Reuniting with "OLD" friends

Had a wonderful time hanging out with some old friends.

This is Misty Bennett my best friend from Beauty College. She is such a blessing to me! God has given us a special friendship for which I'm very grateful.

Also, had the honor of meeting an old friend from highschool, Terisa Moore Womack. We enjoyed some Mexican food and just reminised about old times and talked about things going on in our present lives. I was able to share Gods goodness in my own life and how His hand of mercy and grace is still working today!

I'm very thankful for friendships that have lasted through the years!  But, I'm most thankful for a  friend that sticketh closer than a brother/sister and His name is Jesus!
God Bless,
Gwen

A friend loveth at all times!

The Benedict/Mason Wedding

Well, our baby girl walked down the isle to her Prince Charming on October 9, 2010. What a beautiful bride she made. The day was PERFECT in every way! What an honor as a mother to have raised (and to God be the Glory) such a wonderful, godly young lady. We watched them over the course of three years, in their courtship, draw closer to the Lord as they drew closer to one another. She has always been a JOY so I can tell you in all sincerity that it was a bittersweet day. To see her happy filled my own heart with happiness! Because she always tried to submit to her authorities, kept herself pure for her husband and strived to please the Lord, we've watched her blossom into a beautiful young lady. We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for Casey & Brooke and we know that as long as they keep Him as front and center it will be something wonderful!

God has blessed me with three beautiful children and has now given me a new son-in-law!

Blake ~ Brooke ~ Brandon

My Loves!!

Thanks to family and friends who shared in this joyous ceremony. We ask that you pray for them as they begin their journey together as husband and wife. Also, pray for me in these months ahead as I adjust to having my "only" baby girl gone from the nest! I'm not going to lie, it's not easy but I know God will be all that I need in those moments that I miss her most!
We've always had a close relationship and I don't look for that to change. Changes? Yes! But, we are still Mother and Daughter and I look for our bond to grow even closer in the years to come.

OH YEAH! Can't forget ~ Today, I am 44 years YOUNG!!! Happy Birthday to ME!!! :)

Lots of Love,
Gwen

FOREVER MY BABY GIRL!!

It's been a while since I've blogged.....

I guess I just haven't felt much like writing down what I've been feeling even though I've been told it's good therapy! As you all know we are in the midst of planning our daughter, Brooke's wedding. This is a very exciting time as well as emotional. She will be marrying the man of her dreams (her words) on October 9th 2010. We aren't losing a daughter but gaining another son. We love Casey and He will be a wonderful addition to our family. Since my last post I've taken a trip to the North Georgia Mountains and had a really wonderful time.

I'll try to be more faithful to posting on my blog. I've just had to take some time to take all these changes in. Mercy, who ever knew that I'd be so emotional in my 40's. If this is any indication of what's to come in my 50's  Lord, please prepare my family :) :) in advance!

The Lord has been so good to me and my family. I don't know why He blesses us so much but I'm so thankful for His Love, Mercy and Kindness but most of all His Longsuffering and Forgiveness!

Until Next time,

Gwen

Just Another Day of Blessings....

Hello to all my blogger friends. I sure hope today is a beautiful day to all who are reading. I woke up this morning and I could breathe, I could walk and I could talk (even though some might wish that weren't so...lol) and I realized just how blessed I am. God has once again chosen to show mercy upon me and let me breathe HIS air another day. THANK YOU, LORD!

Last night 05/16/2010 was our ladies meeting at Calvary Baptist Church and we had a wonderful time. The ladies of our church are so sweet. They gave Brooke as surprise household shower and she got a lot of really nice items for their new home.  I am so THANKFUL for WONDERFUL ladies that love her so much!

This year has been a real roller coaster ride for me. I'm walking through territory that I've never yet been through before. I'm having a lot of mixed emotions about my only baby girl getting married. Not about WHO she is marrying. It's hard for a mother to watch her children grow up and begin to leave the nest one by one. Yet, this is the very thing we've raised them to do and this is the will of God for children to spread their wings and some day fly but He didn't ever say that it would be easy. I wish her and Casey a lifetime of happiness! I don't just want her to be married, I want her to experience a love that will be fulfilling and bring her years of happiness. Life is too short!

Well, God is good and He's good ALL the time! I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams! One day at a time sweet Jesus! Thank you for Your longsuffering, Your Gentleness, Your Kindness and Your Mercy that you bestow upon me DAILY!

Have a GREAT day!

Hugs,

Gwen

Enjoying some Quiet Time at Home

It's Friday, May 14th...Earlier this morning Billy and I took the pontoon out on the lake. It started out really nice but then after three hours it got REALLY hot! I ask myself, "Why didn't I listen and use the sunscreen?" OUCH! I will listen next time...lol...I'm not always a first-time learner :)

It's now Friday evening and I'm home alone enjoying some quiet time. Billy is fishing (his favorite past time) and the kiddos are playing volleyball with the youth at the church. So, I decided to weed & water my flower beds and hanging baskets. It's a good thing I was already hot and sticky from being out in the boat! YUK!!! Can you believe I had a lady friend ask me today if I ever get dirty? HAHA!! If she only knew!!! Funny thing....She drove by when I was working in my flower bed so I'm sure that answered her question! ;)

I'm hoping to plan a trip to SC to visit some friends that I haven't seen in a while. I always LOVE getting together with old friends. I always enjoy their company. Everytime we get together we have a blast! I'm in need of a girls night(s) out! So, I'm looking forward to it and hoping it will all work out.

Well, just thought I'd sit down at the computer and chat with you all for a moment. Hope you all have a great weekend! Be Safe and REMEMBER: Use your sunscreen if you're gonna be out in the sun! ;)

Hugs,
Gwen

Happy 20th Anniversary ~ Pathway of Hope Youth Meeting ~ Happy Mother's Day

Friday~ 05/07 Today marks the 20th year Anniversary for Me and Billy. It is ONLY by God's grace that we are celebrating another year. He holds the key that holds us together. Happy Anniversary, Billy! Thank you for loving me even when I'm unlovely.

Pathway of Hope Youth Meeting
Saturday ~ 05/08 We will have our regional youth meeting and I'm so looking forward to that. I may be in the back alot helping with food preparation but I know God is going to meet with us and bless this meeting that He may receive the Honour and Glory for it!!!

Happy Mother's Day ~ I LOVE YOU MOM!
Sunday~ 05/09 Mother's Day ~  Be sure to let your Mom know how much she means to you. I'm blessed to have my mother still living. I'm also blessed to be a Mother of three precious children. God's blessed me. They've all accepted the Lord as their Saviour....What more could a mom ask for?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Hugs,
Gwen

In Honor of My Mother-in-law, Carol A. Benedict

Just thinking about her....

Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

It's hard to believe my mother in law, Carol, has been gone from us for 3 years. I sure miss her but I'm often reminded of her through wonderful memories. Everytime I look at my wonderful husband I'm reminded it's because she chose life that I have him as a part of my life. We never know what tomorrow holds. Therefore, we should embrace each moment with our loved ones.

Pr 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

Carol, I know that Heaven is sweeter with you there but you are missed here on earth. Papaw is struggling with some health issues of his own and I know that he misses you so much. You've both been the greatest in laws a girl could ask for! Thank you for the gift of your son! He's always been there for me!!!

See ya Soon!
Gwen

Feeling a Little Bloggy today :)

Hello friends and Followers :)

It's been a few weeks and I was feeling the need to just sit down and BLOG away.... :-) I sure hope today finds you all happy and healthy. Speaking of healthy, many of you know that a few months ago I was diagnosed as hyperglycemic. While, not a diabetic, I was showing some irregular (too high for my docs liking) blood sugar levels. I'm a firm believer that God gives warning signs and I got mine that day at the Doctors office. Has it been easy? No! But, in order to live a healthy life I NEEDED to make some lifestyle changes. To God be the Glory this I have done with His help. I'm happy to report that I'm down 16.5 pounds, I'm exercising everyday and I feel 100% better. If I am to give ALL of my life to Christ, then that includes the food intake that I put into this earthen vessel He's given me to live in. It's not mine, it belongs to Him.

I Co 6:19 & 20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

So, I ask you to help me pray that I will continue down a healthier pathway to life. This is the only body that I have. I've often times abused it much to my shame. However, with the help of God I will put forth a strong effort to take better care of it and I'll trust God to help me as I endeavor to live healthier which in turn I believe will lead to a happier life!

Heavenly Healthy,

Gwen

My Oldest Son, Blake and Pastors Son, Jake singing, "Yes, I know!"

I'm so thankful that you can KNOW with ALL assurance that you're saved and born-again!!!
LOVE MY BOYS!!! Sure hope you'll click on the link below and listen as these boys sing from their hearts! It is such a blessing to see young men that want to do something for God and honor Him with their song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgdfTHcZP1E

I Serve a Risen Saviour

Blessed are those to whom Easter is not a hunt...but a find; Not a greeting...but a proclamation, Not an outward fashion...but and inward grace; Not a day....but an eternity. HAPPY EASTER!

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"~

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Hello friends, It's been a few weeks since I've written on my blog and I pray you've all been well. We just celebrated Easter Sunday and what a wonderful feeling to know that My Saviour is ALIVE! I'm so thankful for His death, His Burial and His RESSURECTION! I'm so thankful that He willingly got up out of the grave and because He lives, I can live, too! I know that many celebrate the Easter Bunny and place more emphasis on Chocolate Bunnies and Colored Eggs but for me it's so much more than any of that! I'm thankful for the Lord's blessings upon my life. I don't know why He chose to die for sinful man but I'm very thankful that He did. But, had he not ressurected we would ALL be without hope! THANK YOU, JESUS for an everlasting HOPE!

God Bless you with a wonderful week. The weather here in Georgia is perfect! God's creation is all around me and it's beautiful! Yes, even with all this pollen! :) God is good!

Hugs,

Gwen

God Will Make This Trial A Blessing

I’ve just come into a valley one like I’ve never been before
I keep searching for a way out seems like padlocks are on the doors
Oh there must be another sunrise another sunset that I’ll see
God will make this trial a blessing that’s the love He has for me

God will make this trial a blessing though it sends me to my knees
Though my tears flow like a river yet in Him there’s sweet relief
There’s no need to get discouraged there’s no need to talk defeat
God will make this trial a blessing and the whole wide world will see

I was not the first one to come into this place
You see every child of God this test he must face
It is here that God will mold you and make you what you ought to be
God will make this trial a blessing just be patient you will see

Now I’m standing on the mountain looking back and I can see
When I was in that lowest valley His strong hand was leading me
Oh it’s good to see the sunshine and to taste sweet victory
God has made this trial a blessing oh the grace He gives to me

When NO one else seems to understand what you're going through, God knows ALL and sees ALL! I can't walk one mile on my own without Him holding my hand. Many days I feel as though I'll just throw in the towel and quit, but I can't. He's worth more than that!  I'm reminded of how much He loves me and the price He paid for me! I love you, Lord, and I find comfort in knowing you and you alone can make this trial a blessing!

Because of Him,
Gwen

ALL the time God IS good!

Good Morning Blogger friends!

I Just wanted to write on my blog today and inform my readers that GOD IS STILL GOOD!!! :) God is good ALL the time. ALL the time God is good!



Ps 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

What a God that would LOVE the unlovely! Yep, that was me (and still am in my opinion) and yet in my sin He said, "I love her!" and I desire to make her My own! I mean, isn't that amazing that the God of Heaven would want me as His very own! AMAZING GRACE!

Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.


Lam 3:22 & 23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Ps 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.

I'm so thankful that I have a God that loves me unconditionally! Even when I fail Him, He still loves me! I stand amazed that the God of Heaven knew me before the foundation of the world and yet He loved me enough to die for my sins! WHAT LOVE! He knew that I WOULD fail Him, yet, he saw something in me worth saving!

Pr 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

I want to share with others the LOVE of God. My desire is for others so see Christ through me that they may want to know Him too! If you know me and forget me, you've lost NOTHING. But, if you don't know Christ you've lost EVERYTHING! He's the dearest friend anyone can ever have. He'll be that friend that sticketh closer than a brother. He'll be that friend that is there when NO ONE else can be. He'll be there in your darkest hours when you're all alone & the tears are following, He'll be there! He'll be there when all hope seems gone and you think there's NO hope! My God is ALWAYS near!

He can and desires to be the dearest friend you've ever had! If you've tried everything else and it's failed you, TRY GOD! He cannot fail!!!

I love you Lord and most of all THANK YOU for loving me, the unlovely!

In Christ Alone,
Gwen

Revive Us Again!

Ps 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Well, I just have to share the goodness of God today... Calvary Baptist Church has been in Revival this week with Bro. David Smallwood. It has been one of the greatest revivals I've ever had the honor of attending. We HAVE heard from heaven each service! Thank you so much Lord for caring enough about sinful man to allow us to feel your presence. We have truly been fed from the Masters Table!
 
Each night I wait anxiously to see what God has in store! If you go to church expecting to hear from heaven, YOU WILL!! I've seen my husband get help and that always helps me. Together, He and I can do more for God. We are ONE! I've watched my children experience old-time worship (of course they're no stranger to it ~ they've been raised in it) and God speak to their hearts personally! Folks, I just can't descibe in words how wonderful it has been! I pray that I can take each message, apply it to my life and go on living for the honor and glory of God, FOR HIS SAKE!
 
If you are in the area and can attend, you won't regret it. Calvary Baptist Church ~ Eatonton, Ga 7:30 nightly. You would be welcomed as our honored guest!
 
God Bless You,
Gwen

Rejoicing In God's Goodness!

Hello friends,

It's been a few days since I've written on my blog but alot of wonderful things have been happening. I've just experienced the greatest Valentine's Day ever!

We had a wonderful Sweetheart Banquet at our church. My husband made it home in time for us to attend together! Woohoo! God is good! I love that man!

PRAISE REPORT: Our oldest son, Blake, accepted the Lord as his Personal Saviour. This has been a heavy burden on this mothers heart for some time. It has been lifted! Praise God!! I cannot thank him enough for this miracle in our lives. There are NO words to describe what's in my heart, so I'll not even begin to try!

Also, our baby girl and only daughter, Brooke became engaged to Casey Mason a wonderful, godly young man from our church. I'm so thankful unto God for their testimony before others that it pays to live for God and honor him in your relationship. We look forward to what the future holds for these two young people. Thankful that he respects authority and loves our daughter enough to honor her.

We are so blessed of God. He's been so merciful to our home. Everything that we are or ever hope to be we owe it ALL to Jesus!

Happy in Christ,

Gwen

Missing my Sweetheart .......Just writing from my heart!!!

Hubby is gone AGAIN! My husband, Billy, works for PIKE ELEC and often times during hurricanes, ice storms, etc... he's called away to duty. It's during these times that I have to ask myself, "How do wives handle it when their husbands are gone?" That's when that still small voice reminds me that "I can do ALL things through Christ which strenghtens me!" Also, I'm reminded that many wives are separated because of war, or other unfortunate circumstances not of their choice and would love to be with their husbands, too. My husband doesn't choose to be away from me, he doesn't have a choice and I know that in my heart! I just miss him so much when he's away!

I know the devil is a destroyer & would love to use an opportunity like this to attack my marriage! I must pray and asked God to give us both grace during this time apart! The devil likes to destroy lives and wreck homes and mine is no exception! I must keep my guard up and my armour on at all times!

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

I thank the Lord for the love He's given to me and Billy. We've been through some pretty rough times in 20 years of marriage but Christ has always came through and always right on time for us! He's NEVER once let us down. We've often let him down but He's always been faithful to help us see the error of our ways. Thank you, Lord!

If you are separated from your spouse for whatever reason, use this time to seek God's face and pray for them as never before! Do something special even from far away! We have to be creative! We have to keep the honey in the honeymoon! If you've got a good man (I'm sure if you married him, you must have thought him to be a good man) think of ways to make him feel special. Find ways to let him know that you love him!!!

Pr 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

The devil can only rob us of Gods goodness if we allow it! Some things are worth fighting for... FIGHT for your Home and Marriage at all cost! Don't let the devil have what God has blessed you with!

God is good ALL the time! ALL the time God is good!!

Billy, you are WORTH fighting for!!

Thanks for listening,
Gwen

Truth vs Deception ~ Do you want to be FREE?

Good morning friends,

My thoughts today are on the topic of Truth vs Deception. We have entered into a generation that does not like to hear the truth. I'm pretty confident in saying this has been happening since the beginning of time but so much more as we see the day approaching! We must draw strength from one another because the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour....You & I, my friends, are NO exception!

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I don't know about you and your home but my family needs God, His House, and His people! I know the devil would like nothing more than to destroy my home and yours as well. We must stay close to God and His word and put on the whole armour of God in order to fight the devil and his lies.



Yes, the truth hurts but it's also the truth that sets us free.
Joh 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Deception
1. the act of deceiving or the state of being deceived
2. something that deceives; trick
3. mislead by manipulation, distortion, or falsification of evidence

Truth
1. Conformity to fact or actuality.
2. A statement proven to be or accepted as true.
3. Sincerity; integrity.
4. Fidelity to an original or standard.
5.
a. Reality; actuality.
b. often Truth That which is considered to be the supreme reality and to have the ultimate meaning and value of existence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why would anyone want to be locked in chains? Why not be set free from the bondage of lies and deceit?!! This tactic is one of the devils greatest tools. The devil sets snares and traps that we so often fall into because we refuse to believe the truth! He continues to use the same tactics over and over because we continue to fall for them. Everytime I've ever believed his lies NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING good ever came of it! It's time to say "GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN!" and stop allowing him to ruin and wreck our lives! Amen!

Pr 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Fear & Depart being the key words here. God always makes a way of escape...
1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Do not listen to the lies of the devil! Listen to those whom God has placed in your life to tell you the truth. Yes, it may hurt at first but Pr 27:6 says Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. See, the enemy is deceitful but a friend, a REAL friend will not hold back from wounding you to speak the truth.

Don't get angry with those who tell you the truth.. Ga 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

You may have believed upon the Lord, Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour but are you believing upon Him in EVERY area of your life? Do you pick and choose in God's word what you'll accept as truth or are you allowing the devil to deceive you into believing its OK to choose what applies to you! We say this many times in our actions! Take heed... The Bible is truth from Genesis to Revelation ~ II Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:


My friends, ask yourself today, Do you want the truth or do you want to go on believing a lie whom the devil is the father of? Today you can decide NO more listening to the devil. Ps 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.


God is truth and the devil is a lie!

Choose TODAY! Will you Believe in TRUTH or continue to believe a LIE?

Until next time, "Keep Looking on the BRIGHTSIDE!" Jesus is coming soon!

Gwen

February ~ The Love Month ~ No Greater Love....

It just so happens that Valentine's Day is my FAVORITE holiday! Why not Christmas or Thanksgiving, you might ask? While I love those holidays, too, I chose Feb 14th many years ago as MY favorite because it's the LOVE holiday! See, God did a real work in my "heart" the day He saved me...

Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

I found MY forever Valentine's (if you will) on that day! I found the dearest friend I'll ever have. I truly found the LOVE OF MY LIFE!

1Jo 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1Jo 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

So, it's so easy to pick this month because all the Holidays that I celebrate in my life are a product of His LOVE!

Also, I just so happen to be married to the greatest guy on earth! He's loved me as much as humanly possible as Christ loved the church!

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

He's given and he's taken! He's loved me when I was unlovable. There's not enough space on my blog to tell you how time and time again over the past 20+ years he's proven his love for me! The day we both accepted the Lord as our Saviour, HE gave us an even greater love for one another!
I LOVE YOU SWEETHEART!!!!

I've learned that words can build a relationship or destroy it. So, I try to let my words be those that build honesty and love between Me and Billy. When I'm completely open and honest with him from my heart it makes for a healthier love!!!

Well, I've chattered enough for today but it's so easy when you have two wonderful LOVES to chat about! Jesus (my salvation) and My Husband are the LOVES of my life!

Y'all have a great day and until next time......

KEEP LOOKING ON THE BRIGHTSIDE!!!!!
Gwen

We Do Not Choose Our Family, God Chooses Them For Us!

But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15b

Family is so important! Jesus blessed me with the most wonderful family. We are not a perfect family but we love one another through the good & bad times. As family we must stick together, we must always be able to count on one another! May I never get too busy that I forget to thank God for one of His GREATEST blessings in my life...F*A*M*I*L*Y
"WE ARE FAMILY!"

I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you!

Let me introduce myself...

My name is Gwen Benedict and this is my Chatter Box. I've often been told that I have the "gift of gab" so, I thought what better way to chatter away than in my very own blog. Maybe this way I'll give my husbands ears a rest! ;-)

I'm a 43 year old wife and mother of three and honored to be both. I've been married to my best friend, Billy, for 20 years. We met when I was sixteen and even though we had a pretty rocky beginning with many bumps and obstacles to overcome, the journey has had it's wonderful, glorious moments, too! Like the old saying, "It's not how you start out it's how you finish that matters!" Amen!

My husband and I have three beautiful children ~ Blake, Brooke and Brandon! I love being their Mom! I've had the honor of home educating them from the beginning up until graduation. Our oldest son works for Pike Elec, our only daughter is in College and our youngest son is in 10th grade. They aren't prefect kids but they're perfect enough for me!

I hope you'll stop in from time to time and chatter with me!! Even if I'm not here, I'm never far away and I'll be back......... Until then, remember to always "Look on the brightside!"

Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.