Here are some pics of the familial unit!! Just wanted to update my old friends, so when I talk about their escapades you will have a picture in your mind.

This is Mr. Benson, my wonderful husband. God gave me everything I want and need in a mate.

This is my youngest, son, Bret. Awwww, how cute! Don't be deceived by this innocent face.

Here he is with his mohawk!!! (They only let him do it because it was two weeks before school and they knew he would have to cut it off then.) This just shows his individuality. He knows what he likes and doesn't care what people think. I sense a great leader!!!!

This is child No. 3, Joshua. Smart kid!!!

This is Josh in Florida with his brother Alex. Alex was in an accident and is not completely healed YET and Josh always helps him. He does have a sweet side, just doesn't show it much.

This is my second child, Brittney. Wasn't she cute?
Girl, who does your hair?????

Here she is with a better hairdo!!! Although, sometimes it looks like the pic above. She is 14 and hasn't quite made that transformation from child to woman! God has given her such a giving spirit. I pray that she allows Him to use her in whatever He has planned.

This pic with the glasses reminds me of her intelligent side. She was valedictorian of her high school and now she pays her way through Texas A&M with scholarships.

This is my oldest, Rachel. Wow!! Isn't she absolutely beautiful? It's not just on the outside either.

WHERE ARE YOU?

I was thinking about the title of my blog "where have you ben, son?" I picked it because I wanted to incorporate our last name and keep my friends and family updated on where we have been and what we have done. However, as I thought about it reminded me of when Adam sinned and God asked him "Where are you?" Of course, God knew where Adam was but he wanted Adam to realize where he was or what his condition was. We must do that in our daily lives. II Corinthians 13:5 says "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith . . ." It doesn't say examine everyone else which is what we often tend to do. It says EXAMINE OURSELVES! We should always be on a quest to constantly improve ourselves. None of us have arrived. The goods news is that we don't have to do it alone. Jesus has sent us his Spirit to be a helper for us. John 14:26 in the Amplified version says "But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. " God will gently show us those things about ourselves that need correcting. He has been doing that quite a bit with me lately. I am not going to lie, it does hurt. On the other hand, it also excites me because I know that he is preparing me for the next level in my life. If the Holy Spirit is showing you things about yourself, don't fight Him. He simply is preparing you for something greater. If He is not showing anything about yourself, it could be that you are not listening. Be sure your spiritual ears are in tune.

HAVE HOPE IN A HOPELESS SITUATION

Love knows no bounds, because God has no limits. Love knows no threat, because perfect love casts out every fear. In every circumstance in which we perceive a boundary or threat, ask God, 'How can I see this differently?' And Love will open itself to you.
Mary Manin Morrissey

Got this in an email today. What a great quote! The beginning of it is from the Bible. I have truly discovered that "attitude is everything." Have you noticed there are people who have gone through "hell and high water" and still manage to keep a smile on their face? Then there are those people who have gotten their feelings hurt and decide to kill themself or some try to kill others. What is the difference in these people? It is all in your perspective. No matter what walk of life you come from, you are going to go through trials and tribulations. I challenge each of you the next time you come across a situation where it seems as if there is no hope (Don't be deceived, you will encounter such a situation) to change your point of view and remember there always is hope. There is a God in heaven who loves each one of us and wants the best for us.

Bridezilla

"To be or not to be. . . bridezilla?" that is definitely the question at hand right now. I watched the show Bridezillas one time and had to quickly change the channel because the immaturity and selfishness of these brides-to-be was astounding and aggravating. Now, it's two days before my wedding and I can almost relate to them. Although, I still think that my 7-year-old far exceeds them in maturity, I do understand their pain. Your wedding is one of the most important days in your life coming second only to maybe graduations and birth of children.

Before this all began, I made a choice to "keep my eye on the prize" and remember that this is all about two people displaying their love for each in the presence of their friends and family. I have had most of the details of my wedding planned for 3 years and now as the time approaches, it seems as if every single one of those plans have fallen through. Bridezilla is trying to emerge. Now, I know what the hulk goes through!! By the grace of God, I have still kept a great attitude even though my dress has a mind of its own, my future husband has no opinion on anything, and my kids have an opinion on EVERYTHING!

I believe because I had kept a great attitude about that God has rewarded me. It is all falling together and turning out better than I had planned. I am thankful that God has sent me a man with tremendous integrity and if I have to wear my blue jeans and marry him in a bathroom, then so be it. When we keep the right attitude, God will work things out in our favor. Let's face it, we live here on earth and everything doesn't go our way.

So, to answer the question "to be or not to be a bridezilla?," ladies. DON'T DO IT! The man you are marrying is much more important than a dress or a flower or a cake. We must remember that the people in our lives are much more important than the things.