Saturday, August 2, 2014

All About Me (Declare 4x4 of 4 Things)


I’m going to the Declare Conference. Yippee! To get to know one another prior to the conference attendees are participating in a link up. I really hate talking about myself. However, I am super excited to learn a few things about the other attendees so here goes.

If you visit me regularly here maybe you will learn something new about me so please don't go away just yet.

Can I also tell you the nerves are setting in as the conference date approaches? I love the friendships made in the online world and many of those friends I have been blessed to meet in real life. A conference? It’s a whole different ball game for an introvert who prefers small gatherings. Like one-on-one gatherings. But God said “go.” I've experienced the blessings which follow our yes to God so how could I say no?

Okay, now here goes . . .


4 Things About Me
  1. I turned 45 on July 30th. In October I celebrate 24 years of marriage to the love of my life and best friend. I consider it adorable to be married to him for more than half of our lives. How did we meet? When my husband’s high school closed down after his junior year he transferred to my school for his senior year. Even though we traveled in the same circle of friends we did not connect until shortly after we graduated. As my husband would say, “At a New Year’s Eve party (the same year we graduated from high school) she started following me around like a lost puppy dog and the rest is history.” I would tell the story somewhat differently. His may be more accurate.

  2. God blessed us with two amazing boys who are now young men (24 and 22). They bring me (us) so much joy. 

  3. We are a military family. My husband serves in the Army Reserves and our eldest son the Navy. Surprisingly, both of them enlisted within a few months of each other. They are both currently deployed. My husband’s deployment will soon come to an end and my son’s has just begun. The last time we were all in the same place was August 2013 and it will be 2015 before we are all together again.

  4. My husband and I both became Christians in 2012. Becoming a military family actually led us to God. You can read our story of transformation here. It still gives me goose bumps.

4 Endearing Quirks
  1. Coffee must come first in the morning. I am not very endearing without it.

  2. My comfort food is carbs. I consider it an addiction. A few of my favorite carbs are bagels, pretzels with brie cheese and recently plain pancakes. The pretzels and brie cheese usually come out several times throughout the day and putting them away takes much convincing on my part.

  3. My love for our Red, White and Blue and anything containing those colors could possibly be considered as an endearing quirk. I dream of having a big ole’ American Flag hanging in front of my home. Splashes of those three colors are found throughout my home.

  4. I hate shopping. My husband finds this very endearing.

4 Things About My Blog and Writing
  1. I started blogging before I accepted Christ. I actually wrote in my sixth blog post (under a different blog name) that you would not find me writing about faith. God obviously had other plans.

  2. Never did I dream of becoming a writer. Writing did not even appeal to me in my younger years. But God’s plans for us are always better than anything we can dream of. I’m grateful for this journey of being a writer He has taken me on. The writing does not come naturally for me though. Many hours, even days, are spent on a single post. I will not say writing is painful; it can be hard. The thoughts twirling around in my head do not flow easily to the written form.

  3. Writing connects me to God. I hope every post I write reveals this connection. There are times when I write through sadness but God meets me every single time. “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).”

  4. What will you find on my blog most weeks?
Get to Know Your Monday. Every Monday I post a question on my blog and we get to know one another better. It’s much like what we Declare attendees are doing with this post. It has become my favorite day of the week.

Three Word Wednesday. I host a weekly linkup on Wednesday’s. You choose three words and then share a post, photo or scripture that highlights the three words you have chosen and linkup. It has become a wonderful community of writers and I would love for you to join in.

Friday Randomness. I highlight random things from my week I loved. It typically includes several of my favorite blog reads from the week. I love sharing how others have blessed me.

4 Favorite Things of Mine
  1. Coffee. I take mine with cream (preferably vanilla flavored) and sugar.

  2. My phone. With my husband and son currently deployed it never leaves my side.

  3. Traveling. Since our children are now adults we have more opportunities to travel. At least twice a year my job also takes me to wonderful places. Come early September you will surely find me sharing lovely pictures from Hawaii here and here. I love my job!

  4. My family. They are my favorite, favorite thing. Whenever we are together I am smiling big.
Are you going to Declare? You can link up your 4x4 of 4 Things here. I can't wait to meet you! And if you are not going to Declare, I'd still love to learn something new about you. How about choosing one of the above 4 categories above and telling me one thing? Consider it a special edition of Get to Know You Monday.

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30 comments :

  1. So excited that you get to go to Declare! How fun will that be. Oh girl, I always love getting to know you more. I too drink my coffee with vanilla creamer (LOTS)! Love you!

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    1. Oh how I wish we could share a cup together. Love you. xoxo

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  2. well, I'm not going to the conference, but this introvert sure understands those squeamish feelings. but you've got so many online friends, Beth, that I know it won't be long til you're comfortable and having a ball!

    i'm trying to think of something entertaining or fun to write about myself, but it's almost 10:30 on Saturday night and my brain is on autopilot. so, just consider yourself hugged my friend. it's good to see you again! i really loved this post ...

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement, sweet friend. Thanks for stopping by on a late Saturday night. You bless me. xoxo

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  3. I really enjoyed your list and am looking forward to meeting you next week! I'm an introvert, and this is my first conference, so I'm right there with you on the part about nerves. :) Oh, and I hate shopping, too -- well, except for little eclectic shops and, of course, bookstores.

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    1. I am looking forward to meeting you too, Patti. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings.

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  4. I have no idea what declare is. I must educate myself. But, I do know how writing doesn't come easily for some. I, too, spend hours or days on one post. It's the most fulfilling thing, writing is, but very exhausting! For me its right up there with mothering & being a wife.

    Oh! And I love coffee & hate shopping! :) I just love you, Beth! So glad I stopped by this late Saturday evening! Blessings, dear one!

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    1. I love that we share a love for coffee and hate for shopping. I hope to one day meet you in real life, friend. You are a dear one! Much love. xoxo

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  5. Beth, great to 'meet you' and I look forward to more time over carbs and coffee next week :) Kim Stewart

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    1. Oh that sounds lovely, Kim! I will be hoping we connect. Blessings.

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  6. Beth-this was fun! So excited for you to be part of Declare. Maybe that will be the next thing after I try Allume. I too love coffee=did I say I love coffee!! Yes I use creamer usually a caramel macchiato flavor! :) I also have two sons-27 and 24 and tend to be an introvert. Allume will be very nerve-wracking for me but at the same time amazing. Loved getting to know you a little better! Prayers for you as you head to Declare! Blessings!

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  7. Beth-this was fun! So excited for you to be part of Declare. Maybe that will be the next thing after I try Allume. I too love coffee=did I say I love coffee!! Yes I use creamer usually a caramel macchiato flavor! :) I also have two sons-27 and 24 and tend to be an introvert. Allume will be very nerve-wracking for me but at the same time amazing. Loved getting to know you a little better! Prayers for you as you head to Declare! Blessings!

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    1. I must say the caramel macchiato flavor is sounding rather yummy. :) I love that we share a love for coffee and have two sons close in age. And that you are also nervous about Allume. Not that I want you to be nervous about Allume but it's comforting when another understands our fears. I can't wait for us both to be able to share our experiences. It will be amazing! Prayers for you too, friend. Blessings.

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  8. Beth,

    Wow! I am excited to meet you knowing you too have adult children. I have all girls. I love that you and your husband both accepted Christ in 2012. I plan to read the related post. My husband and I both accepted Christ several years after marriage.

    It was fun visiting your lovely blog and learning a bit about you. I look forward to meeting you in a few short days.

    Blessings,
    Cherie
    http://thewerners.org/2014/08/01/factoids-about-me-as-i-prepare-for-declare/

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    1. So nice to *meet* you, Cherie, and I do hope we are able to connect at Declare. I agree, it's nice to connect with others who also have adult children. So just a few more days! Safe travels to you. Blessings.

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  9. Beth,

    Enjoy the conference. I wish I could go, but it's the first week of school. If you run into Denise Hughes and/or Jacque Watkins, please say "Hello" for me and give them hugs. Those two are who encouraged me to start blogging, and they are both gentle, encouraging women of God. They even made an introvert like me feel comfortable when I stepped out of my comfort zone for my first (in)RL conference in 2013.

    ((Hugs))
    Debbie

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    1. Will do, Debbie. So wonderful to hear how they encouraged you. Love this blogging world!! Blessings to you. xoxo

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  10. Love reading all about you sweet friend!!! I love coffee too! Prayers for your men deployed! Love you- have a wonderful week!

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  11. It was great learning more about you, sweet friend. I'm so glad you're going to the conference! I can totally relate to how you're feeling! I signed up for the SDG Retreat in November and have way too long to talk myself out of going! Coffee is my vice, no sweet stuff though, just a smidge of coconut milk. Keeping you and your "men" in prayer, always. Have a blessed week!

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    1. June, so wonderful to hear you will be going to the SDG Retreat. That sounds lovely. It's a conference I'd love to attend. It would be so wonderful to meet Jen in person. I'd also love the chance to meet Amy Sullivan who I know is speaking at that retreat. If you see this, and meet them both, give them a hug from me!! And I'm praying for the day I can hug you!!! Much love. xoxo

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  12. Beth, I've already been so excited to meet you in person and all this just amps up the excitement that much more. You are SO endearing!! Just a few more days, friend! :)

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    1. I am super excited, Becky. You probably won't see this . . . but I changed my flight to arrive earlier on Thursday too. I now get in about 530pm. Maybe I should message you that. hehe.

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  13. It is so nice to meet you over here. We just visited the Naval Academy, so I may pound you with questions about life in the armed forces. We have one or maybe two children interested in that direction! Looking forward to meeting you at Declare!

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    1. I do hope we connect at Declare, Lisa. I would love to talk military life with you. Thank you for stopping by. Blessings.

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  14. Wow, Beth! Your story of transformation is just amazing! I had goosebumps, as well. Can't wait to meet you in person in a few days!

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer. I can't wait to meet you too. SOON!

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  15. Oh how I understand about being an introvert Beth and the challenging of facing the large crowds. But there is growth on the other side of our yes. It's been awhile since I have come to visit. Love your new look.

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    1. So good to see you, Wanda. I need to stop by and say hello at your place as well. I'm sorry it has been a while. I hope all is well. Blessings. xoxo

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  16. Enjoyed learning more about you. :)

    The quirkiest thing about me... has got to be my quirkiness. ;)

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Much love to you.