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