**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.
Carrie, Burnsville MN
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
“commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”
Martha, Dickinson, North Dakota
Aug 1st
His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.
NLT
Aug 15th
Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessings and praise. You alone are the LORD. NLT
Bartlesville,OK
Hebrews 6:10;12
God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Courtney, LaPlata, MD
Philippians 3:1-21 (ESV)
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. And establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands for us.
Psalm 90:17 NKJV
Shelby Kasten Ft Myers Fl
1 Chron 28:9
And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with whole hearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thouhts. If you seek him he will be found by you; but if you for sake him he will reject you forever. NIV
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6 NLT
Lea
Lamar, Arkansas
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 (KJV)
Sharon, San Antonio
I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10
Linda, Blue Springs, MO:
Finishing up this portion of Psalm 139:
13. For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.
15. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:13-16 ESV
August 1 posting:NRSV translation
Isaiah 26:3
Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace- in peace because they trust in you.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
Philippians 4:6, NLT
Nicole, Prairieville, LA
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
-Philippians 4:8
NIV
ROBIN, Indialantic, Fl. 1 Corinthians 7: [23] You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. NIV
Pamela, Missouri
…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail. ~ Isa 58:10-11 (NIV)
Paddy Plattsburgh, NY
The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what He does for us, not by what we are and what we do for Him.
Romans 12:3 The Message
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Philippians 4:7 NIV
Deborah, Philadelphia, PA
John 14:25-27 (NIV)
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Susan
Norfolk
James a servent of God and the Lord Jesus Christ to the twelve tribes scattered amonge the nations, Greetings
James !:1 niv
Hi Beth!
Three ladies from our Bible study attended your Columbus Ohio event and said it was way beyond awesome. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, being on unemployment limits me in doing anything extra. But the girls brought me home a set of everything they got from the event as a surprise (really sweet)! I am hoping at some point in the future I will be able to attend one of your events, but for now we will continue with your DVD studies. We are presently doing Daniel and loving it and looking forward to doing Stepping Up next.
Beth, thanks so much for listening to the Lord and sharing your gift of teaching with us. All the studies we have done have had a tremendous impact in my life, as well as the ladies in our study—Big Thank you and big hugs!
Your Sister in Christ
Darcy, Lenoir
I Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jae, Lenoir
I Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Darien, Lenoir
I Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paula, Batavia, Oh
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Lydia; Norman, OK
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
“It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”
Hebrews 12:7 (NAS)
Kate, Grapeland, Texas (NAS)
Donna, Lufkin, Texas (NIV)
Elaine, College Station, Texas (ESV)
Laura, College Station, Texas (NIV)
Angie, Aberdeen, SD – Psalm 105: 4 “Search for the Lord and for His strength, and keep on searching.”
Sherry in Marietta GA
( I am very late posting…surgery and internet out for a week all I can say is H.O.L.D.F.A.S.T to Him and He will get you through anything) I did write it in my spiral on the 15th!!!
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful”
Col 4:2 NIV
Lucinda Bomberger, Watsontown, PA
Galation 6:1 NIV Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Better late than never!
Victoria, Greenbrier AR
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3 (NIV)
Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets
Matt 7:12 KJV
And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of good character. Ruth 3:11 NIV
Lauren, Asheville, NC
Romans 4:20 ESV “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he promised.”
May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.
Psalm 26 – verse 21
NLT
Betty, Somerset, MA
I’m a little late, but I just did not have a verse. Until today. Here it is:
“Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes.” – 1 Sam. 12:16
Lorna Beth
Minneapolis, MN
Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV 84)
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Nancy in Perry, GA
2 Cor. 4:16
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” NKJV
I just realized today that I forgot to post! I wrote it in my notebook, but totally flaked on the post.
Jenn
Frederick, MD
For as {she} thinks in her heart, so is {she}.
Proverbs 23:7 Amplified
Dawn Winslow, Clever, MO
Colossians 1:17 (NIV) “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Karen, Amarillo,TX. Titus2.3 (ESV)
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior,not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
Richmond VA
Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated-it can only bring harm.
Psalm 37:8 HCSB
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1, NIV
Shawna – Boise, Idaho
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they put their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 TNIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Lisa Gayle Houston, Texas
Danville, CA
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 NIV
Becky, Chattanooga, TN
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Romans 12:18 NLT
Wylie, Texas
Psalms 94:19 (NET)
When worries threaten to overwhelm me, your soothing touch makes me happy.
Karene, Yorba Linda, CA
“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
John 3:17 (NIV)
Kate Aurora, CO
On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. Psalm 138:3 ESV
Be still and know that I am God;I will be exalted in the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10 NIV