Life Changes... Or Well Ironically Funny

So I’ve noticed a trend the older I (Kelly) get, and I know many of you reading this blog would say that I’m not even “old”. It hit me this year as I looked back at the many changes in life and my preferences that went alongside those life changes.
What were those life changes? Well… in going back to college, when I first became an adult, I started to LOVE the channel TLC. You know, “What NOT to Wear”, “A Wedding Story”; I was not so much into the “Baby Stories” though I will say children are precious. Yes, I dreamed of meeting the right man… handsome, smart, a leader, a Christian… then I met Brenton. I had to do a little rearranging of that list for the guy… JUST KIDDING! He was that man and more. I am blessed.

Brenton and I got married 9 months after meeting and one of our hobbies soon became cruising for homes… and as follow up, we bought our first this year! I quickly found I was now bored with TCL and began watching the channel HGTV; one I thought was deathly dull before I was married. Now the exciting shows were “First Time How Buyers”, “House Flips”, (I’ve probably butchered these names, but you get the idea!) and all the other “home” shows. We planned out our dream home, took flyer after flyer, and still thought our first home was a ways away from happening. Then we found our dream home. Ritually, we visited it every weekend after breakfast in our pajamas… never even dreaming it could be ours, especially after accepting the Resident Director job at Montreat. Yet, low and behold, we got our DREAM home!

So the reality of this email “really” hit me this past month. Last year Brenton had the drive, this year I do… and by drive I mean a twenty minute trip to work. It’s not bad. We’ll I started this never ending game of channel surfing this year as I got bored with our Asheville stations. You know those days, weeks, months, where nothing seems to hit the spot. This was one of those months. So I succumbed to a talk show one afternoon and found it fascinating… it was on the “Japanese mafia”, for lack of remembering specific names and titles. Slowly I found myself channel surfing for this one channel.

At Thanksgiving I was talking with a relative and we were discussing how much storage in America is growing. About how we find ourselves with more and more; with smaller families, larger homes, and yet the amount of storage in the states is growing tremendously. It was an eye-opening statistic. I said to this individual, “I wonder where I heard that.” He said, “Could it be NPR news, I remember hearing it too.”

So now, I can openly admit that I really enjoy something I loathed growing up. I hated radio talk shows, thinking they were so boring. Now I find I’m more aware of what is going on in the world… where did this come from?! Their accents are even awesome. I love the personal stories when they have people interviewing on air. And yes, I look for this station when I’m on my way home from work. This is amazing, different, weird; I don’t know what you call it other than a life change and ironically funny.

Benware Visit

(A Little Delayed!)


One benefit to living in the mountains, a little further from civilization... well, really family... is the amount of visitors we have received! We love it; not the being far away from our love ones but the amount of guests who've come our way. Recently we had the chance to spend a week with Brenton's parents. They made it in time for two home soccer games, both rainy and viewed from inside the car. Good for bonding time, that is except for when the ball came too near our net.

Unfortunately, their visit was at the end of August before my work schedule slowed down, so I missed out on some of the fun. The beautiful courtard of flowers is from their visit to the Biltmore home. Transition time at the Biltmore home; from flowers to garland.

The pups always love visits from the Benwares who give them good lovin'. Lexi has always perked up a little when Daddy "B" is around. The two both fought for attention most the time; loving every bit of their play dates and walks.

So This Is Christmas...

I would make a slight argument that it is "that time of year"! Christmas music in on a number of stations in the Great Smokeys... and by the way, on my way to work this past Friday, I was listening to a Christmas classic when I saw Christmas right infront of me! There was a huge truck loaded down with Christmas trees. Can it get any better? Let me answer that for you; "NO"!!!

Brenton and I had our first free day in weeks this past Saturday. We slept in, had a free meal in the cafeteria, went to Biltmore, and got our Christmas tree. Biltmore has all its Christmas decor up and the most massive lit tree I have ever seen. Brenton and I did a speedy tour of the inside, bypassing all the guests with headphones.




















I can almost guarantee we were the first to get our tree from the tree lot on Tunnel Road this season. The poor family camping out while selling trees; they were bundled up as Asheville's temperatures have been dropping. We decided to make a "classy" tree this year, to match our main floor decor. Got my tree topper idea from some artificial flowers I had sitting around and from my in-laws (mother and sisters) tree toppers.























After hopping back in the car from a movie that was sold out; we decided to stop by Duncan Doughnuts which just happened to be closing... SCORE!!! We asked for a few doughnuts and walked out with a dozen and a half, plus a bag of doughnut holes for $2.69. My advise; go to your neighboring doughnut shop right before closing. You might find that they're extra generous at night. Brenton, just about, took a bite of every doughnut before our next stop.

Sunday Sunset

Enjoying our place when we get a chance and loving the views. Thinking this is our favorite time of year with the scenic view of mountains and city lights. We're ready to throw on our tennies and run down the hillside; though I'm pretty sure that'd only cause us to tumble down and return uphill with bumps on our noggins.

We sat on our little bench and watched the sunset, with chicken grilling and the pups a runnin'. And I mean a runnin'! The pups came back to our apartment, out cold, and were unnervingly still.

The Montreat Cavaliers' Soccer team finished second in tournament... and as I read in an email to the college, "with a heart-breaking loss to Bryan College, 2-1 in overtime." Our boys were playing worn out in the last game; a broken big toe, an open sliced cheek, inner bleeding leg, and aching bodies. Both colleges played tough, though worn. And the record I count, once most the starters were allowed to play, 7-3-1 was the record for the second half of the men's soccer season. The Cavaliers put up a good fight this year.

Puppy Update...

So I think I experienced, in a very small way, what it is like to be a mother this week. I was the proudest, cheekiest employee at The Cove, when I came across an email from Red's owners. I couldn't focus; I was so excited to see MY babies... though they are not and were never really mine! I found some pictures of our little Runtie too; who I think now is much bigger than Bentley. Truly Amazing!

Thinking back, Runtie was a definite amount smaller than any of the other pups, with Bentley following right behind. Our boy is long, lanky and just under seven months. These pictures of the other pups are a little out of date and they still look so much bigger and more filled out! And, if you didn't notice, Runtie still has his gorgeous blue eyes and is now named Boone.

Both pups are in capable hands and with such good families; both owners young couples and so sweet. Red's name is now Bailey, that makes three Baileys out of the bunch... one yellow, one chocolate, and one black lab. Kinda fun, eh?!

A New Morning

Pictures here in the mountains never do justice to the majestic scenery. Or maybe it is quality of our camera; what a thought! But in all seriousness; I cannot grasp how large and high the mountain tops are, how brilliant the colors, how peaceful the days, or how rejunvenating the chilly mountain air. Montreat is an exhilarting place to live; so high up and so gorgeous every morning. Just like the verse...

"Let morning bring word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8

And so it is, each morning a new start... so full of hope. The Montreat Cavaliers have finished their season and won the first game in Conference Tournament. After such a year, it would be a blessing for B and the boys to take tournament to a whole new level! We'll soon see the outcome... Life has been good but, yet again, busy. I've probably mentioned before, but my new timeline is Thanksgiving. Life will slow down immensely in a few weeks! The fall leaves have come and gone, though not as brilliant this year. McGregor Hall has had an IHOC(International House of Coffee and Tea), Punkin' Party, Clothes Swap, Chick Flick Marathon, and is now moving on to holiday festivities. The Cove's seminar season is coming to an end with Anne Graham Lotz, Kay Arthur and her son; then moving into Christmas at The Cove with the original Billy Graham crew (Cliff Barrows, George Beverly Shea).

The pups are adjusting well to dorm life and Bentley is now getting time out of his kennel... the pup is growin' up! We are doing well and looking forward to some holidays!!!

Updates should be a little more regular as time is more available... sorry we've been out-of-pocket. Yet, I know you understand!

Fralic Visit

One of Brenton's sweet sisters and family came to visit us a little over a week ago. Tons of fun!!! We played at the playground, watched movies, played games, grilled out, jacuzzied, ate at a hip pizza joint, the crew drove around NC while I worked, and we watched one of the Montreat Cavalier games from the sidelines. The Cavaliers have won the last three games in a row, including the one the fam and I watched. They're back! The boys are talented and it has been fun to see most all of them on the field again.


The Fralics were a wonderful vacation at our own home. It was nice to pull away from the norm and have such cool visitors. The kiddos were great and so grown up since the last time we saw them. Eden had a light-hearted, pleasant persona always go with the flow. Judah was a little rascal who had a sweet, flirtatious smile. If it's like the stories I've heard, he's a lot like B was as a kiddo.


Livers and Jer were just great company, wonderful siblings we wouldn't trade for anything... that is unless someone wants to pay us a million bucks to say otherwise. Love you guys!!!

The Lil' Willow (Part II)

As the storm raged on, Lil’ Willow noticed a small round critter moving in the distance. As it scurried closer, he saw it was a young lone ground hog. Willow greeted his friend with the wave of a branches and invited him under his cover. Baby ground hog’s eyes grew wide and he wobbled faster. In no time, baby ground hog had curled up in a tight ball, right against Lil’ Willow’s trunk. He chattered about all the water in his underground world and finding himself above ground, hoping no large birds would spot his movement to cover. “The wa-wa-water was so c-cold and I didn’t know what to do,” Baby ground hog shuttered.

Lil’ Willow comforted baby ground hog by drawing his branches closer and closer, providing full cover from any unwanted attention. And suddenly, out of no where, a familiar squirrel started squeaking into the drip, drop, drip, drop of the storm. “I found myself in these hills and all of a sudden the rain came. I was so frightened until I remembered you let me run up and down your trunk and branches a few days ago Lil’ Willow. Would you mind if I joined you; just one more day, please?!”

And the high-pitched squirrel quieted down upon the rustle of Li’ Willow’s leaves, finding a cozy crevice where the branches met Willow’s trunk. She twirled in a few circles to make her bed just right, waggling her puffy tail and fondly nuzzling Lil’ Willow’s trunk. She squeaked out a muffled, “Owe you” as her eyes slid shut.


And then, for a brief moment, a ray of hope shone through the clouds and Willow’s leaves sprung up with delight, whistling, “Hello” to the great Light. The wind picked up Lil’ Willow’s longest branch in one swift motion and Lil’ Willow waved a jubilant greeting to his greatly missed friend. Ironically, Lil’ Willow realized he had not been so lonely after all. In such a gloomy situation, he’d made four new friends; all still comforted by his presence.

“Greetings,” the loud bass of the great Light rumbled.

Lil’ Willow’s young voice replied, “I missed you Great Light! More than you will know.”

The Great Light delayed in reply as He tenderly said, “Son, I missed you too. You have no idea how much it means to me that you noticed our distance. I was lonely for you.”

Puzzled Lil’ Willow whispered to himself, “Why would the Great Light be lonely too; He is always warm, bright and He can see all things.”

The great Light heard Lil’ Willow and responded, “Lil’ Willow, why would I not be any more lonely than you; you are just a beautiful as all the other great things I see. I do not like to be separated by any of you lovely visions, as my soul longs for you. And what good is my light if is kept from those who need it most? My desire is for all of you to know and experience my joy!”

The Lil' Willow (Part I)

(A short story)

by: Kelly Benware

Unassuming and with great effort, the Lil’ Willow broke ground. An earthy smell greeted the Lil’ Willow as the dirt crumbled around all him. Stretching for the first time ever, Lil’ Willow pushed his branches forth, yet could not keep the feeble branches held high for long. He then wiggled his tiny branches and sprouts as a breeze wafted by. Free, refreshing … life bursting forth and, “My is that big Light bright,” he thought.

The Light came and went for the first time; Lil’ Willow learned pretty quick the pattern of the great Light. Joy sang forth as exuberant colors exploded in the sky and the Light kept Lil’ Willow warm during the day. When the Light went down, the wind picked up blowing Willow’s branches back and forth, back and forth. The swaying motion lulled Lil’ Willow to sleep. The wind sent chills down his trunk many nights, all the while Lil’ Willow anticipating the Light.

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

Willow was a lone tree on one of many grassy rolling hills. The grassy hills continued as far as Lil’ Willow could see. There were the occasional birds and squirrels that enjoyed the company of Willow’s branches and shade, but really all Willow knew was the company of the Light. Not knowing any different about being alone, Lil’ Willow only knew true loneliness when the clouds crowded in and pushed out his only consistent friend.

As Lil’ Willow woke one morning, his leaves whistled a mighty yawn and shook out the heavy sleep that hung over. The Light had not come out again, as it had not for many days in a row now. Today a cold rain started to drip, drip, drip, drip, patter, patter, patter… and then it poured. Willow’s branches hung low from the weight of the rain drops. Drip, drop, drip, drop… Weariness started to settle over Lil’ Willow. “Why, must the clouds stay,” desperately whispered Lil’ Willow.

Lil’ Willow had begun to crave the Light since he had tasted it and knew it was good. Two sparrows perched on a branch and nestled close together near Lil’ Willow’s trunk. They too seemed too long for the warmth and freedom of the sun. Lil’ Willow heard the cries of the sparrows shivering together. He tried to help get them toasty warm by rustling his leave tightly around them. The sparrows chippered up and sang, “Thank you, thank you, thank you our new friend.”

To be Continued...

A "Bandmember" of Mandisa

Life is crazy and I am wondering how we have come to such a busy point. There are times when working a little more is needed and good, but, as a whole, the rushing part is not enjoyable. I have found that my impatience and preoccupied state are a result of hurrying from one job to the next. I don't believe stressed is the word, but I do know about rushing. Thankfully it is only for a time; come Thanksgiving, it will be a whole new world!

The last Evening at The Cove I worked was Mandisa, from the fifth season of American Idol. Her concert was good, but her testimony was truly moving. However, what has gone with me was my interaction with another special guest. He and his son were at registration and stood out, as they were not acting like normal participants. When a volunteer asked him about his nametag, he responded, "Do I need a nametag?"

In reply, I asked, "Are you a band member of Mandisa?" To me, this made a ton of sense, who else could he have been with?

His response was, "No."

"What is your last name," I asked.

"Baucham."

"That sounds familiar; have you attended a seminar recently?"

Slight delay in repsonding, "Not for a few months." Then I saw his son coming back from around the building holding green namebadges, which signify special guests. One of The Cove administrators then escorted the speaker for our seminar the following day inside, a speaker who'd spoken at The Cove a number of times. I shrunk in my chair as I realized I had asked Voddie Baucham if he was one of Mandisa's band members and then continued to insert foot in mouth. He was most gracious though I cannot say the same about my co-workers.

I like to attribute my lack of common sense with the fact that Voddie did not look like his picture and that we'd had a number of participants recently by the last name of "Beauchamp", insisting upon a specific pronunciation. However, I know any excuse sounds pitiful at this point!

A Reason to Grow & a Reason to Rest

"We are always in the forge, or on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things."
by: Henry Ward

GROWTH

Communicating has become the backburner to life over the last few months. Brenton and I have been in a definite refining period. What we have learned; to persevere, to always hold integrity, that God is our Rock, to pray that the "... joy of the Lord would be our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10b). What we are processing; what is the purpose, is there more to be learned, are we living grace-filled lives as we are being refined, is there something greater going on. Have we been perfect in the journey, no; have we grown and been grace-filled, I believe yes.

What has been encouraging, is to see how past experiences have prepared us for this year and how we have become stronger. Never, the less, it has been a rough few months. It has been beautiful to see the Lord at work in us and refining us. I will have to admit that I never think the process is fun at the time, but there is no better place to be. That may come back as a gentle little kick in the bottom at some point, knowing the Lord uses stretching times to mold us and answers our prayers, often not in the way we expect. Always be prepared; He will answer us in the way He sees best, not as we see best.

To shed a little light, Brenton and his team have dealt with a number of disappointments. For weeks, it was about every other day. The season is under way and hope has come in glimpses. If you are reading this, just pray that the boys would be encouraged and able to finish strong, as their performance is obviously affected by all these outside circumstances. As a proud wife, I must say that my lover has been a man of integrity and has taken on the semester with grace.

REST

Aside from the immediate, our project and release has been working on our new home. It is ready for the most part, just pending a few projects. The only pictures I have are of the main floor as the other rooms still need a few cosmetic touches. Enjoy, as we definitely are.

Bentley's Newest Hiding Place...

Our little critter is getting big. The two pups have adjusted to dorm life pretty well... Lexi is getting a belly, and NO she is not pregnant. I have no doubts they are missing the yard, but the students love them! They all want to watch the pups and take them on walks, which they desperately need as their pent up energy is about to burst at the seams. Every once in a while we take them out back and they have what we call "Redbull" moments, zipping back and forth like the true maniacs that they are.

The best entertainment was coming home a few days ago. As a side note, we've begun to let Bentley out of the kennel unsupervised. Yep, he is getting full on big boy privileges now. (The worst that's happened is that he got into his food bag and didn't want dinner after stuffing his belly while we were out.) But again, the sweetest surprise was coming home and trying to find the critter. As you've now discovered, I searched around to find him in the tub... when I pulled the shower curtain back, he sat down as good as ever knowing he'd been caught red-handed. He thought I'd pop his nose and send him to the kennel, as goes our current routine, but instead I patted his head and walked away to get the camera. So he moved on over to the faucet, the root cause of his newest play space. The boy loves water as much as peeing. I try to limit his water since he's still learning to hold his bladder and squatting whenever he's punished. I figured a few leaking faucets won't make the problem any worse than it is! He's a handful but turning into a sweet little pup.

Ottawa School of Evangelism

For the last number of months, I have been working two positions at The Cove. The second position, as mentioned in a previous post, was to hope with the programmatical elements of the Schools of Evangelism (SOE). We headed to Ottawa two weeks ago for an intensive school! Unfortunately, my supervisor found that she had appendicitis the day before the SOE began and was in the hospital for surgery as the school was starting. She is still out on recovery.

The participants seemed to be oblivious the fact that we were a little out of sorts; I only heard positive words. All I can say is that BGEA is very thorough in preparations. A huge ministry to me was the BGEA Canada staff; very impressive. They were very effective in tasks, but mostly ministry driven. True servant hearts.

Between Parliament and the Fairmont


Parliament (Right across the street from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier)


We stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Canada; I'm told this is where my father's parents had their wedding reception or honeymoon. I also was able to me Bev and Karlene Shea, who knew my father-in-law's parents...wonderful people as Bev recalled. I also recently discovered that my (Kelly's) father's great-grandmother knew Bev Shea, crazy connections!

Fairmont Chateau Laurier


After mornings starting around 6:30am and days ending around 9:30pm; it was interesting to arrive home right in the middle of moving! Brenton may take the prize for beating me with a hectic schedule as he was working on his masters, prep for soccer, moving out of the rental home, and closing on a home (Yes, we bought a home! I'll have to give an update on this in a few weeks...). We are tired; the soccer guys come tomorrow and the RAs have started to come in, as I will also be an RD at Montreat while continuing at The Cove. Pray for stamina and encouragement. B's had some crazy scenarios with students trying to come in and also needing housing; at this point the Lord is going to have to work. Please pray and now, as deadlines for the team are right now!!!

Round Two:

F~ Family pictures again!!!
A~ Atlantic ocean; what else do you go to the beach for?!
M~ Mini golf
I~ Ice cream and brownies
L~ Little guys; nephews Jaylon & Kylan
Y~ "Yippee! Sleep!"

V~ Vast blue sea; aka "Big Water" by Jaylon
A~ Adventure; watching the guys parasail
C~ Christmas shop; the longest I've ever seen
A~ An air conditioning gone bad
T~ Twizzlers and treats...Mmmm!
I~ It's true; the vacations are now over and prep for the school year begins
O~ Optional... surfing, swimming, laying out
N~ North Myrtle beach with B for a night
S~ Sand and shells

An Afternoon to Forget, Or Not...

After an eleven hour work day, Friday, I came home to a voicemail that my eldery neighbor had been taken to the hospital. Her daughter had called to let me know that she was having surgery on her heart this coming Monday. The mother and daughter have been so kind to us and made reference about my touching base when I had time.

So I made it my goal for today, after sleeping in, to pick some flowers and put a goodie basket together to run by the hospital. After a number of odds and ins, I drove off to the hospital. To start out on a poor note, my heart was not into going to the hospital mostly since the visit kept getting pushed back later, later, and later.

I pulled off to the side of the road after taking the exit specified to me, realizing I was not in the right spot. When turning into a nearby parking lot, my secured vase toppled over onto my work notebook spilling water all over the floor of the passenger side... the cute flower arrangement, smashed; the notebook, smeared; and the floor, sopping wet. I dialed Brenton's number, "Is 25A, the Sweeten Creek exit, the right exit headed toward Biltmore?"

"That would be the following exit..." So I headed to the following exit and turned between Mac Donald's and the Grand Bohemian hotel, following Sweeten Creek road that led me straight back to the first exit. I called B again, "Could you please mapquest Mission Hospital?"

I hopped back onto the freeway and found Mission without a problem, but the building where my neighbor was; a completely different story. I drove one way and turned around after seeing the emergency helicopters, parking in a structure on the opposite side of the hospital. I went inside where they told me my neighbor was not staying at the hospital. They finally found her and said she was on the other side and to drive passed the helicopter pad. I found the parking structure and notice only one spot on the upper level. I should have realized there was a reason no one was parked there, near the cement wall. I was sure I could fit but rather scraped our nice Honda on the cement wall; the parking spot was obviously too tight. I called B again, sniffling, "I just scratched the front right side of our car..." It was not the whole side but there is a good scratch.

The last thing I wanted to do was visit in the hospital while crying about the car. I dried my face off, and took in the crooked flowers and goodie basket. I didn't stay long, but both of my neighbor's daughters looked at me with teary eyes and said, "This means so much that you came to see mom."

I wondered why the Lord would let me scratch the car, when I was just trying to help my neighbor out. And I prayed that when I woke up it would be a dream, but I think the lesson I'm to remember is what things hold most value in life.

ROAD TRIP!!!

Road trip to the Benwares and vacation with friends...

F~ Family Pictures... NOT complete without them
A~ All the food you could imagine
M~ Mosquito bites galore
I~ Ice cream after every meal, late night snack runs...
L~ Little flick in theaters with the Benware crew, "UP"
Y~ Yahoo, game nights

V~ Visit's with B's family, grandparents and friends
A~ And NAPS!!!
C~ Cardinal's Game
A~ And a stop in Nashville, TN
T~ Traffic for 2 hours after the Cardinal's game
I~ Inside for the 4th... rain in Nashville
O~ Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plains...
N~ Nieces and Nephews

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Our little Lexi has become a good mother... and Bentley, plain and simple, is a rascal. If mama goes somewhere, Bentley goes; if mama drinks water, Bentley drinks water... the only thing different is if mama leaves her bed, Bentley takes it! And boy does he curl up ever so cozy thinking he owns the world.

Surprisingly, Lexi has not acted annoyed, rather she gives Bentley her treats and lets him take her bed as seen above. I am truly amazed knowing how much she loves both her bed and "treats".

Bentley is slowly getting used to the smaller bed and not getting his way all the time. I walked in the house yesterday looking for Bentley and heard a rustling noise. I moved around our ottoman and saw a little tail waggling out of the Sunchips bag. My little boy was lickin' his choppers and loving every bit of his sourcream and cheddar Sunchips! He sure did put up a fight when I pulled him out, running right over to my cup of water to finish his evening snack off. Again I say, "The little rascal!"