Happy Easter!

Yes, I'm aware that I'm several weeks late.

Brother Rich, me, and our nieces Ella & Emily

I love my bro!

Almost the whole fam...parents, girls, & brother Nels

Cute little family...Nels & Ashlee, Ella & Emily

I mean, where do I begin? I have lots of fun things to share.

Let me introduce you to Lil' Money. Joe and I adopted this duck while on a morning stroll at the Farmers Market. Who would not want to participate in The Great Duck Derby? Who would not want to take this fine speciman home?

(please don't ask me to explain why he's all pimped out with a gold tooth and rappers necklace...)

This little guy recently debuted in his first race, The Great Duck Derby 2006. Along with about 500 other rubber duckies, Lil' Money raced his little heart. Several summers ago, Orlando was hit by 3 hurricanes in about 6 weeks. Mead Gardens was particularly damaged by these storms, and this event was an effort to raise money to restore the Gardens. It was a fun event and well worth the community support!

This is the pre-race pep talk. The stern talking-to. The "you better win and make me proud" schpeil.

But really, Lil' Money, I'm rootin for you the whole way.

Lil' Money did not win. And that's all I'm gonna say about that. (we're trying to be supportive)

wait, i'm here!

Helloooooooo! why yes, i am still here. i still like you. and i still like to blog.

I may have lost some of my faithful readers in my absense, but rest assured, my blogging conscious has spoken (by way of email from you-know-who-you-are), and I hope to keep this site updated a little more.

I still read your blog. Daily. I really love catching up on the little things in life through staying connected online. So I'm recommitting myself.

Ready. Set. Go.

Yeah for Phoebe Kim!

Phoebe Yoonjung Kim was born on March 1 to my boss, James, and his wife Lauren. We've been anxiously awaiting her arrival for several weeks!

I've worked for James for over 3 years and have really gotten close to the whole family. Lauren works at the PI office, as well. They already have two fun girls (Chloe, 4, and Zoe, 2) who call me Becky eemo (aunt becky in korean). Love them!

So here's a post to celebrating Phoebe!

Welcome, little girl! You're so blessed - a covenant child - one who has already been prayed for and is set apart as belonging to God. May you never remember a day you didn't know the love of Jesus, and may you be a mighty warrior for the Kingdom of God! We are praying you will be a covenant keeper, dear one, and pursue the heart of God all your days. You are loved!!

updates coming, i promise!

I've got lots of pics & stories from the cruise, from my last 5k, from taking a new friend to get her nose pierced -- so much!

...but, I've been a little distracted. :)

Meet: Joe Yoon.

the sun, the sand, the sea

...the beauty of a cruise.

I spent last week aboard Royal Carribbean's Sovereign of the Seas. And...well...I could get used to the cruisin' life. The trip was A LOT of fun with friends from work and was a nice way to vacate, although I really didn't get much rest.

Favorite part of the week? Definitely this:

Yep, that's me in the Bahamas. I quickly got over my initial hesitations and really had a blast exploring the island. More pics to come!

Why Do I Run?

Why do I run
It ain’t no mystery
I wanna have a good medical history

Dr. told me runnin’ is great
Helps them blood cells circulate

Great for the lungs
Great for the ticker
Nothin’ can getcha in better shape quicker

Feels so healthy
Feels so sweet
Pumpin’ my arms
And flappin’ my feet

Keeps me youthful
Keeps me loose
Tightens my tummy
And shrinks my caboose

Beats being sluggish
Beats being lazy
Why do I run
Maybe I’m crazy.

--author unknown

Who can slay the mighty Zeus?

Yesterday was a sad day at the Beracah house.

Our beloved fish, Zeus, has died. He was sick. And to be honest, I'm not quite sure how he died. But in his last days he turned completely red, except for a white, bloated face and big black eyes. Oh, it was dreadful!

We gave him a proper funeral (complete with a reading of the poem below) and have now entered a indeterminable time of mourning.


Ode to Zeus DeChildensen

Zeus, we knew that you were sick
When Kevin said you had "the ick"
It happened only yesterday
And we tried to make it go away

You were once Beracah's token male
But now to the heavenly fishly seas you'll sail
Your blueish-green iridescence we'll certainly miss
About your striking beauty we'll ever reminisce

Belly up is how we thought we'd find you
Instead your face was buried in the depths of blue

You always welcomed us home at the end of the day
And listened to everything we had to say
As sensitive a man we'll never find
Zeus DeChildensen, you were one of a kind!

(original post can be found here: http://thebeckster.blogspot.com/2006/09/my-new-roommate.html)

I'm a Rock Star!

So pumped about this. LOVED IT.

You're looking at runner no. 1336 who finished her first- ever-5k in 38 minutes 52 seconds WITHOUT EVEN STOPPING!!! I'm more excited about not having to stop and walk than my time...which was an average of 12 and a half minutes per mile.

Wow. Seriously, I exceeding my goals by.. a lot. I'm really pumped and can't wait for my next one on Feb. 17th. Wanna run with me?!?!

Okay, some other people wanted details. So I rolled in from my weekend rendevous in Jacksonville at 11pm on Saturday night, got everything ready for the next morning, had a bowl of cereal (last minute carbs), and was in bed at 11:30. Starting at 2am, I awoke every hour until the alarm went off because I was afraid of oversleeping. Argh. I was a little nervous when I awoke at 6:30, I'm not gonna lie. So I kept telling myself,"I'm just going for a run, no big deal." But when I got close to the site at Mead Gardens, the parking was horrendous. I parked about 1/2 a mile away, so I ran from my car to the Gardens just to warm up.

Next thing you know, I hear a gun shot and we're off! Apparently, I was too close to the front, because I was getting pushed and passed by for the first several minutes. It was a funny scene - 1300 women in a literal stampede. And it's motivating with all those women running around you..I wanted to go faster and not let them pass me by! But I just settled into my own pace.

Surprisingly, when I hit mile marker 1, I was feeling pretty good. So I kept on pumping. We were running through some gorgeous neighborhoods with the trees overhanging the streets (classic, beautiful Winter Park. I love where I live). As we were rounding one corner, I heard some music getting louder as I gained ground. ?? Turned the corner and found a house with all the windows and doors open blasting some kind of high energy music, with the owner of the house standing in the driveway cheering and waving us by. It is about 7:45 in the morning at this point; the neighbors were loving him, I am sure. I smiled a few minutes later as we passed another house with a young 10-year-oldish looking boy out in the front yard with his dad and Ipod speakers blasting the theme song to Chariots of Fire. :)

At the halfway mark, they were passing out cups of water. Watching the people in front of me, I followed suit and slowed down to grab the water, drink a few sips, and chuck the cup as I kept on running.

At mile marker 2, I decided no one could stop me now. I was gonna finish this thing without stopping. By halfway through mile 3, I was fighting myself to keep going. I was banking on hitting that "runners high" at some point, but it never came. Once I saw my mom and uncle cheering me on, and then my coach, Scott, though, I was smokin'. At mile marker 3, I picked up speed, passed a few slow pokes, and finished on a strong note. :) I'm telling you, it was exhilarating!

well...here we go....

It's official. I just signed up. I've paid. I'm getting a T-shirt. And I'm running a 5-k this weekend.

Eeek! Will I make it? My training schedule has been...lets say...a bit random.

But, by golly, I'm going for it.

(I know you don't believe me.)

reflection

Whenever I have my earphones on at work, my co-workers know that I’ve effectually “closed my door.” I don’t want to be bothered.

Well, I’ve got those earphones on right now. My soul (not to mention my body) feels weary today….no particular reason…just weary and aching for something more.

It’s an interesting feeling, really. Somewhat perplexing, I must admit. How does it work? Where does this gnawing originate? I usually refer to these feelings in reference to my soul, because I can’t pinpoint the soul either. Where is it? Why does it feel this way? Gnawing is just one of the regular symptoms of having a soul that has been awakened. What about the aching? the hardness? the softness? the pruning? the stretching? the bliss? the thrill? the chase? the simple, satisfying stillness? So varied, my soul is! I’m telling you…perplexing. I’m perplexing.

Yes, my friend, this awakened soul of mine is also an amazing, sacrificial gift.

Remember the LORD’s promises to the people of Israel: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

It was a rich promise to Israel – one they fought for and wept over and craved with everything in them – but it’s a reality for me. Without question. The Father promised, then sacrificed His Son. Jesus left riches to humble himself in more ways than I can count, and endured the pain of death. And now the Spirit seals my soul as belonging to Him…and gnaws, aches, hardens, softens, prunes, stretches, multiplies joy, pursues, and satisfies my soul to a depth of intimacy that is perplexing!! (I’m still not over that.)

Seriously…one of the first things Lauri said to me this morning (beyond telling me how big of a fish she caught yesterday) was in the form of a shriek of wonder that we have the Spirit living in us. It’s a wonderfully perplexing thing, when you really get to thinking about it.

So, my soul outlook today: weary and aching for something more. But Praise Jesus for an awakened soul. Because of Him, I have something bigger and better to long for, namely, His glory and His Kingdom in all its fullness. I haven’t been lost. I haven’t been forgotten. My soul matters to the King of Kings. He’s calling me deeper and deeper into Himself.

From my headphones today, you would have heard this song on repeat…

Searching for truth, longing for peace
Nothing satisfies – the ache will not cease
Come fill me up, as only You can
All of my times, Lord, you hold in the palm of your hand

Worship the King, all heaven and earth!
Gratefully sing of his power and love
You are the Lord, the Ancient of Days
We will bow down and live for your praise

You are the first, You are the last
You’re our hope to come as ages pass
You are the one – faithful and true
All that I need, Lord, is found only in you

Worship the King, all heaven and earth!
Gratefully sing of his power and love
You are the Lord, the Ancient of Days
We will rejoice…rejoice!

Worship the King, all heaven and earth!
Gratefully sing of his power and love
You are the Lord, the Ancient of Days
We will rejoice and live for your praise

We will rejoice and live for your praise….may that be the theme song of my soul, no matter what the outlook.

Pics from Urbana

I'm so behind on posting...sorry...more coming soon!

Our awesome booth! Check out the globe..it was revolving.

Our team (most of them)


Working hard or hardly working?

Now...where should I go??

urbana 07

I'm here!

I'm so excited.

31 PIONEERS friends from around the world are joining me at this 5 day conference in St. Louis, MO, to represent PI and hopefully encourage and love students to the mission field. We want to hear their stories, answer questions, pray with them. It'll be fun.

I'm most excited about hanging out with my team, though. These people are awesome. Heros of the faith. Lovers of God and lovers of those who don't yet know him. Passionate for the Kingdom. It's energizing to be with them - that's what it is!

Pray for me -all of us, really- to represent well Christ's heart for the nations. May the events, conversations, and worship this week ripple from this place to all the farthest corners and crevices of the earth! Soli deo gloria!

a christmas present - from me to zjuu.

Courtesy of Dave Barnes.

Turkey Shoot

This is a really late post...but who doesn't want to see me with a gun?! Come on, now.

These pics are from the annual "PI Turkey Shoot", wherein the winner of a one-shot-one-chance target shoot takes home a huge frozen turkey from Publix.

Much to your surprise, I did NOT, in fact, take home the frozen turkey. But I had a grand time!


Seriously...don't mess with me.

Practice.

(The real deal was a longer distance.)

And now for the shot.

Well, yes, that IS a lever-action shotgun that makes you feel like you're in a cowboy movie.

A Beracah Christmas Tree

We're pretty excited about our tree and Christmas decorations!

ever met an ice sculpter?

While in Austin, Lauri and I had dinner with one of her supporters and then he showed us his...studio? I'm going to call it a studio. Pretty darn cool.

Here are the freezers where he makes his own ice blocks. Looking in, it appears to be all water, but wen I stuck my hand down into the water, it stopped about 4 inches deep! The rest was already frozen. I could have never told you that; the water was so clear.

Frozen ice blocks ready for the chainsaw.

Doug also has a laser machine that cuts the ice perfectly. This is best used when making monograms or logos. You just shimmy the ice block up into place, configure your settings on the computer, and vwa-la, it's done in about 20 minutes. And this dude ain't playing; the work is amazing! I don't have a picture of his finished work, but you can find it at www.amazingicedesigns.com.
Brrrr....it's cold in this freezer!

backing up a bit

So, I have to tell you about Freebirds! YUM. It's the best burrito I've ever had, for sure.

Can't you tell? I love me some bird.
This picture was part of our "Eating my way through Texas" collage

Quick Update

I know, I know. I'm terribly tardy on my blog entries. But my excuse is....drumroll please....I have lots of pictures to share and my USB hookup is currently being held hostage in a sickroom. So there.

quick update?
--trip was incredible. loved it. learned a lot.
--happy t-giving! mine was so restful that i managed to squeeze in six movies over the long weekend. i love you, mr. darcy.
--my nieces have been in town ALL WEEK. It might be a bit of heaven!

I'm sitting here writing this entry as I listen to Sonrise practice. Do you not know who Sonrise is? My goodness, where have you been? They're only the BEST bluegrass band in Orlando, maybe even in all of Central Florida! Wake up.

Really, it's my dad's band. And there's absolutely nothing like pick'n and sing'n with them. We're going on 5 hours of this now. I've sung a few with them and even picked up the guitar on a few. But mostly I've been listening and soaking up every minute.

Hey, hey....I just scored a gig with them! woo hoo! You'll have to come hear me sing "All American Bluegrass Girl" in January with them.

This is a GREAT ending to a shaky day and a real tough week. I've felt the faith-refining process a lot recently. Thank you, Jesus, for walking with me through it all. And thanks for moments like these when my soul truly rests.

back to the bluegrass......

Fun people!

So...if you don't yet know....I am a people person. That has really been the best part of this trip: my fun friends!! Here are a few snapshots..

This was at The Oasis - a really cool place on multiple deck levels overlooking Lake Travis in Austin. Lauri and I took Jennings to dinner and enjoyed the sunset. Jennings used to work with us in the PI office but is now in his final months of prep to move to Central Asia. The best word to describe Jennings during our time in ATX is 'grace.' We might have gotten a little cocky about our sense of direction and map reading skills...
Jon & Sally & Baby Jude, who's a real cutie. They're on their way overseas with Christar.

Joe show'n off his grill. Oddly enough, a little rap music always calms me down when things get hairy. So due to my crazy work schedule this summer, I eventually learned all the words to Nelly's Grillz, and, in the process, got a few other work cronies hooked on it too (including Joe). I fortunately brought the CD with me to TX, so we've all been enjoying it while cruisin' College Station.

Lauri chatting with Lindsey about her Edge trip last summer and further long-term options with us. Love this girl! She helped us recruit at the GO! Missions Conference here at Texas A&M last Tuesday night. GO! is put on by Breakaway Ministries, a college ministry that attracts over 4,000 students to its weekly Bible Study. Yeah, I said 4,000. Huge. Did you know that A&M sends out the most missionaries of any school in the US? It's because of ministries like Breakaway (visited on Tues. night), RUF (visited on Wed. night), Navigators (visited on Thurs. night), and many more. This place is a hot bed for students who love God and love the nations. (i find it ridiculously exciting, can you tell?) BACK to Lindsey...she learned about us at the GO! Conference last year and then served with us in East Asia for 8 weeks last summer. We're glad to send her back!

So, I didn't get to mention stories of seeing Kenny, Katie, John, Stephanie, Sarah, Rodney, Katy, Robbie, Ryan, Jim, Bill, Matt, Emily, Jamie, Jennifer, Monica, and Lauren -- my dear family in the Faith.

Pray for God to use these friends for the sake of His Gospel among the least-reached!