The Passing of a Great Man

My grandfather (actually my step grandfather, but I never looked at him that way) Dr. Van A. Phillips passed away this morning around 2:30 a.m. Both of his daughters, my grandmother, and my mother were there with him. Please pray for all of our families as we mourn the loss of this great man. Dr. Phillips, or "doc" as we called him, was such a wonderful man and loved by many. He was so good to my grandmother. They actually went to high school together...both married other people...had long marriages...then both spouses died around the same time...a few years later they married. They actually married December 29, 1998 so yesterday was their 10th anniversary. They were great for each other as they were companions for one another. He was a great caregiver to my grandmother and I will always be thankful to him for this reason. Please pray a special prayer for my grandmother as this is the second husband she has lost. I can't imagine the pain she is feeling right now.

Much Love,
Bethany

Prayers Needed

I come to you all tonight asking for prayers for my grandfather. This morning he was not feeling well so my grandmother took him to the ER. They learned that he was having congestive heart failure. They were going to need to admit him and remove fluid from the heart but things looked okay. Then while still in the ER he coded...they got him back but things are not looking good. They have now learned that he has an infection in the blood...his kidneys are also not functioning. Please pray for his two daughters and my grandmother. This is my grandmother's second husband...they married ten years ago after both of their spouses passed away. Also please pray for my mother as she is having to be with my grandmother during this hard time. My grandmother has the beginning of Alzheimer's disease and things can get her confused very quickly. I was with them for awhile tonight but seeing him on the respirator brought back fresh memories of precious Mary Glenn so I decided to come home and have some time to myself (Shea is off hunting). So now Marley and I will try to get some rest and pray for God's will on my grandfather.

Much Love,
Bethany

Christmas In Heaven

A friend sent this poem to me in the mail during the holidays and I had planned on sharing it with you guys on Christmas Day but we were on a schedule and pooped by the end of the night and I forgot to do so. Shea and I had a great Christmas considering everything that we have been going through these past few months. We had some moments of sadness...moments of crying VERY hard, and LOTS of moments with laughter. We were surrounded by friends and family which always brings joy to my heart.

Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless CHRISTMAS TREES around the world below
with tiny lights like HEAVEN'S STARS reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so SPECTACULAR please wipe away that tear
for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.

I hear the many CHRISTMAS SONGS that people hold so dear
but the SOUND OF MUSIC can't compare with the CHRISTMAS CHOIR up here.

I have no words to tell you of the JOY their voices bring
for it is beyond description to HEAR THE ANGELS SING.

I know HOW MUCH YOU MISS ME, I see the pain inside your heart
for I am spending CHRISTMAS WITH JESUS CHRIST this year.

I can't tell you of the SPLENDOR or the PEACE here in this place
Can you just imagine CHRISTMAS WITH OUR SAVIOR face to face

I'll ask him to LIFT YOUR SPIRIT as I tell him of your love
so then PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your HEARTS BE JOYFUL and let your SPIRIT SING
for I am spending CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN and I'm walking WITH THE KING.

I will be posting pictures from Nashville and Christmas soon, but now I must get started balancing our checkbook...paying bills...and writing thank you notes!

Love,
Bethany

I'M BACK!!!

First I must apologize for not posting any blogs lately. I didn't realize how long it had been. We have been very busy and honestly I have been enjoying taking a break from the blog world...but I'M BACK!

Shea and I had a GREAT Thanksgiving. We spent the day at my Aunt Julie's house in Carnes, MS...this is a family tradition that we have been doing as long as I can remember. My Aunt Julie is such a wonderful person and a true friend in Christ. Her faith is amazing and I love spending time with her. The night was spent with Shea's family. Shea broke out the guitar and played his #1 fan (his mother) a few songs. Shea has never missed an opportunity to play for a crowd. Usually Shea leaves Thanksgiving day to spend the rest of the holiday with my dad at the duck camp, but this year he spent it with me and for that I was SUPER thankful.

Since Thanksgiving we have stayed on the go with Christmas parties and hanging out with each other. Shea did take a quick trip to the duck camp Friday and Saturday...the weather was suppose to be perfect for deer and ducks...but for some reason he didn't come with a deer or many ducks. I told him yesterday that I think he uses that excuse to get away from me!!! My hormones are still out of whack. If you don't beleive me then ask Shea about my break down last Wednesday night.

This past Thursday South Mississippi was covered in snow. The news and my neighbors estimated that we got almost 5 inches of snow in Sumrall. It was wild. It started snowing at 5:45 in the morning and didn't stop til 1:00 that afternoon. It was the hardest snow that I have ever seen and absolutely gourgeous.

Overall I am doing good. I still have my moments. I really miss Mary Glenn and the holidays are especially hard. I had planned out a totally different holiday...one that may include a baby or one with me about to pop. Neither of these plans are reality. The reality is that I will celebrate my Christmas with a baby that has gone to be with our Lord. I know she is up there singing away and watching how her daddy absolutely loves the holidays and how her mom stresses out over the small things when it comes to the holidays. I will say that this Christmas is totally different...but in a good way. I have never looked at Christmas in the way I do now. Christmas has a new meaning to me and it always will because of my precious baby girl. Once again...thank you Mary Glenn. I know you are up there singing Christmas carols with your pops, mammaw & grandaddy, and pawpaw...sing my favorite song for me...O Holy Night...I know you sound a lot better than your mommie. I love you!!!

Shea and I leave Wednesday for a much needed get away...by ourselves...to Nashville! We are very excited and can't wait to get there and hang out. I will be posting pictures when we return. For now I have posted some pictures of our Christmas decorations and some from the snow day.







More pictures...








MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
Bethany