Beth G. Marshall

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That’s What Friends are For

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When you move to Western Carolina, there are a few things you expect to find – really nice people, cool crisp Fall days, and a slightly slower pace of life, things like that.

Tuckasegee, NC

What you never expect to see is a category 4 hurricane make landfall in Florida, and ferociously blanket the Southeast through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. 

In late September, that’s exactly what happened when hurricane Helene climbed into the beautiful mountains and ultimately became one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in US history. 

As courageous communities begin to rebuild what was lost, the outpouring of support and love has been breathtaking.

  • P0wer crews from Canada, Texas, the Midwest and beyond working tirelessly to restore power before the coldest weather comes.
  • Strangers showing up in helicopters, pick up trucks, 18-wheel trucks, and ATVs- bringing cases of water, food, diapers, generators, chainsaws, and medical oxygen for mountain top communities
  • Families opening their homes to provide meals, shelter, Wifi, and kindness
  • Mechanics rolling into town to repair storm-damaged cars, trucks, and tractors
  • Churches transforming into shelters, distribution centers, and safe places for a warm meal and a hot shower.

Thank You Thank You for every prayer you’ve prayed, and for showing up for us in such life-giving ways.

Psalm 46:1-3

God is still God, and He is still so good.

#CarolinaStrong

To know more or get involved by giving or going- Samaritan’s Purse is one excellent place to start.

Three Things (getting your grieving friend to say yes)

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Why “Call If You Need Anything” doesn’t help

If your world has ever been rocked by trauma- the death of a loved one, divorce, a miscarriage, a terrifying diagnosis… the list goes on- you’ve surely heard these words. “Call if you need anything!” But do we ever call?

Most people genuinely want to offer comfort, support, and kindness, but why do these well-meaning words fall flat?

We don’t know what we need. In the midst of a crushing season, it’s often all we can do to put one foot in front of the other, take a shower, and be sure the kids (and you) have on shoes. Having to think ahead, figure out meals, household needs, pets, plants, yard work may be way beyond what your mind can handle right now.

So, how can I help when I don’t know what they need? I heard the loveliest idea on Annie F. Downs’ phenomenal That Sounds Fun podcast- episode 910 with Willow Creek Community Church Teaching Pastor, Megan Fate Marshman. Since the sudden death of her beloved husband, Randy in 2021- Megan has learned volumes about what helps most when your world seems to collapse.

One idea she shared for reaching out is to offer three options. Rather than dropping a “call if you need anything” bomb- what would it look like to offer three practical things you can do… and asking which would be most helpful?

The Three Things offer can go something like this. “I’m available Wednesday to 1) drop off a warm meal on your front porch, 2) pick up your kids at school, take them to the park, help with their homework, feed them dinner, and deliver them- clean in pajamas at bedtime,

3) mow your lawn?

Or maybe like this. “Would it be helpful for me to 1) set up automatic bill pay on your computer, 2) provide movie and dinner gift cards, or 3) clean your gutters?”

I think you get the idea. The closer you are, the more personal your three thing list will be. For someone who isn’t as close- you might want to

  • sign up on a Meal Train list to deliver a meal on a certain day… often a “drop and run” is more helpful than visiting.
  • sending an encouraging note, along with a coffee, Target, or an awesome local gift card
  • leave a bag of fun things at the door for the kids. Text to let your friend know it’s there.
  • for more helpful ideas, like designating a “point person” to keep things organized- please check out this episode (#302) of the Nothing is Wasted podcast, where host Davey Blackburn and I cover lots more helpful ways to be a great friend when your friend is hurting.

Well, that’s it for today. What other ideas would you add to the “three things” list?!! Please share them here on my FB page. Thanks, y’all.

Joy Triggers

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Joy trigger: the opposite of the other kind of trigger. A joy trigger can cause unexpected smiles, giggles, and sometimes belly laughs.

I hope this story will trigger some joy for you, too.

My beloved, Paul, has never exactly been a planner. He is brilliant at a whole lot of things, but planning ahead just isn’t on that list.

That’s why it wasn’t that surprising when he told me- 48 hours before July 4th- that we needed to do something fun. (Ever been there? Life is good, and full… but too much work and not enough fun?) Next thing I knew Paul was at his desk- tapping into his world-class gift of frugality, to come up with some last-minute travel mischief that wouldn’t break the bank.

Two days later we were on a Delta jet (thank you, Delta for my quick 25 year career)- on our way to Dublin… and five hours later- we boarded the Windstar Cruises Star Legend for a seven day excursion through Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Seriously, never saw that coming, but I’m so happy it did.

The Irish harbor towns, emerald green hills, delightful people, and stunning Scottish castles were more beautiful than we could have imagined. But, what was even more memorable was the joy of saying yes… then figuring out the rest.

What’s sparking joy for you right now? Please share your fun photos, favorite people, or whatever is making y0u smile this summer on the Beth Marshall Author Facebook page.

Can’t wait to see your photos!!

Say What You Need to Say this Mother’s Day

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Beazy with some grand kids

I don’t know about you, but I love to simplify… & say goodbye to non joy-sparking possessions. But the one thing I simply cannot part with is a letter from someone I love.

In our instagram, insta-famous and insta-communication culture these hand-written treasures have become even more precious.

If your mom (or someone who’s like a mom to you) is still in the picture, I encourage you this week to say what you need to say- in writing.

Tell her why she is, “the best mom in the world!”

If she’s like me, she’ll appreciate your words, humor, and crazy thoughts more than you’ll ever know.

My mom, “Beazy” has been gone a few years, but every now and then, I still love to scribble out a few words of thanks to her.

Dear Mom,

Thank you for:

• inviting the entire Emory University Dental fraternity for Thanksgiving dinner that year. Just wow.

• using crime scene tape to redirect curious house guests from unsightly rooms.

• not killing our brother, John when he carved, “I LOVE MOMY” with his kindergarten scissors, in your antique dining room table.

• teaching me that Stouffers Spinach Souffle with crispy french onions in your own casserole dish= homemade.

• making each of your five kids feel like your favorite. 💙

I’m so thankful God picked You to be my mom. Love, Beth

Happy Mother’s Week, everybody. 💟

Write the letter. You’ll be so glad you did.

Cool Stuff Coming UP

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Just wanted to say… we’re soooooo excited for the Made for More Retreat this weekend at The Oaks!

This podcast with Jessye Wilden and Bob Goff tells a bit of the story, and a sneak peek about what you can expect.

If by some miracle you could join us there- it’ll surely be a weekend you’ll never forget. Here’s the latest insider intel!

Hope we’ll see you there!!

Easter’s Coming!

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Here are a couple of my favorite Easter books- hope your kids love them, too!

The Dance of Easter, by Sally Cressman is a delightful “retelling of the Easter story ~ what happened Easter morning… Jesus rising from the dead, and celebrating the good news of His resurrection.” You and your kids are going to love the adorable illustrations and the joy of this special Easter book!

Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw, by Josie Siler is a new take on the story of Psalm Sunday.

I love how this book teaches kids about Jesus through a lovable donkey! Howie thinks he’s just not good enough- all because he doesn’t bray like the other donkeys

The coolest twist comes when Howie is chosen to bray “Hallelujah” for Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem! This winsome story encourages kids to celebrate their different abilities, live courageously, and to know they’re deeply loved by God.

I hope you’ll enjoy these timeless Easter treasures with the kids in your life!