Q&A

Hey, Siestas! So much love to you! I pray Christ is revealing Himself in unmistakable ways right now and showing up smack-dab in the middle of the most mundane tasks. Before I get to some of your questions, I’ve got to give a huge shout-out to God lest a rock cry out in my place. Can we say there ain’t no high like the Most High to Ocean Mommy’s 90 year-old grandmother praying to receive Christ on Thursday? That, you darling things, is something to celebrate!

All of your questions were terrific! Thanks so much for caring to know. I am answering a bunch of them here and hope to answer a few others in the weeks to come. If your question doesn’t show up here or in the next few weeks, it’s not because it was dumb or inappropriate. I probably felt like I couldn’t answer it well, sufficiently, or briefly in this format. If your questions were posed to AJ, watch for her to answer those in the days to come as well. These are just a number of the ones directed specifically to me. I may have paraphrased your question to make it a little shorter. OK, here goes!

*What’s the best way to show love to an “unlovable” husband? My darling sister, you be sure and get your cup filled to overflowing every single morning by Christ because the only way you’ll emotionally thrive under those conditions is to love him out of the overflow of Christ’s love for you. Something we learned in LBY is to Pour-Out/Pour-In. This is how it works: Pour out all of your concerns and hurts and confessions to Christ every single morning – don’t let them mount up or they will turn toxic and bitter on you – then, emptied before Him, ask Jesus to fill you back up with His Holy Spirit. See Psalm 62:8! You need Somebody you can tattle on your unloving person to and Someone who can also enable you to miraculously demonstrate love to him. Truly, it is the Most High Calling – see Luke 6:32-36. All of us are called to love people who “hate” us. We just may not be married to one. Also remember that love is not always a feeling. Sometimes when I’m dealing with an unloving person, I have to demonstrate the love of Christ and later my feelings tend to catch up with my actions. I am a big believer in solid godly counseling. Seek it if you need extra help. Also, I’m assuming he is not physically abusive to you. For any of you out there – married or single – who are being physically abused, GET TO SAFETY IMMEDIATELY AND GET PROFFESSIONAL HELP. If you are a mom, get your children out, too, and pray for the crisis to bring your abuser to repentance and the professional help he needs.

*Do you guys still have a relationship with Michael? On occasion and in some seasons more than others. I still have hopes that a day is coming when we can have a healthy, consistent relationship, but we’re just not there yet.

*What books are you reading? I almost always have what they call a “Christian inspirational” book of some kind and a Christian novel going at the same time. I just finished reading the novel Same Kind of Different as Me and I loved it. My favorite Christian inspirational book recently is Eat This Book by Eugene Peterson. In addition to those, needless to say, I am buried in commentaries and resources for Esther and have a tall stack for the session revision of Breaking Free, too. Since I got the question, “What are some of your favorite books?” I’ll go ahead and answer that one now, too:

I read constantly and enjoy lots of diversity in my reading. Therefore, I have to be willing to sift through doctrines or perspectives I may not share if I believe I’m going to discover treasures or even insights. I’m just giving you a heads-up that, just because I may be about to mention someone doesn’t mean I’d line up on every point of doctrine with him (nor him with me, goodness knows). It’s just that I’m old enough now (smile) and have studied long enough to not be at as high of a risk of getting tripped up as I might have been fifteen years ago. That said, if I’m researching an OT Book of the Bible, I always get works by Jewish scholars (I like to see their take on it) as well as Christian scholars. I’ve read many works of Jewish rabbis (love the late Abraham Joshua Heschel) as well as some Catholic monks. In the narrower mainstream, I love tons of authors and this, obviously, is where I spend most of my reading time. Some of my contemporary favorites are Philip Yancey, Mark Buchanan, Ravi Zacharias, Nancy Pearcey, Erwin McManus, and John Piper (I particularly love his devotional books and so loved his poetry book based on the Book of Job). I almost always read anything John or Stasi Eldredge put out there.

As far as novels are concerned, a couple of my favorite authors are Robert Whitlow (I’ve read everything he’s written) and Joel Rosenberg (I try not to read his stuff before going to bed or I’ll never sleep). I was very impressed with Joyce Meyer’s maiden voyage into novel-land. I thought The Penny was fabulous. (Jumped back on to add another author that I can’t believe I forgot to mention: JAN KARON and especially her Mitford series! One of you mentioned it in a comment and I hit my head like I shoulda had a V-8! That series is one of my all-time favorites! Floored I overlooked it!)

*What are your favorite Bible studies by other authors? I bet I don’t have to tell you how much I love and appreciate works by Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer. I have also done every Bible study Mary Kassian has published. If you haven’t done Conversation Peace, you just must. I love Jennifer Kennedy Dean’s works on prayer as well as Jennifer Rothschild’s works on ANYTHING. I devour anything by Anne Graham Lotz that I can get my hands on. I so appreciate Angela Thomas’s works. I totally dig Randy Alcorn’s Heaven.

*Who do you like to listen to on tape or CD? Actually, you didn’t ask me that. I made up the question myself. Grin. I just thought it would be fitting as an insert right here while we were on this subject. My favorite preaching to listen to on CD (besides my own pastor, of course) is Dr. James McDonald out of Chicago. I’m nuts about his style and the man knows his Scripture.

*What are some of your biggest challenges in ministry? Time, schedule, stress, NERVES, and thinking I just did a terrible job with a message and yet having to go right back out there again. Also just being scared to death I’ll blow it and hurt or offend the Body of Christ somehow.

*Two weeks left before there is one less (with the name) Moore. On the peace and calm meter, how are the four (original) Moores faring with Melissa’s wedding coming up? I loved this question and had to laugh. I don’t think you could necessarily characterize any of the Moore’s as calm at almost any time. Not one of us is laid back. We are passionate about almost anything and have lots of feelings about everything. Any peace we ever have truly is peace like a white-water river and not remotely like a pond. I have to tell you something we all howled our heads off about. Some weeks ago one of you left a comment on the blog asking – in your own fun words – if AJ and I were about to drive Melissa crazy over wedding stuff. It was about the same time another of you commented on Melissa being the quiet one of us Moores. Let me be joyfully and lovingly clear: we all dance circles around Melissa and there is nothing vaguely quiet about her. Remember, she’s the one that used to walk down the stairs when she was four years old and ask me first thing in the morning, “Are you going to boss me today?” Amanda is the closest to quiet in our family and, believe me when I tell you, she holds her own. Lis and I would both tell you that Amanda is by far the sweetest and wittiest of us. (She truly has one of the sweetest, most loving hearts of anyone I’ve ever known and is also incredibly clever.) Melissa is the wildest and funniest. Very, very affectionate, thank goodness, and disarming. She keeps all of us honest. Keith and I? We are simply certifiable. It is a very lively family. And Melissa is the boss. Just so we have that straight.

*If you could live your life all over again, what is the one thing you would do differently? The tears are stinging in my eyes and I’ll have to try hard to keep from sobbing on this one. The list of things I’d do differently is so long, I couldn’t pick one out and the worst of it so appalling that I wouldn’t share it anyway. I have been so stupid. I was so messed up and clueless that my healing took a long danged time. I am as true a testimony of the forgiveness and grace of God of anyone you could know. He has been utterly unreasonable in His love and patience for me and I will love Him forever for it. To love much after I’ve been forgiven much is my hope. I do, however, want to try to satisfy the question if I can with one thing that comes to mind: I wish so much I’d gone with my spiritual “gut” in a situation years ago where the Holy Spirit was warning me to stay back from something. Someone very godly talked me into not backing off. I just wasn’t ready to handle a situation like that and tremendous anguish resulted. Ironically, God also performed one of the biggest works of my life through it. He is such a Redeemer. His sovereignty is my only peace.

*If you could only give one piece of advice to your daughters, what would it be? To pray every day to love Jesus more than anything else in all the world and to deliberately practice abiding in His love for them. Hands down. No contest.

*How do you love someone in your extended family that passively or actively rejects Christ and mocks your walk with Him? I had this exact situation and I can’t guarantee this for everybody but, over time, God worked a miracle in our relationship. One of the things God taught me was to be low-key on the “Christianese” (religious vernacular) around him, but to be high-key on authentic love and joy – to live what I believed in front of him more than to talk about it. I have not won him to Jesus and I don’t know if he’ll ever budge from his belief system but, slowly, God allowed me to win his respect. He loves humanitarian work just like I do so we have that in common. He no longer seems to scorn Christ or believe that all Christians are hateful. I love him so, so much and would give virtually anything to spend eternity in the same place with him.

*Are you just exhausted after Tuesday night Bible study? Yes! And so is my beloved staff! We often get very little sleep when we get home that night because we’re so wound up. It’s a very long day for all of us but it’s the most important thing we do here in Houston, so literally no one complains. Thankfully, we get off on Wednesday afternoons after staff debriefing lunch. The exhaustion after Tuesday nights is nothing like after a conference, however. By the time a Living Proof Live event is over, I am – as my grandmother used to say – as limp as a dishrag. I feel almost bruised. God is so worthy though and so faithful to restore me and get me back on my size 7’s pretty quickly.

*I’m one of your BF posts that had an affair in the past. My husband and my God have forgiven and restored me. But I still have trouble with guilt around those who know about it. Any help? Yes. Trade the guilt around those people for humility. And don’t trade back. Also soak yourself in God’s Word so He can speak louder to you than anyone else. Memorize Scripture and when that condemnation comes upon you – from the inside OR the out – start rolling that Scripture around in your redeemed head for all your worth. Let the pain of every consequence lead you to deeper and deeper sanctification and knowledge of His Truth. And, as the Book of Jude says, after all you’ve learned and all you’ve suffered, if you see someone about to make the same mistake, do everything you can to snatch that stick from the fire. (VV. 22-23)

*Where was “Stepping Up” filmed? In a studio in Nashville and the audience was primarily made up of women who either worked at LifeWay (in all sorts of positions like customer service and editing) or had husbands who did. Some of the others were in ministry and just needed to be ministered to. It was a way we could give a small gift back to those who have partnered with us behind the scenes.

*I have always been taught that Jesus is the SON of God but I am so confused because I hear people referring to them as the same. This sounds dumb, but please clarify. You posed an important question! The Godhead – Father, Son, and Spirit – is three in one. All three were active even in the creation account (compare Genesis 1:1-3 that immediately distinguish between God the Father and the Holy Spirit as He hovered over the deep THEN see Colossians 1 where Christ’s activity in Creation is recorded.) That Christ is absolutely divine is clear in many Scriptures but here are a few: Colossians 1:19, “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him.” Colossians 2:9 “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” In John 14:9,11 Christ explained, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father…Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” John 20:28 also tells us that after Thomas saw the resurrected Christ and touched His wounds, he called Him, “My Lord and my God!” Hebrews 1:3 is one of my favorite verses of all about Christ: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”

*Any chance you’ll do a study on Romans? My beloved editor, Dale McCleskey, needles me often about it but, no, I don’t anticipate it. I haven’t been very qualified to write any of the studies, truth be told, but I am vastly unqualified to write on Romans. I taught the entire book for a year in my last Sunday school class (only a few years ago) and those CD’s are available through LPM. I’m betting that’s as close as I’m getting to a study. Romans 9 nearly killed me. Then again, never in a million years did I picture writing a study on Daniel.

*Do you just humor us when we ask about that outfit or that pair of shoes or what kind of make-up you wear? Girlfriend, what are you smoking? Are you kidding me? I love it. I’d ask you the same kinds of questions in a heartbeat if the tables were turned. Right after Bible study. And while we’re on the subject, one of you asked about my favorite lipstick. (I just went and got my cosmetic bag. It has at least 10 lipsticks or glosses in it.) My favorite drugstore variety is Revlon’s “Moon Drops” Line in the green tube with the gold band. For those with my coloring and penchant for bright, the shade I wear most often is Peach #704. My favorite more expensive variety is “Dior Addict” that you get at Sephora. It hurts my pocketbook every time I splurge but it is gorgeous on. And, of course, I love me some lip plumper! But Sally Hansen on the drugstore counter makes about as good as any, at least in my and Melissa’s opinion. (I don’t think we’ve ever won AJ over to plumper. She thinks it stings. We think it’s worth it.)

*And, for all of those who hated that last question, this one’s for you: What do you like to do for fun? I am an avid dog lover and I could hike mountain trails until my legs were nubs. And I pump iron. Don’t even think of treating me like I’m just a set of shiny lips. Heehee.

*Beth, why do you love Siestas so much? Because they love Jesus like crazy and make me want to love Him more. And they can like their servants without putting them on pedestals. And they ask lots of good stuff and start lots of good discussions. That’s why. And I made that question up, too.

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201 Responses to “Q&A”

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Comments:

  1. 101
    Kim Safina says:

    The Journey Continues ~

    I just finished another quiet time with Jesus for lunch and I wanted to say~

    THANK YOU PRECIOUS BETH FOR BEING A VOICE FOR US SIESTA’S AROUND THE WORLD. KEITH, THANK YOU FOR LOANING YOUR PRECIOUS BRIDE TO US. GOD IS GLORIOUS!
    Stepping Up
    With”Heaven Bound” blessings,
    Kim Safina ~ Central Coast Calif.

  2. 102
    Shelly says:

    Laughing out loud … in the library….as always.

  3. 103
    Linda says:

    I love that you mentioned James MacDonald. I download his podcasts onto my ipod — makes my stationary bike and treadmill time fly by.
    Blessings.

  4. 104
    Anonymous says:

    Beth, I just love you to pieces!!!

    Tracie in Fairfield Ohio

  5. 105
    Anonymous says:

    Thank you so much Beth for your honesty. You are such an inspiration to me. You have helped me have a close relationship with Christ, through your studies, your blog site, and your conference. I love coming on this site and reading everyone’s responses. It helps me to remember that we are all in this together! Plus, we have such a good time! I tell everyone about this blog site!

    Bridgette

  6. 106
    Kecia says:

    Have you ever read any of the Thoene books? The AD Chronicles is their most recent series. They are SO GOOD, and a lot of times your Bible studies reflect things I’ve read in them…but it may just be because truth is truth and the Bible is real!

  7. 107
    The Preacher's Wife says:

    Won’t Revlon be happy about the skyrocket in sales the Moondrop Lipsticks will experience this week?

    I loved every bit of this post. I especially appreciated your wisdom on living with an unlovable husband as I am currently counseling a dear friend in this area. Thankfully, my advice aligned with yours. 🙂 Now I don’t have to wonder, “Wonder what Beth would have told her?” heehee

    Much love,

    Lisa

  8. 108
    Kari says:

    Beth,
    You are my apostle Paul. I hope thats not too much pressure.*grin*
    I just love you to pieces my e-mentor!:)

    Kari- Washington state

  9. 109
    Bennett says:

    Oh, and I LOVE lip plumpers!!!! Couldn’t we just have a girls sleepover and all get together and share beauty tips and stay up late laughing and watching movies?! 🙂

  10. 110
    Anonymous says:

    You are constantly encouraging me not to give up even days like today when I want to. I am a stay at home mom whose loves to be with her children but yearns for some girlfiends to talk with. Your ministry has been such a blessing to me (John the beloved disciple right now). Thanks for being so real and letting me know that no matter how we look on the outside we still have a way to go on this journey with Christ.

  11. 111
    Becky says:

    Dear Beth,
    You are such a blessed friend and seista and I want to tell you thank you for all you do for each of us. I have to tell you this funny atory. I was at our discipleship training last night and we are finishing Daniel (for me and Lana the second time, we are leading the class) any ways getting side tracked. Before we were about to close one of the older ladies in our class who has truly enjoyed Daniel said that she just wished the words would stay on the screen a little while longer so she could get them all wrote down. Well the funny thing is Lana told her that I blogged with you and would let you know. So then I let them know about Melissa. It really made me feel like we are the bestest of friend and like we talk everyday together. Once I thought about it that is so true about Siestaville we are all bestestttt friends and can talk to each other daily like true siesta do. Just thought I would share that with you.
    Oh also I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU ABOUT RANDY ALCORN HEAVEN my Monday night bible study sister and I started that study once we finished Daniel and it is truly a blessing. And if anyone wonders about Heaven they need to read that book.

    Love you
    Becky
    Attalla, AL

  12. 112
    Andreea says:

    Ms Beth,

    This is totally random but last week I took my BF CDs to work with me b/c I thought I could listen to the teaching there if I had any free time, and then come home and listen again, and actually take the notes. Anyway, I have never heard anyone explain the Hebrews 4:12-16 passage like you do. And it never really made much sense to me until I heard the way you put it together and explained it. I remember thinking “This actually makes sense now.”

    THANK YOU so much for taking the time to write these studies and teach us, and for being so real.

    You are totally awesome!!!

  13. 113
    Anonymous says:

    To the pastors’ wives out there … it breaks my heart that you don’t know who you can get close to! Your church members love and appreciate you and your husband, and we would love to be close to you. Please don’t hold us at arm’s length. It would be so great to know you better, to be friends with you, to pray with you and know better how to pray for you. You are well loved, siestas!

  14. 114
    Anonymous says:

    Thank you, Friend. 🙂
    ~Deborah 🙂

  15. 115
    Gayle Ann says:

    Beth,I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart…I so enjoy reading this blog that I just put it in our church newsletter so others would know about it too…you are so much fun! I liked what one lady said about only talking about Jesus more than she does you, and I could so relate…when I talk about you, if I am teaching I refer to you as my good friend Beth! LOL…because I feel like we are good friends, even though we don’t get to talk one on one!!! You have inspired me to love Jesus more and be real more every day. Thanks girlfriend.
    Love ya much…Gayle Ann ~ Wasilla, Alaska

  16. 116
    Anonymous says:

    I’d like to say hi to Firecracker, too. I loved your question: so honest and forthright.

    YES, this God stuff is very real and totally about life! (I am quickly reminded of a quote by the author C.S. Lewis: “God is too definite for the vagueness of words.” Far more real than we can comprehend.)

    Seeking hard after God is about life eternal (far beyond the grave – in Jesus), as well as a rich, fulfilling, meaningful life here on earth: joy right in the midst of pain; rootedness in the midst of chaos; purpose in a world that is floundering; peace when nothing around us warrants peace… knowing Who to thank when life is sweet and Who to cry to when life brings sorrow — all rooted in knowing and being known by Jesus; and loving and being loved by Him.

    Jesus told us He came that we might have life, and that we might have life abundantly! And He’s good for His word. Such an amazing concept! God bless you and show you more of His LIFE!

  17. 117
    Kara says:

    Welcome to siestaville Firecracker. It’s good to have you here. I pray you’ll want to learn more about God and his love for you and allow Christ to be your Savior. Following Him is not always easy, but worth it. God Bless and I hope to see you around.

  18. 118
    krisyoursis says:

    Lil’ Monkey’s Mama–
    I’m not AJ, of course–but as far as sharing Jesus with a tod…

    Her name is Miss Patty Cake! Look her up–get her stuff–www.misspattycake.com

    Learn her songs and watch those DVD’s with your tods (and talk about them)–they’re all about our wonderful Lord and His goodness, and tods find them addicting (while some adults find them to be full of too much energy, especially after the 8th viewing in 2 days.)

    I love what Miss Patty Cake says about sharing Jesus with your tods/preschoolers…do it through song because if you simply talk to them, you’ll sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher (“wah-wah, wah-wah, wah-wah…”). Music goes to a different part of the brain, and if we can put God’s truth into our young children through music, it’ll stick better. Sing to your kids and with your kids about Jesus…even if you “can’t sing!” They don’t know what good singing is yet, especially the tods.

    Also, make your tod at least one Bible costume…it’s easy…from a pillow case. Holding the pillow case with the open end facing the floor, cut a neck hole through both layers at center of the top seam. Cut arm holes through both layers at the tops of the side seams. From the middle of the neck hole down to the open end, cut a slit straight down the middle of the front layer of fabric. Now, you have a Bible Costume robe…you can easily secure it around your kid’s torso with one of those stretchy elastic headbands. Now your kid can be Noah, Moses, Jonah, Ruth, Mary, or whomever you want to narrate the story about.

    What are two things kids love to do? Sing! Play pretend! If we share about the Lord with them “as we are going,” through the course of a normal day with them–as we’re told to do in Deuteronomy, it’ll stick better.

    THE BIG THING: Do not become an angry, bitter, or negative mommy! Ask the Lord to keep your heart tender before Him, especially when it comes to how you interact with others in your home. If you tell your kids all about Jesus, but you are a terribly negative and complaining mommy around the house, the kids are probably not going to grow up wanting to know and serve the God who has given their mommy such a miserable life.

    Blessings!
    Psalm 78:4-7

  19. 119
    beana1270 says:

    We love you too!! I haven’t been doing any bible studies becaue of homeschooling my kids now and getting ready to move. I miss it so much. Thank GOd for the blog/website and Life TOday so I can get my Beth fix!!:-)
    I can’t wait to move to Texas…..in 3 more weeks. God is so good! Im eager to eat at the fair you love so much and those mexican restaurants!!
    God Bless you!!
    Love
    Christina Ross

  20. 120
    Jackie says:

    ooohhh…love that dior lipstick (and don’t love trying to explain to my husband why a tube of “color” costs so much!)
    Ya’ll are so fun- can’t wait for more! 🙂 Love you!!!

  21. 121
    Anonymous says:

    Dear Beth,

    While it is hard for me to even imagine you have ever felt like you did a terrible job, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being honest enough to admit it. I am currently one of the “walking wounded” in ministry and have, in my opinion, a series of recent flops trailing along behind me. I am scheduled to do a retreat the end of this month and my confidence is absolutely shattered. I would do almost anything to get out of it. Thanks for being real enough to admit it doesn’t almost “feel” great, and that God calls us to pick ourselves up off the floor and do it all over again. Keeps us humble, if nothing else.

    Incidentally, when I read this post, I teared up and called my husband over to read what you’d written. My nine-year daughter wondered what I was crying about and when I explained, she said (about you), “Well, she probably just doesn’t put those on TV!” Cute, huh?

    Blessings, Beth. You allow those of us who sometimes feel lonely to know that we are never alone.

    Love,
    Renee

  22. 122
    DJ says:

    You are a hoot! I am not into the lipstick and heels thing but I love ya like the dickens anyway! Wish I could sit down with ya someday over a cup of coffee (did you know it puts hair on your chest?)and just shoot the breeze! So glad to know you are “normal” like the rest of us!! By the way, I am doing the Daniel study right now and to be honest, it is KILLING me! 🙂 I’m in the second half. I’m not that bright!

  23. 123
    Anonymous says:

    Okay, I’m going to # the items so I don’t ramble:
    1. To the moms that I read had ?s about boys-don’t overlook reading “Bringing Up Boys” by Dr. James Dobson. After the Bible and the Beth studies I’ve done, it is the most life changing book I’ve ever read. It’s all in there.
    2. To the women who have questions about their husbands – see # 1 above. The book even helped me understand my husband and how he “ticks”. We even communicate better now.
    3. Is there a way we can get together at the state levels to help carry us until/help us prepare for the Siesta-ville this summer?
    4. Don’t hate me just because I have naturally plump lips. I wish I could sometimes buy something called “LIP THINNER”. And to think there are women who pay LOTS of $ for the lips God gave me naturally!
    5. Firecracker: Don’t feel bad for asking. I was a preacher’s kid and didn’t get it until my 30’s after 10 years of my husband and I ripping our marriage apart, adultery, etc. Just get on your knees and start praying and know that everyone on this blog is also on their knees prahing for you. You are a daughter of the KING, and our sister, and we value you dearly!
    Peace,
    Kim in Apex, NC

  24. 124
    mjwentz71 says:

    I thoroughly enjoyed Eugene Patterson’s Eat This Book. What a compelling metaphor given to Beloved John. I have been praying that God will help me devour his word in ways that will transform every cell in my saved and redeemed body.

    As always, thank you for sharing. You bless me over and over.

  25. 125
    sher says:

    Thanks for being so real with us? Can I be real with you all for a minute? Could you pray for my family? My father just got a devastating diagnosis (has a tumor on his liver and it’s VERY large). I went home to help out he and my mom this week-end, and before she left for church I found her in the kitchen reading a devotional to him (he is also losing his eyesight). I am so blessed to be the daughter of a Godly woman, and she is such a shining example to me. It’s one of the reasons I think I enjoy this “siesta-hood”…
    🙂

  26. 126
    kris says:

    thanks for sharing a bit of yourself w/us…its funny, we all (I speak for my BS girls!! We’re hittin Steppin Up this summer) feel like you are SO one of us. Trust me, a few of us even saw you at the mall in Dallas (the day after we finished Daniel – whew!) and followed you a bit before courage was scrapped up to say HI! You were – of course – sweet and…well, JUST LIKE ONE OF US.

    So, thanks for being one of us…and letting us know you a bit better…and not thinkin we’re nuts when we follow you around the mall 😎

  27. 127
    Anonymous says:

    Ladies,

    I have so enjoyed reading all of your blogs. It is so uplifting and encouraging!!

    Beth I have a question for you. I know that you are an animal lover. I just had to put my dear cat of 16 years to sleep. What are you thoughts on pets in heaven?

  28. 128
    enjoying grace says:

    This is only my second blog…ever! At the risk of sounding to Beth Moore-ish….you are the coolest! Thanks for all the great stuff.

    In His Grip-Theresa

  29. 129
    Anonymous says:

    I love you Beth and thanks so much for the advice about if the Husband or Boyfriend is being abusive it just shows me again about how the Lord is cares for His daughters I’ve been fighting this for atleast three years whether or not I have all legal rights to leave or stay. I ‘ve keep thinking only if I can change Him. But you can’t change someone that doesn’t want to change.

    Thanks again for Loving US!!!!!!!

  30. 130
    Velma says:

    Hey Beth

    Thank you for being real and for your love for our Father. Your love for Him is truly contagious and spurs me on in my walk with Him. I have been in a dry spot it seems for awhile and since I have started the study, “Jesus, the One and Only,” I keep finding myself more and more in awe of Him. I didn’t realize I was so thirsty. And since I have recently been coming to this blog, I have had a blast getting to know more about you and your family and the other siestas. I am honored to be a siesta!

  31. 131
    Shannon Pate says:

    I loved the book, Same Kind of Different As Me! I read it last year. Have you read the new book about the Trinity called, The Shack? I am in the middle of it right now. Thanks for sharing so much about yourself. Have a great week! Love, Shannon

  32. 132
    Lena says:

    Beth you crack me up. I have not heard “Girl what are you smoking” since I moved to California 10 years ago.

    I wanted to take this time to tell you I am currently doing your biblle study Daniel. WOW is it a kicker for me and just what I need at this time in my life. We just started and I am chomping at the bit to move to week 2. But am holding back.

    Thank you for everything

    God Bless all of you

  33. 133
    Sherry says:

    You make us feel like “insiders,” and EVERYONE is invited to be one!

  34. 134
    jmckweez says:

    Well…. I must say, “Magic Spell” from Lancome is my most very favorite lip gloss. My Husband -who is a pastor, said (FROM THE PULPIT!)”My wife & our girls I’m sure are in love with lipgloss & probably could use some sorta 12-step program.” Then he said, “They all have so much lipgloss, that if there were any nutritional value in it – I’m sure we could feed a 3rd world country.” I gotta love that man… he knows enough to keep us happily in stock with lipgloss.

  35. 135
    Jenna says:

    Mama Beth, you are awesome. Plan and simple. I am blessed by you and Amanda daily. Thanks, friends!!

  36. 136
    Anonymous says:

    Has there ever been a time when you had felt the Lord calling you out of a particular ministry before the “term” was up? I wonder too if I really received the call from the Lord in the first place. I am a home schooler and feel our schedule is so strained by out of the house committments.
    Beth I met you in Fresno a few years back, at Maccaroni Grill on Saturday afternoon. I told you my mom was depressed and could not come. What I didn’t share was that she felt she had lost her salvation and had isolated herself, been starving herself, and we later found out, attempted to take her own life. She has since been hospitalized three times, most recently this past summer. PRAISE, she has been well these past few months and just started comming to Bible study these last two weeks. I’m comming to San Diego in April, and I’m just praying my mom will come!

    Thank you for giving out the words He lays on your heart. You studdies have been such a blessing.

  37. 137
    Tina Vega says:

    You are just the sweetest. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us!

  38. 138
    Anonymous says:

    Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions -you are so fun!

    I don’t log on too often so I was disappoionted to see the posting for Question 2 for your Breaking Free revision closed. So, I hope it’s okay to share a quick word of testimony here.

    I just wanted to share that my first exposure to Beth was Breaking Free — and this is where I first learned of the term “stronghold”. While taking the study I was seeing a counselor who had blown me away with another new term, “relational idolatry”. I was neck deep into a friendship that had gone south in a hurry and I knew I needed professional help.
    I remember my counselor recommending that I read Jan Silvious’ book, “Please Don’t Say You Need Me” and thinking to myself…what???….I can’t read this book…I totally want people to need me!!

    Anyway, it was through the Breaking Free study that my eyes were opened to the betrayal I had committed against the Lord in loving people and wanting to please them more than I did Him. After what I can honestly confess was a twenty-year cycle of relational idolatry, I AM FREE!!–and have been for 7 years! The Lord has completely transformed my mind and my heart where today, no one is on any pedestal (not even my mentor, Beth!)…I brought all my idols, along with my gulit and shame, to the foot of the cross and I have taken down all the high places!! I can still feel His forgiveness that came over me like a tidal wave.

    All glory IS HIS and I’m honored to get to share my testimony with you.

    May His favor continue to be all over your work for Him, Beth.

    You are so loved and appreciated!

  39. 139
    *~linda~* says:

    absolutely wonderful!!! i’m truly amazed. i love the Word and the testimonies and as i stumbled across this blog site a couple of days ago…i’m ever grateful for the heart, the candidness, and the time given in sharing your life/lives with all of us.

    thanks for keeping it real! God’s continual blessings upon you…

    *~aloha~* \m/

  40. 140
    Anonymous says:

    Beth…I just have to tell you that I am about to complete the first week of Stepping Up and I am loving it. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you as he has (is). Wow! I just love being in the Word. I have been with my face on the floor two mornings in a row now and I must admit, I felt a little silly yesterday (certainly give a whole new consideration to how clean my floors are), but already today it seemed more natural. And, even the first day I could tell a difference in my attitude and outlook all day long. I love what you said in answering one of the questions about pouring out all your concerns/worries/etc. and then asking the Holy Spirit to fill you and be all you need. I needed to hear that. Thank you for your wonderful ministry. He is so so good and I love Him dearly. With love- wife and mom in NC.

  41. 141
    Disco Queen says:

    My favorite line is: “Girlfriend, what are you smoking?” HA hA Ha! I laughed out loud! I live in a neighborhood of cute and ‘popular’ ladies and we have done a bunch of studies over the years. We say this same line to each other at opportune moments! Thanks for being REAL BETH! You’re Babe-iliously wacky and sweet:)

  42. 142
    Sue says:

    For an incredible study of the book of Romans, I would recommend Tom Nelson (Denton Bible Church in Denton, TX). He recently finished preaching a series on Romans that lasted a year, and I believe ALL those sermons are available on podcast. Just his message on Romans 8:26 helped my prayer life so much!

  43. 143
    Anonymous says:

    You and all the comments here are such a blessing to me. Thank you Beth and Melissa and Amanda!! I was so excited to read about “lip plumpers”. Honestly, never heard of such a thing. I going right out today to Walgreens and buy me some.

    Jamie in Alabama

  44. 144
    Anonymous says:

    …”and I pump iron”…now THAT is a hoot!! You are such a blast and we enjoy loving Jesus with you! Thank you for being so genuine with us, true authenticity in action! For guiding us to see Jesus for ourselves and experiencing His love for us!

  45. 145
    Anonymous says:

    Siestas:

    Please say a prayer for me. There is lots to this, but in general: I’m a step-mom; no children of my own; my Mother has gone to be with Jesus; my father and two brothers/wives have no relationship with my husband or I nor with Jesus Christ; and this alienation that they choose to walk in is about to eat my lunch. I can’t help but go the route of I’m the common denominator. And this morning I did Day 4 of Session 3 on Stepping UP of sowing seed! I text’d all of them and simply said, I love you. My husband sat with me as tears fell and said, God in you, is the common denominator and they are rejecting Him. Lord, if that is SO, I can do this!

    Any advice, and any prayers,I will graciously take.

    Your Siesta, in need.

  46. 146
    Georgia Jan says:

    Beth – I just want to say I love you and I think it is so very very special that you would take the time to let us siestas into your life, library, and lipsticks! Do you still wear Double Wear foundation? I just love it, love it!

    I am a Georgia peach that loves to teach God’s Word and some of my friends call me “Suzanne Sugarbaker” because at any given moment in time I can whip out many accompanying shades of red, pink, or gloss in-between.

    We are going through Stepping Up right now. Can’t wait for Esther! Believing God and LBY were my personal favorites, well A Woman’s Heart was too –

    I love you, sister.
    Jan

    PS: Your baby daughter is getting married and my baby son is getting married. But that’s what we raised them up for – to be independent shining lights for His glory for their generation. Hallelujah!

    “Thou Oh Lord are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head.” Ps 3:3

  47. 147
    Sarah says:

    Beth,
    It is amazing how I can love a woman that I have never met but you are such a dear woman/mentor in my life. Thank you for being so real with us and encouraging us us all to “run the race marked out for us.” You are such a treasure!
    Sarah-Kentucky

  48. 148
    Anonymous says:

    Who is Michael?

  49. 149
    Living Beyond says:

    Thanks Beth I LOVE that you are a REAL person and not some super wonder woman who has it all together. Bless you for being you!

    AUTHENTIC!!!!

  50. 150
    Michelle says:

    It’s so much fun reading all your posts, from Q&A to the stuff that speaks to my heart. What a blessing this blog has been in my life. PTL!

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