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.
You guys are SO much fun! Ya think Revlon’s sales will go up just as prayer journals from Hill Country did? Makeup advice is wonderful. During one of your LPL event weekends, some girlfrieds and I were in the hotel room and picked up some “blending” tips from another. Thanks for sharing the everyday as well as the serious!
Dear Beth,
When I was introduced to my first Beth Moore Bible study 8 years ago by my sister who kept talking about Beth Moore (and I kept thinking how could she be so excited about someone on a video, but I’ve done them all and several more than once now) – never in a million years did I imagine that I would “get to know you”, much less your family! I am so honored! You opened up God’s Word and made it literally come alive – I will be forever grateful. Oh, what I had been missing!
It means so much to know that you, too, struggle but you show us hope that only God can give. You are so open – I want to love God more than life itself – and you have taught me that. I have loved Michael, right along with your girls and your dogs – I have cried over him and pray for him regularly, just as I do your whole family.
Thanks for the laughter that you give us – oh, how I love to laugh and you continually show us that God has a sense of humor, too. I never realized that until you showed us examples.
So many of us have so much in common – I read constantly and switched to Christian fiction several years ago – there are some exciting Christian authors out there. And of course, praise music keeps me going on many a day. It sounds too simple to say “what a joy” to be a part of a group of Christian “Siestas”, but it is the best blessing ever!
Love you all!
Thank you to the siesta who wrote to say that she no longer has any one on a pedestal (not even Beth Moore). I do love Beth and her sweet girls but siestas please be careful and remember she is a child of God just like the rest of us and as much as we look up to her we need to remember that she is not perfect. I was so guilty of doing that in years past and it is not fair to the person we put on that pedestal, it is not fair to us but most of all it is not fair to God. Keep God first always!Now I am not sure why I had to say that but,I did and I hope I didn’t hurt Beth’s feelings. God bless you all.
Dear Beth, Amanda, Melissa and the LPM staff I have a prayer request and I know this is something I can share with you. Back in Sept 2005 I came to work at my present job which I truly enjoy I have watch it go through difficult times and God bring it right out again (that is construction) but this past July 07 we changed ownership my previous employer sold the company. Well the new owners told me this past Wed that I would need to be looking for other employment the business has drop by 32% in the past few months and they are looking at the possiblity of moving the company to Georgia. I have maybe until the 22nd of this month and after that I will have no income that I will be bring into my house. I have two sons that know this and are willing to help but they also have responisbilities. I have an opportunity to go to work at a local insurance agency I have an interview on Wed 6th. Please pray that God’s will be done and that either the company will get turned around with lots of calls and contracts signed. But mainly that the job opportunity will go well and that is this is God’s will it will be done. I am a single parent and I have worked hard all my adult life I know without a doubt God will take care of me but I will admit I am just a little scared. Thank you for all you do and I know you, your family and staff will be praying for this situation.
Becky
Attalla, AL
Thank you, thank you! You are just the sweetest for answering all those questions. It’s one of the reasons I love you so much…you are so real and down to earth. A girl who can hike, pump iron AND share her favorite lipstick all while loving Jesus–I love it!
these are so great. i’ve really enjoyed reading your answers and people’s questions. especially the one about loving an unlovable husband. i guess cause even though i’ve got a great one, he’s definately unlovable at times….
so thank you for the reminder and encouragement to keep emptying out and filling up.
I had to laugh yesterday when I read that one of the Siestas dreamt about the Moore family. Then last night I dreamt about being so happy that I owned a green tube of lipstick with a gold band!!
Beth,
Thanks for sharing with us…. opening your heart… and life. It is truly exciting to see how God is using you through this blog. Not that you don’t already have enough on your plate!! You’re a great inspiration. You ROCK!
Big thumbs up for JAN KARON and
RANDY ALCORN!!! And like everyone else, I EAT UP your bible studies!!
Praise HIM, keep it coming!! Thank you.
I just want to thank you, Beth, for taking the time to do this!!! It just shows what a loving heart you have for us Siestas, that you would take time out of your VERY busy schedule at this time of hectic wedding preparations! I’ve been through two daughter’s weddings, so I know how crazy it gets this close to the big day. I’ll be praying for all of you, that it will go like clock work, that God will smile on you all with a beautiful day! We love you and love that you share yourself and family with us!!!
God bless~
Donna in Indiana
beth-just finished reading your answers. giggled me to tears! i’ve been 2 chicken to try plumper! tho i could use lashes before lips anyway!
enjoy your day!
lovin life in Him!lisa
I suffer from severe depression. Most days I just feel that htere is not any hope for me at all. When things get really bad, I cut just to cope with all the pain. I feel very alone and isolated most of the time because no one seems to understand where I am. I hate this place. I hate what it does to me, where it takes me. Please help me.
Im just barely hanging on.
Dear Anonymous,
I read your post. Oh, now I see it is quite old…but if you are still out there…how are you? Hang on, Siesta! HE will hold you. I promise; I’ve been through SO, so much and He has carried me when it was too hard. He has sent me friends and help in many ways.
I’m praying for you,
Maria, Almaty Kazakhstan (Central Asia)
WAHOOO! Happy 10 years!
Ms Beth,
I am so glad to read that you still get nervous before getting in front of peole and that you are exhausted after a BS or LPL event. I always thought there was something wrong with me. I thought if I am exhausted then maybe I am doing too much in my own flesh.
However, I have an extreme fear of public speaking so when I am in front of my 46 ladies that is ALL God and not a bit me I would rather be on the back row soaking it all in 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us Siestas – we love you too!
Kim
I just had to share this with you girls. Our church hosted the “Loving Well” retreat in a box this past weekend and it was awesome. So many women were touched it was a joy to see. I pretty much wept the whole time because the Spirit was so strong at the church and I know many women were impacted by the event. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a womens refresher/outreach. I was on the core team that helped run the event so I had a birds eye view into the happenings. I read this blog all the time and have never written in but just wanted to share this with you all.
I also loved this question answer session b/c I too had a question about Michael and was glad someone asked about him. He was such a part of A Heart Like His bible study that I’ve always wondered if he was still in the Moores lives.
This blog is a blast to read and an encouragement to all.
To: holdin out for glory,
I’m praying for you and your little one. How our hearts can ache so for our children. As much as we love them – HE loves them even more.
I’ve gone through similar things. We’ve moved a good bit. I’m a Georgia girl living in the Mid-West. Though I made lots of friends quickly it took several months for God to bring my “iron sharpening iron” friend along. He is faithful – He knows what we need and the exact time we need it.
My oldest daughter struggled finding some kindred spirits. She has, really, only one right now. Some other friends – but just one that it is “easy” with. I have cried out to Him regarding her many times. She is happy and very well adjusted (12 1/2 yrs old). I’ve grown to just trust Him about this. I would rather her have one christian, uplifting friend than a whole barn full of friends that aren’t part of God’s plan for her life.
I’m praying for your little guy and you. Just keep crying out to Him. He knows you and every desire that you have and again – as you know – He is Faithful.
Praying for you, Siesta!
You are always such a breath of fresh air! I just love you! Thanks so much for sharing so much with us siestas! 🙂
Dear Sweet Anonymous (at 2:05pm on 2/5/08), I am praying for you. God loves you–you personally–not just everyone else, but YOU. He loves you dearly, and boldly.
He came down to earth to rescue you…Jesus died on the cross for you. He was wounded, so that you dont have to be. You are not bound to living in depression and cutting yourself…He wants to set you free. He wants you to believe His word.
Please cry out to Him–honestly…Just tell Him what you’re going through, how you feel, and ask Him to come down and set you free. Read His word. Ask Him to show you if you have a personal relationship with Him.
You are loved. Believe on Jesus. He is life.
Love, Taylor
Dear Anonymous who suffers from depression: I pray that you will find that there is hope in Jesus Christ. He loves you wants to be your Savior, Healer, Friend, so many things. If you have/can get a Bible, read the book of John (In New Testement after Luke.) Take care and God Bless.
Anonymous, I obviously also forgot to ask if you’ve talked with anyone (professionl help)? God Bless you! 🙂
What a fun post! Thanks for doing this! 🙂
“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”
BETH!
They don’t carry that shade anymore at my Walmart!! I think I must be too far out in the hills.
When I used to live in the “big city” of Centreville, VA..Fairfax County, VA, I could get Dior Addict in a shade I loved and they discontinued that too!
Oh well…this is definitely not a spiritual crisis. But it’s fun to just share.
I’ve only been saved 1.5 years so I haven’t had alot of experience just talking Christian “girl” talk.
It’s great! I’m so glad I’m a Siesta!
Blessings!
Loving HIM more everyday!!
Teri
This is the first time that I have posted a response on any Blog, but I wanted to say thanks so much for showing us “Jesus”. I am in the middle of two of your wonderful bible studies (Daniel with my mom and sister and Breaking Free with my church) WOW!! What was I thinkin!!
I know the Lord has a mighty work he is doing in my life, I want to be equipped for the great adventure.
Thank you for being so open and I have to tell you that there are many days that reading this blog brings me to tears realizing that we “siestas” have so much in common.
Here’s to you girls, thanks for keeping it real, I can’t wait to dance and sing at our Father’s feet together
Response to anonymous, severely depressed….
If you’re here, you’re looking for answers in the right place.
Don’t get overwhelmed…consider what it would take to get you through the next couple of minutes/hours…then look back on those minutes/hours and praise God for bringing you through that time.
Satan hates nothing worse than a child of God’s praising his/her Savior…he’ll learn to leave you alone if his “torture” leads you to praising God.
You need a savior who is none other than Jesus Christ. He alone can save you from what you’re going through.
Please, please, please seek godly counsel.
I’ll be praying for you.
Beth & girls,
Thanks for keeping it real. I also so appreciate that you consider all types of women in different times of life. For example, you offer the drugstore lipgloss preference as well as the department store. Back in the days when I worked full time, I was more likely to buy the expensive stuff, now it’s the more reasonable. I’m home full time with 3 little ones and $ is much tighter these days. Thanks for considering that! I also loved the post awhile back about the Payless shoes. So good to know I’m not the only one buying the cheaper stuff.
I love you gals!
Thank you SO much for answering the question on what you would do differently in your life. I have been wrestling with that topic for the past 24 hours and it has been gut-wrenching! I love the phrase “God’s love has been unreasonable” ~ Amen to that! Your answer was encouraging and comforting to me. By the way, I learned the hard way this morning that running on the treadmill and worshipping God can be dangerous to your health ~ or rather to your extremities! 🙂 I just love it when HE meets me on the treadmill and I am all sweaty and I just have to raise my hands to Him!
To anonymous 2/5/08 at 2:08p suffering from severe depression – Sweet siesta, are you being treated by a doctor? I pray you are. You can’t cure severe depression without medical intervention. Have you told anyone you’re cutting yourself? Sweetie, please get real help. I’m praying for you right now and I’m sure other siestas are as well. There’s a book called New Light on Depression by Biebel and Koenig that may help you or your family understand depression better so that you can get appropriate medical and spiritual help. I got this book at Lifeway Christian. Please write again and tell us more. It breaks my heart to think you will have posted and think that no one “heard” you. I’m quite certain Beth and Amanda heard you and will pray for you. But others will, too. God gives us doctors because He loves us so much. Severe depression requires medical intervention as well as pray. Please keep crying out until you get all the help you need. God bless you!!!!
Hi there, Miss Beth,
Thank you so much for this blog, and for this opportunity to do the Q & A session online, even though I was too busy snow blowing that day to get in on the question part. I love how God made you to be. Just as honest and caring as can be. =)
As far as your “difficulties in ministry” go, PLEASE keep us informed whenever you feel that you need prayers, via the blog, or the e-mail prayer group, and you know that I will be covering you in prayers, and I’m sure that the other Siestas will do so, too.
I can’t imagine doing what you do, even during your sweet Tuesday night classes with the 3,000+ ladies whom you serve there in Houston. But, I do recall when you were doing the tapings for LBY, and what cheerfulness, patience, and grace that you showed, even when the silly microphone crashed 2-3 times one evening that semester. And, know that I admire you so much for doing what you do, Miss Beth.
And, I just want you to know that your love for Jesus, and His Word really did help me to “fall in love with Jesus“, and I am so grateful for that [especially while I lived in Houston prior to June 2004]. However, certain difficult circumstances in my life, and in my family recently, have kept me “clinging” to my [our] sweet Savior, and to God’s Word; and to all sorts of Bible studies, including almost all of yours, and others’ books, etc. However, regardless of the reasons, I just can’t seem to “get enough of Him”!!! Learning more about Jesus and His ways is so much fun! Thank you for sharing your excitement for Him with me back then [during your precious Tuesday night studies and Sunday School classes], and with all of us here, now, too.
However, I also know that you try your best to follow God, and His will for your life, and your ministry, day by day. And, I am so grateful for that, as I have been trying to “follow in your footsteps” in that manner, trying to follow God’s ways, and not my own, as well.
On another subject, how would you like me to “send†Y’all some of this snow from the snow storm that is supposed to be coming here, with 14 to 18 inches of snow that is predicted for our area between tonight and tomorrow??? Hehe… However, would you pray for the Lord to give us the extra strength to do all of this snow blowing tomorrow, though, please ??? =)
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
To our DEPRESSED sister who cuts…I have never done the cutting thing but I have had the noose on my neck!!!
First of all- you are NOT alone. We are all here and we are praying for you.
Secondly- have you ever tried PAXIL? This is a drug that has actually saved my life.(several times)
Help is available both spiritual, mental, emotional and physical.
You hang in there girl!!! Just look at me…I am the “class clown”
Just before our Monday night Siesta group met – I checked the blog, printed out your Q&A Post, and decided to start our time together by reading through it. I wasn’t sure who was going to show last night, but had prayed especially for one young woman to be able to make it last night. The very first question was for her – she knew it and I knew it. Thank you Jesus for speaking through Beth, through the internet, through me to my young friend. God is just so incredible isn’t HE!?!? We were supposed to view our week 6 dvd of Stepping Up – but after reading the blog – we just talked and talked and prayed together – so our study has stretched out for another week. Thanks you Beth for timely words or wisdom!! love ya like a siesta, Kathy
How about a bible study on Revalations?
Beth, this does not relate to the last blog-however just wanted to let you know the study tonight was “stunning”-I have worked with generational healing and healing of memories for almost ten years in my life and your teaching and involvement tonight was so full of the holy spirit I wanted to shout-Just wish we could have received the eurcharist along with your power filled message-Wow and thank you dear sister in Christ-
God bless you sweet siesta, Beth! I love reading your answers to the questions from others and the ones you made up. How often one would speak to my heart about another matter in my life. So blessings to you for loving us and caring enough to answer hard questions and trivial questions.
By the way, if you have never read any of the “Joshua” series by Joseph F. Girzone, you are in for a treat. They rank right up there with Jan Karon (also one of my favorites).
Have a glorious week, dear one!
Beth,
I feel so funny calling you Beth. Part of me feels like you are my dear mentor and another part of me realizes you don’t even know me. I know you love each one that God puts before you.
I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the way you have, and continue to serve the Lord. This Q&A has brought those amazing authentic qualities out in you. I catch my breath and tear up as you share so deeply while maintaining honor for all involved.
I have done many of the bible studies you have written and am passionate for Jesus, but I have hit a road block in an area of my life that has been smoldering for at least 30 years (I am 38- but lets keep that our little secret). I have done Breaking Free, Believing God 2 or 3 times, etc…. I am asking for a word, submitting to prayer ministry, reading lots of books simultaneously, spending time in intimate worship, have friends and spouse interceding…. I can taste a glimpse of freedom at times, but then it slips away and I am back at it. I know there is a root and I am asking God to expose it. If the Lord lays it on your heart when you’re spending time with him, could you pray?
It is a beautiful thing to see God in you!
Blessings,
Jina
Oh you make us feel so loved! THANK YOU!
I am so grateful for your openness. I know it must be hard to always be “out there” open and exposed, but God’s hand does shelter you, and He uses your life to mentor people like me who need a practical, real-life example of how to live for the LORD with passionate abandon.
You help me move from being a pharisee who knows what I should do and say to being a passionate, vibrant believer who acts out of a heart that is crazy about my Jesus.
I am so grateful for all of you at LPM! I keep telling my husband to look for a job in Houston so I can come be part of your team – heehee. Do you need a financial analyst or a project manager? (grin!)
To anonymous at 2:08pm on Feb 5th. Please please get some help. You don’t have to live with depression like that. It is nothing to be ashamed of. I don’t know where you live, but there’s probably a mental health place you could get in touch with, your family doctor or perhaps your pastor. I had a season of my life like you and I needed medication, for just a short time, until I could work through things. It’s also possible that there are medical reasons, not just emotional, for how you feel. I know there may be some who say you don’t need medication to overcome depression, but no one would deny a cancer patient their medication. I am praying that you have a trusted someone in your life who will help you get the help you need. I will pray for you through out the day and week. Please don’t give up. Let us know that you are ok.
Your worth to the Savior and this community of believers is invaluable.
In Him,
Melana
Anonymous
You posted your comments to the list yesterday at 2:08 pm. This is wednesday morning and I just read your message, You are not alone. God loves you and is waiting to have a relationship with you. I do know how to help you from so far away. You need someone to help you see how prescious you are to God. You took a big step posting on this blog. Now you need to take a bigger step and let the people at living proof ministry(Beth Moore’s gang know your name and where you live so they can get you some help. God Bless you dear sister.
Speaking of Stepping Up, I must tell you that the Lord really blessed me this morning at 6:00am through your study, Miss Beth. I was on Psalm 127 and I must say when I first read it I was praying about part two of the study. I am one of those who doesn’t have children yet (am married) and would love to have them, and this has been a struggle for me. I’ve been in such a good place with the Lord about this lately but was a little fearful to do a whole lesson on this topic, afraid it might bring back worry and vain imaginations.
But bless your heart, you started right out with a word to us ladies and an encouragement that we can mother without children of our “own” (which is precisely what the Lord as been telling me) so THANK YOU. Truly, thanks so much.
It’s been a while since I’ve left a comment. I can’t believe how the community has grown!! But, I just want you to know I’m thankful for you and love you to pieces, lipstick or not! You mean the world to all of us.
By the way, I’m still praying for your little friend with leukemia. My youngest son has Down Syndrome, too.
Mama Beth, Thank you so much for living in His Word and for showing us by your own life that we can live and walk in freedom. What hope!
My life has been changed by the Word, by your teaching and also by those who’ve ministered in the body of Christ. I’ve been Praying God’s Word since 2004 and it has been transforming. My little leather bound book is well worn, but I have most recently began to pray prayers over those who have hurt me with their words and I’m moving to a whole new place of freedom from those wounds. You will never know, this side of heaven, how much your ministry has meant to me. I’m learning to walk on two feet again and I’m abiding in the Word! Thank you for faithfully pointing the way to the WORD!
And praise God for the freedom to be cute while we’re walking our walk!!
Mucho Blessings!
Dear Beth,
I finally am able to post…I’m a little bit computer “dumb”, I’m married to a computer technician, so I always depend on him for technical support!
I always read the blog and have since attending Living Proof Live in Boone, NC last May ( I Pray you are having a day filled with many Asher Blessings!)but I have only posted once with my husband’s help. He know I always read it…we always talk about it. When I was telling him about Melissa’s wedding he said as if it sounded like we had Sunday dinner together and talked about the wedding. He helped me create an account so now I can post whenever! So please know there is another Siesta! I’m 28 with 2 children and one on the way! We live in Johnson City, TN and go to Calvary Baptist. There is a sweet group of ladies there going through Stepping Up!
I loved the Q&A about what preaching you listen to! I related so well, because often I will be reading or listening to you and my husband will be doing the same with James McDonald! We always share what we have learned from both, and I enjoy that time so much!
I’m so thankful for this blog…I just told my husband the other day, I always feel so safe and loved in Siestaville!
Much love to you and everyone at LPL
Laura Beth
PS There must be many siestas who went to payless to get the very cute brown shoes you posted earlier…our store is out and the lady said you can’t even order them online right now!
Okay – this might be a REALLY dumb question, but since I started reading this blog about a month ago, I cannot for the life of me figure out where “siesta” comes from. Spanish? If so why? Or is it a play on Texan phonics, spelling out “sister” like those of us who would say it in a thick southern accent like “Si-es-ta”? Would help this oh-so-confused New Yorker get clued-in! 🙂 Though sometimes I’m wary of the touchy-feelyness of the blog, it is a blessing and challenge in my life. Many blessings from the Big Apple!!
To Anonymous in pain: although I’ve never cut, I did struggle w/depression when I first came to Christ. In addition to what other siestas have said, I thought I’d share some things I did & learned:
About 10 years ago God brought me to a small group of women who were doing a study of Neil T. Anderson’s “Victory Over the Darkness.†That was the first time in my life I began to learn who I was in Christ. “The Bondage Breaker†is also a tremendous help.
I learned to prepare during the okay times for the dark times. One Scripture I personalized and said constantly was “I take this thought (or these thoughts) captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ†when negative thoughts would start to overcome me. It was about the only Scripture I knew but it brought me so much relief while I was growing in Scripture and learning more about my identity in Christ. I had to learn not to let those thoughts take me to a dark place.
I got “Praying God’s Word†by Beth and prayed them everyday! It IS A TREASURE TROVE of help!
I played worship music all throughout the day and sang to it! My neighbors thought I was crazy, but it kept my mind on the good things!
Also, Mercy Ministries of America has a website that deals with cutting and may have a place for you depending on where you live/ your age. Praying for you like crazy!
Anonymous 2:08,
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggle with depression, cutting, and isolation. I am not the first one to say this, but I hope so much you will seek help from a doctor for your depression. I pray you will approach someone at your church and share your struggles with them. Please give your church family the chance to reach out to you face to face.
Blessings to you,
Amanda
This is SOOOO much fun!!! Thank you!!
Just wanted to agree with you that Mary Kassian’s study, Conversation Peace, is life changing!!!
I’m remarried with a fifteen year-old from my previous marriage, and now have a ‘Tod’ that’s two. To say that communications are strained between my husband and teen would be to flick a ice crystal off of an iceberg! Honestly!
Mary’s study helped us all. It’s been a while since we completed it, and I can honestly say that we’re transformed. Not completely healed, but SO much better.
Praise God for all of you in ministry that help the Body grow in Christ!! He’s the best medicine of all. 😉
I’m sitting here typing while my lips are tingling after a fresh coat of Sally Hansen Lip Plumper. I just got some at Target. There was hardly any left on the shelf. Methinks there are a few more local readers of this blog than I am aware of.
Beth, have you heard of the Yada Yada Prayer Group books by Neta Jackson? I have no doubts that you would enjoy them as much as the Mitford series!!
There are prayer groups starting up all over the country from her books!
Thank you for being you and taking us on your journey with you. Thank you for loving us as much as you do. This blog has been my saving grace on many, many a day. God is so wonderful, and you all are proof of that. Blessings to all.
I was reading your answers to the question on the blog for Beth and I wanted to suggest to the lady who asked about the Romans study that the best study on this awesome book is available from Precept Ministries. There are 4 parts to it, but it is well worth the time.
Do you still have the years from Daniel on your floor?
Beth,
Just finished Week 5: Day 4 of Stepping Up. I believe I fell into “neurotic dependency” due to circumstances in my personal and professional life these past six to nine years that I have tried to handle on my own. It was the wake up call I needed yesterday evening. The message had me on my knees crying. I don’t know where I would be without God, Jesus, and God’s Word!
Thanks!