Author: sarahbebes

My family is the best part of my life, and I love our adventures together. I’m happily married to Mike, and we have a son, daughter, and son-in-law. Being with my two sweet granddaughters, Senna and Adina, and the rest of my family is one of the great joys of my life. I also am a nurse who works in an intensive care unit. Life is light and shadows. We walk in both. The great thing is that we can know the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Thankfully, my mom introduced me to Him when I was very young. It is a joy walking through life with Him as Lord and Savior. I hope to share some of that joy with you through my blog, Sarah Bebes Blog.

Flowing Water

Does anyone else enjoy the view from a rooftop? A clogged gutter gave me a chance to do just that. A downpour revealed that instead of rainwater flowing through our gutter, it was flooding over its sides into our little front garden, scattering mulch and leaving muddy puddles.

After the rain stopped and our roof dried a bit, I climbed out the window to investigate. I did notice that Mike, my husband, had his phone out, seemingly ready to dial 911, if needed. Fortunately, no emergency calls were necessary, and the problem was easily fixed by removing mud that had accumulated and blocked the downspout. The problem was solved and water rushed through the cleared pipe.

My son, Dan, amidst some flowing water in Fort Worth, TX.

It’s good at times to step out and look at things from a different angle to see if there are any obstructions blocking the flow of our lives. It made me think about what mud needs cleared out of my own life. How about you? 

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

“We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us.”  L.M. Montgomery (from Anne of Avonlea)

Take a view of your life from a different angle.

The Wrong Way

My husband, Mike, was the “catcher”. He stood solidly at the end of a natural rock waterslide to keep our granddaughter safe, because the current was really strong. We were swimming at Haystacks in World’s End State Park, and she had so much fun. I did, too, as I got to follow along behind her!

It took several miles of hiking to get to this swimming area, and the way was beautiful, but not easy. At one point we attempted to take a shorter, older trail, only to find out the way was eventually blocked by downed trees. There was just one solution, to turn around and hike back to the main trail. 

The good thing about going the wrong way is that you can stop, turn around and go the right way. You don’t have to continue on the wrong trail. At the end of our day, we had hiked over 8 1/2 miles, but it was worth every step! What trail are you on?

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” – Jesus (Mark 1:15)

“You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Psalm 16:11)

“As I look back, trusting God meant that He opened doors that I could have never imagined.” – Sally Clarkson

You can trust God to lead you the right way.

A side trip to see a waterfall.
Break time.

The Little Things


A chocolate chip cookie made a big difference. It’s true. At the end of a shift where a lot of unusual and extra challenging things had occurred, a sweet nurse I was giving report to offered me a warm chocolate chip cookie that she had just baked. That little cookie and the kindness behind it lifted my spirits.

“We are participants in great things sometimes, but more often than not we’re participants in the small and beautiful things. It is in these small and often imperceptible ways that the kingdom (of God) is manifested. It is put on display, because it’s different than the world around it, and it’s animated by this love and centricity of human beings in this world and the importance they bear.”

– Michael Craven

Puppies
Fireflies
Chicks


What little thing can you do today to encourage someone? What can I do? Don’t think big; think little.


“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.” (Galatians 6:9)


Little things can make a big difference.

Backyard fun.
Fall fun.
Ice cream treats.

The Goat in the Road

He stood there in the middle of the road watching me as I ran toward him. When I came closer, he trotted toward the gate and failed at running through it. He was pushing against the wrong end. Quickly he dashed to the other, open end and made it back into the safety of his meadow. I closed the gate behind him and watched as he rejoined the sheep and other goats meandering or laying about in the soft, green grass. 

The goat – back inside his pasture.

While running, I’ve encountered rabbits, squirrels, foxes, dogs, chickens, and even a cow once, but this was the first time I came upon and startled a goat in the road. He had a beautiful big pasture with a creek running through it to play in, yet he was out in the danger of the road. It made me think about freedom and boundaries and rules. As the saying goes, “freedom is not freedom from, but freedom to”, freedom to do what we ought to do. Let’s celebrate our freedom and use it wisely. Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!
Freedom to rejoice.

“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)

“Freedom without virtue reduces men and women to beasts.”

– Erin Kunkle

“From the mountains, to the valleys…”

The Slow Down Scar

Warning: This is an embarrassing tale and involves blood.
I have several scars. Here is the story of one and what it taught me.

It was an extremely busy season of life, but I was excited to stick to my training schedule. The non-moving part of the treadmill seemed the most convenient place to put my bag so I could quickly begin. I turned on my “Run” playlist, hit the start button, and got into a rhythm. As I moved, so did my bag, but I didn’t notice it coming toward me until I tripped over it. I fell hard, hitting my chin on the way down. Quite embarrassed, I jumped up immediately and kept running. Then I realized that blood was dripping from my chin.

Stopping the treadmill, I got off and went to assess the damage. There was the cut under my chin and scrapes on both knees and one arm. I cleaned up with soap and water, held pressure to my chin, and finally stuck a bandaid on it and headed home.

No big deal, right? Except that later I took the bandaid off, and it was still bleeding. This led to a trip to Urgent Care, some skin glue, an antibiotic, a surprise allergic reaction to the antibiotic, an ER trip, and finally a diagnosis of a concussion added in. My husband, Mike, patiently and graciously walked with me through all of this.

My Mike – always there for us.

Thankfully, I fully recovered and got back to life. However, this whole episode taught me to slow down, look at my schedule and trim it back to a more reasonable pace. I have a scar under my chin that reminds me to slow down. What have your scars taught you?

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Slow down. 

Slowing down has helped me enjoy moments and views like these…

Don’t Pet the Fluffy Cows

Anything closer than 50 yards is too close. Perhaps that is because bison (aka buffalo) can run 48 miles per hour, as the park ranger calmly explained to us. Mike and I were going hiking in Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas, which is home to a herd of buffalo. 

We immediately met them as we drove to the trail head. What a treat to watch them meandering and grazing. We laughed as bison calves chased each other. Eventually they made their way around our car and continued on. 

Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas.
This pic was from safely inside our car.

The stories of people getting injured from taking selfies with buffalo are true. I suppose that’s why a popular slogan on shirts, pens, magnets, etc. is, “Don’t pet the fluffy cows”. Just like we can trust the park ranger’s guidance, we can also trust God’s guidance. He is the Creator of all, and He loves us. As Charles Spurgeon said, “If you want to stay on the right path, let God be your compass.”

When we actually hiked, we saw only hoof prints, no buffalo. I can’t say I was disappointed, because there was not much room to get out of the way on certain parts of the trail.  

Just a little rain.

I joked with Mike about how God promises when He restores all things the wolf will dwell with the lamb, so we maybe we’ll get to pet buffalo then. For now, though, I’m happy with a photo taken from inside my car and a magnet for my refrigerator.

“If you want to stay on the right path, let God be your compass.”

– Charles Spurgeon

“You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Psalm 16:11)

The Donut Connoisseur

He travels for work. A lot. The first thing he does when he knows his next travel destination is seek out the closest donut shop. My husband, Mike, is a donut connoisseur. 

After sampling donuts literally all over the world, Mike says the best ones are right here in Pennsylvania. He calls it a tie between Beiler’s Donuts in Lancaster, PA https://www.beilersdoughnuts.com and Shady Maple donuts in East Earl, PA https://www.shady-maple.com . Don’t worry, my friends in healthcare. He doesn’t eat donuts every single day, and he walks a lot of miles every day.

I always say that Mike (aka G-dad) adds life to life, meaning he makes it so fun and enjoyable! Our granddaughters know what I mean, because he can make a game out of anything. I love hearing the laughter when they visit. 

Mike adding laughter to life.
An intense game.

Joy is possible. Jesus invites us into relationship with Him, and that is true life and joy. He said, “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:9-11) Did you catch that? “Your joy may be complete.”

No, he didn’t finish all of this one.

Be sure to take time to enjoy bites of donuts and bites of life! As for me, in a couple of weeks Mike and I are heading to Texas together, and I’m sure my Mike has already located the Shipley’s Donuts nearest our hotel.

“God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

Take time to savor bites of donuts and bites of life!

The perfect costume.
Pin the donut in G-dad’s mouth.
Adina was the winner.
Delicious Sidecar Donuts in California.

The End of Us?

It had to go. I was trying to figure out how. Multiple attempts with our 6 foot ladder and a garden hose were unsuccessful. Wasps were building a nest under the eave at the front of our house. I’ve heard stories of them burrowing through the walls of houses, so yes, it had to go.

See, there are plenty of other places for wasps to build their nests behind our house.

I suggested to my husband, Mike, that we borrow our neighbor’s tall ladder to take care of it. “That will be the end of us”, was his response. After I stopped laughing, we talked about the options.

A few days later I got a text from a neighbor friend while I was at work. It was a video of Mike reaching out the upstairs window with a borrowed power pressure attachment connected to our garden hose spraying down the nest. Mike told me that first he tried the tall ladder with a kind neighbor holding it. Then another neighbor came over and suggested the power washer.

My Mike relocating the wasps with help from neighbors.

This whole episode was another reminder that it is not good for man to be alone. We need each other, and that is fitting and part of God’s design. How’s your neighborhood? Maybe you can be the first to reach out, starting by introducing yourself to your neighbors. They just might become dear friends!

“…don’t go to your brother’s house in your time of calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.” (Proverbs 27:10b

We need to be angels for each other, to give each other strength and consolation. Because only when we fully realize that the cup of life is not only a cup of sorrow but also a cup of joy will we be able to drink it.

                                                           – Henri Nouwen

Here are a few glimpses of the impact of neighbors near and far, one helped me finish quilts, some put on a wonderful local performance of The Sound of Music, and some in Montana saddled horses and led Dan (my son) and me on an amazing trail ride!

Don’t Let the Bus Catch You!

She could have gone faster; I know it. Yet, she stayed by my side and finished next to me. That’s my daughter, Amy! I am extremely grateful for her and for our relationship. We spent 4 months training together through rain, snow, freezing weather, sickness, and injuries, along with our normal everyday activities, in preparation for the Coastal Delaware Running Festival marathon. Now race day was here. 

Amy, inspiring me step by step.

Around mile 11 we spotted our family. My granddaughter, Adina, held up a sign that said, “Don’t Let the Bus Catch You! Go Go Go”. The marathon had a time limit, and yes, there is a bus that picks up runners who don’t make cut-off times at certain points. If they refuse to get on the bus, their race bib is removed, and they’re officially withdrawn from the race! There’s also a “sweeper” pacer who runs at the slowest qualifying pace. Our aim was to beat the sweeper and beat the bus. 

Adina, Dave, and Senna encouraging us along the way.

Senna, my other granddaughter, also held up encouragement, Taylor Swift style. Both my husband and son-in-law had signs, as well. My son, Dan, helped us out by taking care of our dogs so we could stay in Rehoboth the night before to be ready for the 7am start time. My family is incredible, and I love and appreciate them so much. They make life rich! We are all meant to enjoy life with others. God designed us for family and community. It’s a lot easier not to let the bus catch you when you don’t go it alone. 

The finish line.

We did make all 26.2 miles in time and are official marathon finishers! Afterward, another runner asked when our next marathon would be. My immediate answer was never! The plan for me all along was just once. However, we do already have our sights set on a half-marathon in November. Maybe we’ll even follow the advice on my husband, Mike’s sign, which said “Must Go Faster”.

Loved seeing these guys and their signs.

“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

“Solitary was teaching me that it was not possible to be rich alone.”

– Corrie Ten Boom

Collecting swag and a banana.
Dan on a previous adventure.
Love this family!
Almost there – kind of.
Fun encouragement.
We did it!

A Strange Gift

It’s all because a robin was sitting on our fence post, eyeing up the yard, as my husband, Mike, stared him down. This was the morning of Mike’s birthday, and he declared he knew what he wanted. The next thing I knew we were on our way to Home Depot to buy lumber.

Together we fastened some blocks of wood as barriers to potential nesting spots under our deck. Okay, so I mostly held the ladder and handed tools to Mike while he created barricades to prevent nest building. 

Mike’s birthday gift.

You may think that was mean of us, but it was actually kind. We have two dogs who frequently go tearing out the door onto the deck, yelping loudly, and racing down the steps. Under our deck is not a peaceful place to raise a family! It is kind to us, too, as we have a swing under the deck and would prefer not to have it decorated with bird droppings. 

I can think of many strange gifts I’ve received, times in my life when I didn’t get what I wanted and later was really grateful. Like a house we thought was the perfect one for us, but it wasn’t. Like a job I applied for and didn’t get. Like falling down and learning how to get up again. And so on and on…

Mike’s birthday wasn’t all work, by the way. We enjoyed some birthday cake and the satisfaction of knowing that the robin will find a much better place to make his home. What strange gift have you gotten lately?

Senna and Adina helping celebrate G-dad’s birthday.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8)

“Let God do His will, and He will do what’s best for you.” – Charles Spurgeon

Zoey.
Kaylee.