then it was never my intention to pull ligaments in my ankle at my neice's wedding and have this result in getting off course ... it's Ok. I am back on the writing binge and I want to share this poginat prayer I came across in my reading this week ....Lisa it's a good one to go along with change ....

Lord, I am willing to
receive what You give
release what You take
Lack what You withhold
Do what You require
Be who You desire

once again remaining In His Arms, B.

missed a day so this is day 13 of writing being written on day 14

I think that I have good reason to have missed a day of writing (Friday). You see, I did have a day "off" of school but it was a day "on" of getting ready for a garage sale. I kept quite busy getting ready and it was a good thing I was prepared ahead of time because the ....

bad news

Friday night I was in the ER with torn ligaments in my ankle due to a mis-step in heels while at my niece's wedding.

good news

I raised $116.00 towards my trip to Liberia coming up in November-December.

I am grateful .... because I needed to have my foot raised and iced, I had plenty of time to work on my visual journal.

I am even more grateful .... for my family because I could not have had the garage sale without their support.

Thanks Terry for doing a lot of the running, putting up signs, getting balloons, etc. and thanks kids for supplying me with many of your "must-go's" to sell.

lywm family ... In His Arms, B.

day 12 ... this one's for you Kelley and for Carrie too!

God,
Give me wisdom to see that today is my day with my children. That there is no unimportant moment in their lives. may I know that no other career is so precious, no other work so rewarding, no other task so urgent. May I not defer it nor neglect it, but by the Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by Thy grace realize that the time is short and my time is now for children won't wait.

day 11 of 30 days of writing

so fun to leave this note for my wonderful husband this morning ...

I hope you have gotten rest and feel a bit better (he's stuggling with a cold). Could you get a box of envelopes (small) please? And I also need more stanps.

Thanks Honey ... have a good day!

I came home to envelopes, paper and stamps ... and now he is fixing gf pancakes ... It doesn't get much better than this.

Day 10 struggling at work

Lately I have been struggling at work. I have decided to pray though this time of discontentment with the prayer below .... I have posted it here but I have also printed it and will carry it in my pocket while at work until further notice.

This is my tweaking of a prayer written by Stormie Omartian



Lord, I pray that You would help me to be successful in my work. No matter what my work is at any given time, establish it, and help me to find favor. Thank you for the abilities, gifts, and creativity You have placed in me. Continue to reveal, develop, and refine those gifts and talents and use them for Your purposes. May my skills increase in value, and may I excel in each of them. Open doors for me that no man can shut, and bless me with success.

Keep me from ever being in competition with others and help me to always rejoice in my co-workers accomplishments. Help me to build others up and not forget that we are on the same team. If what I am doing is not in Your perfect will, show me what Your will is. Keep pride far from me so that the enemy will never be able to make me fail.

Lord, Your Word says when I commit my work to You; the financial blessing I receive will not bring misery along with it. You have also said “the laborer is worthy of his wages”. I pray that you will give me the gift of work that I love and establish the work of my hands. Enable me to accomplish great things so that You are glorified.

Psalm 90: 17 Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon me and establish the work of my hands.

Remaining in His arms at work, Beth

day 9 grateful

162. Grateful for a new journal / sketchbook to visualize my dreams

163. Grateful for the OK from my job to travel to Liberia

163. Grateful to have a warm bed to crawl into tonight

164. Grateful for praying friends

165. Grateful for a God who hears my heart