**Siesta Celebration is January 20-21, 2012**
Hey, Darling Things!
I’m writing you from about 28,000 feet in the air, glancing out at a sunset heavy with steely thunderheads and striped in army blues. I am on my way home the long way from Columbus, Ohio. After our Living Proof Live ended and we ate lunch at the arena, we all headed to our various vans so we could make our ways to the airport. I hopped in the front seat with Rich because Ron and his darling wife Nancy had already headed home. Several of our other buddies were in the back chattering away when Rich overheard me say to my man on the phone, “Honey, I won’t be late! My fight is at 3:47 and I’ll pick back up an hour so I’ll have a nice long evening with you.” Keith was feeling poorly with a chest cold and laryngitis and I really wanted to get back to him.
(Rich) “Beth, you have a layover.”
“A what?”(Like I don’t know what that word means after nearly 30 years in thin air.)
“A layover in Denver on your way home. I think you get home kind of late.”
“But I had a nonstop flight to Columbus!”
“Well, you don’t have a nonstop flight home.”
And he was right. I hadn’t even looked at my arrival time in Houston. So, this afternoon I flew from Columbus all the way to Denver and now I’m on my Denver flight making my way to Houston. This weekend I’ve lost an hour, picked up two, then given one up again. Try to do that math.
But to say it was worth it is an understatement. We had 7000+ women in Columbus, Ohio who were in the mood to lift up some high volume praise to the God who is worthy. We knew we were going to love them within 15 seconds flat. And they were my favorite kind of group in Bible study, too, because they got involved the way a small class would. Super interactive. God so graced us in Ohio and we will remember the time we had with those believers for a long time. I knew God was up to something good when I looked at the stat sheet that K-Mac prepared for me and noticed that the six biggest groups attending the events were six different denominations. There are no words to express to you what that means to us. To God’s credit alone, that’s becoming more the rule than the exception in this season.
I’ve had a very interesting flying day. If you’re on Twitter, I tweeted that the people watching had been extraordinary. You know, I struggle a tad with eavesdropping as it is but when everyone is sharing very big feelings at a very high volume, what is a woman to do? But stare? And so, I nearly cried while a young 40 something Dad with shoulder length hair hugged his varsity baseball-type looking son goodbye as he took off for college for the first time. Both of them had tears streaming down their cheeks. It was a most moving scene and one that I had to restrain myself from joining. Of course, I don’t know if the young man was going away to college or not. I made that part up because it was the best possible scenario to fit the high EQ. The part about the long-haired dad and the varsity baseball-type son was true, however. And they were both crying. If I wouldn’t have to stop and explain when I’m making something up, my posts would go smoother. But somehow I feel an obligation toward confession.
What is indeed an absolute fact is that there was a little girl about six years old that nearly made people punch the windows out of the plane and parachute to Beulah Land while her mother chatted with a friend. Mind you, a six year-old little girl would have to work hard to push me over the edge. I love that age in the largest way. But I was nearly overwrought with the teeming desire to give that darling child a spank offering. But, of course, I wouldn’t have. Goodness knows, I have a deep commitment to all things politically correct.
Well, guess what day it is? August 15th and you know what that means! Spit out your next Scriptures, young ladies, and do it with some fervor. His words are Spirit and life to us. Let’s give them some respect and expect them to do the kinds of things He promised they would. Here’s mine:
Beth, Houston. “Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13 The NET Bible
A loved one and I are memorizing this together as he seeks to take the next step in a victorious life that demands sobriety. For some of us, it’s all or nothing. Jesus is the only reason some of us are not passed out in an alley with a newspaper over us. If you have struggled to stay sober and the enemy is doing everything he can to suck the life out of you and steal everybody you love, one by one, don’t stay in the shadows. Get out in the light. Own up and let some people cheer you onto sobriety and victory. YOUR GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER YOU. Do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do. You have a calling to fulfill.
I never want to get where we’re playing church around here. The salvation of Jesus Christ is real and it has huge practical ramifications in everyday life here on this fallen planet. Let’s not just talk it. Let’s do it.
Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober.
I have been late the past few times but I am NOT GIVING UP!!!
Erin, Little Rock
“Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you”
Exodus 20:12 – NIV
Nancy, Kiwoko; For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5 NIV
Better late than never…
Proverbs 21:23 (NASB)
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
guards his soul from troubles.
Heather J.
Macclenny, FL
Roxboro, NC “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 KJ
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
(Sorry for the late post I just got my internet back from moving across the state of Texas!)
Lisa Wylie,TX “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:19 NIV
Pat, Littlefield, Tx….”When I consider your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.”
Psalm 8:3-5 NIV
Christy H., Sherman, TX.
“With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:16 NIV
Kathy H…College Station TX..better late than not at all…”..Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each others spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Eph 6:18 Msg
Just joining in, but I’m excited about this!
1 Peter 1:14 (ESV) “As obedient children, do NOT be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you ALSO be holy in ALL your conduct.”
Antoinette, Menomonee Falls, WI
Psalm 128:1
Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord: that walketh
in His ways. KJV
Anna S, Sullivan, MO
I just realized I hadn’t posted my verse, but had only written it in my spiral. :o) Anyway… this is only the second time I’ve memorized an entire psalm. Ps 23 being the first and that was when I was a kid. Anyway, here is the last verse:
“In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.”
Psalm 143:12 NIV
I did the same thing! Wrote in my little book, but forgot to post!!
Debbie from Magee, MS:
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.” Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Patti, Clemmons, NC
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:13 (NIV)
Amy, Moncks Corner, SC. “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12, esv
Heidi, Round Rock, TX
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Rhonda, Trenton,Tx
Before a word is on my tounge you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:4 NIV
Kelli
Houston
“to speak evil to no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:2 ESV
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Prov. 21:23 NIV
Jeannie
Nashville, Tn.
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4 NIV
Sarah, McKinney, TX
1 Corinthians 3:18 NIV:
“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.”
Cindy from Mt Pleasant, SC
Ps. 92:4 NLT
You thrill me, LORD, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have have done.
Alexia- Champaign, IL
But he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:13 NIV
Jill Sayles, Puyallup, WA
Psalm 130:5, NLT
“I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His word.”
Hebrews 4:14 ESV
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Melissa
Waco, TX
Ephesians 2:8 NLT
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Jenna
Waco, TX
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Ephesians 2:8 NLT
Caroline
Waco, TX
I forgot to post! :/
Alison, Norman, OK
The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Ps 34:19 NLT
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Cast all your anxiety on Him becuase He cares for you.
Katherine, Shiremanstown, PA
That I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. ~Colossians 4:4-5 (NASB)
Amber Clovis, CA
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Susan, Chicago. “My message is like a fire that purges dross! It is like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces!I, the Lord, so affirm it!” Jeremiah 23:29 (NET)
Shelley, Dallas
Nahum 1:7, ESV
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”
Rachel
Tucson, AZ
2 Timothy 1:12
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Erin, Denver
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
NKJV
Jennifer, Las Vegas: “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mt. Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” (2 Chronicles 20:22, NIV).
Martha, Lexington: “…we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Acts 2:11
PSALM 86:11 (NIV)
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Teri S. Gadsden, AL —
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Rom. 7:18 NIV
Joni, Littleton CO
2Corinthians 10:5 NIV
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
I can’t remember if I entered my comment last week or not…sorry!
Hayley, Seymour, TX
Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” ESV
Melle , Waco
For I am the Lord you God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you! Isaiah 41:13
Amber – Vienna, WV: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
Brittney (lopsidedhalos), Lexington, KY
“For we know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.”
Romans 6:6 niv
Becky, Roswell GA (as of two weeks ago!)
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Heb. 12:14 (ESV)
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong -that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
Romans 1:11-12 NIV
Mary, Portland–He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 (NIV)
Oh…so late…
Katherine The Colony, TX
Romans 8:1 ESV
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
I am way behind and trying to play catch up. Here’s one…
“Do not be mislead:”Bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Cor 15:33 NIV
And two…
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy!” Psalm 30:11 NIV
Revelation 22:4 (NIV)
They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.