Number 2 on the way...

I just wanted to share with y'all that we found out yesterday that number 2 is on the way for us! We're very excited and trusting the Lord to give strength in the coming months. I'll keep y'all posted!

Delight thyself in the Lord... part 5.

(If you're new to this story, go here!)

And so... I moved on with my life. It wasn't easy. I was continually wondering 'was I too hasty? Did I make the right decision?' And for some reason, I couldn't get it out of my head that Victor would be very dissapointed and discouraged. But then I would ask myself 'Why should I care?'. The next few weeks, were very difficult for me. But finally, things were about to change... let me give you a peek into my journal to tell this part of the story.



Ocotber 20, 2006
One month from today, I'll be 19 years old. It's so hard to believe. I feel like I'm getting too old too fast.

A month from now we'll also be in Williston. Who knows what that will hold.

In so many ways lately, I've really wished I hadn't said "no" to Victor. Did I answer to hastily? I pray daily that he would ask again. Oh, if he only knew that if he asked again, I would say yes (to a correspondence)! I just keep turning everything over to God. In the end of it all I want to find myself in the middle of God's will, whether that means marriage to Victor or not.

God, Give me patience to wait...


October 28, 2006 :) 1:30 a.m. :)

Tonight has been so crazy! And it's not over yet!

We went to Beth w.'s Bridal shower tonight. I enjoyed talking to Ruby C. during dinner. She's such a sweet and Godly lady.

We brought Jessi home with us cause John had dropped her off at the shower and then gone home to visit with dad. Once we got home, we visited for a while and then they headed home.

After they left, Daddy and Mommy went to pick up the twins from working at the Hamiltons. When they got home, Daddy sat me down and told me that Victor had been on his heart lately and said he also sensed a change in my heart and feelings toward him (Victor). I was a little surprised, cause I had decided that I would just pray and wait on God. The only person I'd shared my feelings with was Angie (my sister). Who knows where this will go. God has changed my heart and life so much lately. Only He knows what will come of all this! He is so good to me.

During the devotional tonight, Sis. Jodi made a comment that really stood out to me. She said "God promises that those who trust in Him will never be ashamed or disappointed. The only times we are ashamed or disappointed, are when we place our hope and trust in ourselves."

Oh how very true that is...
...Nevertheless, Father, not my will, but Thine be done!


October 29,2006
Daddy emailed Victor yesterday, and got a response this morning. He said he will pray about it and then get beck with us.


Later that day...
I'm beginning to understand what Victor went through back in the beginning of September. I have nothing to do, but wait and pray. I only hope I don't have to expierience the same response. God, grant me the grace to accept your will!!

My biggest prayer and goal, is that God would be glorified no matter what the outcome!

He alone is worthy of our honor and praise.

Oh, that I could come even close to giving Him the glory due His name.


October 30, 2006
Still no word! Oh, my soul, why are you so anxious? Put your trust in God!

I went out walking tongiht at 8:30. It was simply me and my blessed Savior. I poured out my heart to Him as I slowly walked over the moonlit gravel. It was a wonderful time, and I earnestly besseched my loving Heavenly Father for wisdom and guidance for Victor. It was then that the thought dawned on me, that Victor would be beginning his day with our heavenly Father at that time.

Oh God, grant us wisdom and patience! Help us bring glory to your name! Help me to put my trust in you and to wait patiently!


November 1, 2006
Well, we recieved an email from Victor this morning...

Now that I have time to finish this:) Daddy got an email from Victor this morning that said that his (Victor's) feelings had not changed and that he is open to a correspondence. Daddy has begun and I'm really excited to see what will come of all of this. The Maxson's plan to return to the states (they had been doing missionary work in Africa) either late December or early January... I'm really looking forward to seeing them all again!

And so, Daddy's correspondence with Victor had begun. They covered many issues and yet, found agreement! And so... what comes next?

(To be continued...)

Giveaway # 4 ... Garlands of Grace headcovering!

Congratulations to lady_MSnow for winning the Blue Cecily! The Garland's of Grace girls also gave me a bonus headcovering to giveaway. Ruthann was the winner of that one! Congratulations ladies!!


The sisters over at Garland's of Grace have sent me one of their beautiful, feminine headcoverings to give away. This one is called Cecily's Light Blue and Lace and is valued at $10.99. To enter this giveaway, go to Garlands of Grace and pick out your favorite "garland". Then come back and leave a comment stating which is your favorite!

This giveaway will be open through Friday morning when I will randomly choose a winner.

(Also be sure and check out my post about this AWESOME deal!!)

Giveaway # 3... The Chic Sisters Apron Pattern!!

Congratulations to MamaHill for winning the Chic Sisters Apron pattern. For the rest of you, you can always go to MarieMadelineStudio.com and buy one for yourself. It's only $9. Very reasonable and you can use it over and over again! I would highly recommend it!

It's time again for the bloggy giveaway carnival. For those of you who entered my last giveaway but didn't win the apron, you now have a chance to win the apron pattern!! The Long ladies emailed me and said they would like to giveaway an apron pattern to one of my readers.

They sent me this pattern (along with the cottage pleated apron) to try and review and let me tell you, I LOVE it!!! The pattern is easy and the finished product is adorable. I'm sure mine didn't turn out half as pretty as the ones the Long ladies make, but I was still very happy with it. I'll post a finished picture of it as soon as I get Victor to take a picture of me in it (I keep forgetting to ask:). In the meantime, you can enter this contest by going to Marie Madeline Studio and clicking on the fabric link. Then scroll through their fabrics and choose two that you would like to use (if you had your choice) to make a Chic Sisters apron. NOTE: you can only choose two, not a set, so open the set link and get the names of only two fabrics. Then come back and leave a comment with your name and two favs!

This giveaway will be open through Friday morning when I will randomly choose a winner. This contest is only open to US residents!

Thanks! Oh, and be sure to check out my other giveaways by clicking on the header at the top of my blog and scrolling through the posts!!

(Also be sure and check out my post about this AWESOME deal!!)

Giveaway #2 winner is...

Candice!! Congratulations on your new Chic sisters apron! I will contact you shortly.

For the rest of you, stay tuned on Thursday for a new giveaway (or two!).

Giveaway #1 winners are...

Lisa, from Homestead Simplicity has graciously agreed to give two of my readers a copy of her ebook. So... the winners are Christy and Butterfly211. Ladies, I've emailed you your ebook copies!

If you haven't entered our apron giveaway yet, please do before tomorrow night when I draw a winner!

Delight thyself in the Lord... part 4.

The next morning, I woke up with that fresh sense of the love of my Heavenly Father for me. We were heading on to Florida that day and I was excited at the prospect of seeing old friends. Little did I know what was about to happen.

I sat down with my bible and a glass of water for my morning devotions. I was really enjoying them, when my cell phone alerted me that I had a text message. I read it. It was from mom and it said "Call dad when you get a chance and can talk in private." Hmmmm.... that's funny.
I finished my devotions and then went to the room where I was staying. It was empty and so I sat down and called Dad.

I can remember being really uncertain and a little nervous but trying not to sound it. Dad asked how I was, asked how our trip was going, and then asked if I was in a private place where I could talk. I said Yes, and he began by telling me that he had recieved a letter from a young man who was interested in me. My heart began to beat a little faster, and I began to wonder who it could be. I thought of a couple of younger guys that we knew that daddy might even consider, but the answer came soon enough and it took me totally by surprise. Here's what Daddy read:

"Dear Mr. Turack,

I am the oldest son of Frank and Evelyn Maxson, missionaries in Malawi, Africa. Your daughter came to visit us late last year with the team who came with Pastor Harding. I am writing you because I have a serious interest in your daughter Bethany. I have observed her quiet godly manner, servant heart, and desire for serving God. After prayer and discussion with my parents (who are aware and approve of my writing), I want to ask if you will allow me to correspond with you about this.

Since I understand that you may know little about me I will try to explain what I can. Any questions on what follows or any other matters I will be quite willing to answer.

As I said I am the eldest in the family. I am 26 years old. Though I realize that there is an age gap between myself and Bethany (7 1/2 years:) I do not believe it would prove to be a real barrier.

I have been homeschooled from kindergarten all the way through high school, and am very thankful for it. The Lord has given me godly and wise parents from whom I can learn a lot!"

Daddy ended reading the letter there, and there was silence for a minute. I was totally shocked! Of all the people I'd ever known, he was the absolute last one I would have guessed... I had a knot in my throat and could hardly speak. I really didn't know what to say.

(Let me take a little break here to give you a little history on my reaction... you see when I visited the Maxson's in Malawi, I saw very little of Victor. What I did see, he seemed quiet, withdrawn and very serious. When all the young people were playing games, he would go to bed with the adults and things like that. He even told me the other day, that he used to be more the "hermit" type before we got married.)

And so, with that background, you will understand my reaction. And yet, I was torn... You see, at the age of eight, I had commited my life to mission work, wherever that might be. Victor had plans to marry and return to Africa as a missionary... I struggled with that letter for the rest of the trip. There was a continual nagging thought in my mind 'Could this really be it? Could Victor really be the one I've been waiting for?' I would push that thought out of my mind though, and try to focus on the events at hand.

As I said, I was struggling for the rest of the trip. When I got home, it didn't get any better. I was so confused. Part of me was all for it, part of me was totally against it. Finally, knowing I had to give an answer to Victor, I told daddy that I had no peace. Here's a short exerpt from his response letter to Victor:

"Dear Victor,
Thank you for your communication last week concerning Bethany. We have talked and prayed about this and though Bethany loves your family and enjoyed her time with you all she does not have peace from the Lord about pursuing a marriage relationship with you. "

And so, it was all over... or so I thought!

(TO be continued...)

Giveaway #2 - Chic Sisters Apron from Marie Madeline Studio

Our second giveaway is from Marie Madeline Studio. The Long ladies have graciously agreed to giveaway one of their Chic Sisters Aprons to one of my readers. They sent me the pattern for this apron, which I'm working on making and loving it. I had planned to have it done, but Hannah and I got sick this week, so it's still a work in progress. I'll post pictures when I'm done. They also included this Cottage pleated apron. I LOVE this apron! It's so cute and perfect to throw on when I need to get some housework done, but don't quite feel like it:) Also, they really put alot of time and care into their products and you can tell.

So now... here is a picture of the apron to be given away:

To enter this contest, all you have to do is stop by Marie Madeline's new web site and take a look around. Then come back and tell me two things in your comment:

1. Your favorite product that they make or sell.

2.Your favorite fabric (or set) that they sell.

Also, don't forget to leave your name and email/website so I can get back with you when the contest ends. The contest will be open through next Tuesday when I will randomly select a winner.

Stay tuned... I have two more contests coming up in the next week or two!!

Giveaway #1 - Homestead Simplicity: A Primer from Homestead Originals

Our first giveaway is a Homestead Simplicity e-book from Homestead Originals. Lisa sent me a copy of this book to review, as well as a copy to give away, and I am REALLY enjoying it. It includes tips to make your kitchen more efficient, frugal recipes that are also delicious, canning info and ideas, pantry stocking info and ideas, how to make your own non-toxic cleaning products, laundry tips, natural remedys and SO MUCH MORE. You can see more about this e-book or order your own copy here.

But first, you might want to put your name in the comments to try to win a copy of this book. All you have to do, is go to the Homestead Originals site. Look around and then come back and tell me what your favorite item on the site is. Then, on Monday (21) morning, I will randomly choose a winner from all entries.

(Stay tuned... up next is an apron giveaway from Marie Madeline Studios)

Coming soon...

Tomorrow (Lord willing) I will be starting a couple weeks of giveaways! Be sure and check back often. Also, my wonderful sister has sent me the letters, so I will be continuing our courtship story soon as well!!

Stay tuned...

Our 4th of July weekend...

Look at those big, blue eyes!!


We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Victor had Friday (the 4th) off, and we spent the early part of the day getting caught up on some ministry things including getting a Malawi ministry brochure ready for printing.


On Friday evening, we went to the Mitchell's house for a time of fun and fellowship. And believe it or not, I actually remembered to take a few pictures. We didn't get any of me playing volleyball, but I did get some of Victor playing football, and the hayride, singing, etc.


On Saturday, we spent the day cleaning up, cleaning out and washing the car, working some more on the brochure and writing letters.

New mission to Malawi website...

Please check out our new Mission to Malawi website. I finally got it up and going and would like to let people know about it. Also, please pass the word along and feel free to give me any feedback you think might be helpful.

Courtship story to be continued...

For those reading our courtship story, it will continue as soon as I can get a letter that is very important to the story.

See, I have it printed out... in storage in Texas with my parents. My dad has it on a computer... but it's packed in their hopes of moving. So... when I get the letter, I will continue:)

Westbound coupon train...

The westbound coupon train is back on track and moving on to stop number 8-W. Those of you still waiting, keep your eyes out for it, and keep it going.

Our little girl is six months old today...

It's so hard to believe that six short months ago, we were holding our little girl in our arms for the first time and looking into her beautiful face. I don't have time to do a real long post, but I just wanted to post a few pictures, and I'll try to post more tomorrow. If you'd like to leave a comment for Hannah, I'll read it to her. I think she'd really like that:)

Six months ago...

Now!!!