I’ve been sitting here with tears stinging in my eyes. Have really felt like bawling for the last hour or so. Finally went ahead and got on my face and took God up on it. Now I’m back in my chair at my backporch table but still can’t shake the feeling. Nope, it’s not hormones although how would a woman in my season of life know, for crying out loud? I think at least that what moves me this moment is the power of the Cross and all this Resurrection weekend represents to those of us who believe. Who keep believing. And I’ll tell you why. When I asked you how you were doing, I had absolutely no thought of tying these two entries together. I had no agenda at all except to simply know how you are but by the time I’d read the first several hundred, I was so moved by the connection that I could not hold back the tears. I’m not even sure I can explain what I felt but I’m going to try. After all, blogs like mine are not meant to showcase beautifully prepared, deeply deliberated, excellently proofed, and perfectly edited theological treatments. Blogs like mine are more for simply throwing it out there to a bunch of friends. For writing like you’d chat. A place – when it’s appropriate – to say it while it’s raw.
I looked at all 700+ comments and shook my head with love and wonder over what a slice of life was represented there. Many doing great, feeling loved, and sensing God. Others dry, confused, and, as one of our beloved Siestas said, “hanging on by a thread…but at least I’m hanging on!” And either set could trade places in a split second. Many probably have even by this time. One sister’s dad died suddenly of a heart attack and she’s planning his funeral this Resurrection weekend. How perfectly appropriate. Another was taking her teenage daughter for her driving test. God bless her. Another had six kids home for Spring Break. God help her. Another had a three year old with head lice but let’s not nit pick. Another’s nephew was killed in a car accident last night. Dear Sweet Jesus. Another found out two days ago that she’s pregnant. It’s her third pregnancy but she has no children. Lost the first two. Please, Lord. Another is heading with a group of 40+ people to Belize to minister to those with severe needs in the name of Christ. Another will spend Easter weekend on the other side of the world from her deployed husband. Another is hearing the voice of God through His Word like never before in her life. Another is a school counselor trying to help elementary children deal with the death of a 3rd grade girl killed by a van while checking the mailbox. Another is at her wit’s end trying to know what to do with an unrepentant, unapologetic teenage son with a pornography addiction. Another and another and another is in financial distress. Another is five weeks pregnant with her first child and spotting some. Another is “cleaning toilets and changing diapers to pay rent.” I loved that. Another is a 49 year-old bridesmaid. We’ve gotta all love that. Another is sitting in Southern Indiana surrounded by flood waters. Another is celebrating at a Pizza Inn with a group of 75-90 year olds who have just finished studying “Jesus the One and Only.” And another is “tired and deflated and ready for this dry season to end” for her.
And Christ is watchful and active and overflowing with unabashed, unbridled affection over every single one of them. As Present in one as any other. As purposeful in the life feeling the least purpose. The most exhaustion. He still raises the dead. Saves the lost. Heals the weak. Sets prisoners free. He never misses a tear. Never let’s us go. He was lifted up so we could be drawn to Him. Killed so we could live. Beaten so we could win. No matter what stone seems to have you entombed, He can roll it away. Nothing can stay in the grave when God has resurrection on His mind. And, Sweet Thing, God has resurrection on His mind right now.
He had it on His mind with every beat of that hammer on the nails penetrating Christ’s flesh. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” Death never gets the last word. Not even the death of relationship. Respect. Well-being. Health. God cannot – will not – leave well enough alone. His business is life and life at its liveliest. Loveliest. May He roll away every last thing that is stifling His effervescence in us. He never promised that life here would always be fun but He mighty well promised that life here could always be full. Every single ounce of power expended on the Cross is yours in Jesus’ Name. Ask Him what that means. How you draw from it. That’s what I’m doing today. Like you, I’ve had innumerable blessings and unforgettable moments of late. Like you, I’ve also had my own heartbreaks, disappointments, and worries. Felt weary to the bone. Frustrated to the core. I’ve cried, too. Thought I was fed-up with some things, too. Wondered if I’d ever change, too. Then comes Good Friday. The violence that says something’s about to be different. That causes our earths to quake. Then comes the Saturday wait that seems an eternity long. Then, finally, FINALLY comes Sunday morning…long before dawn. By that time the Father has waited long enough. And stones begin to roll.
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us ALL our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 3:13-15
Some of us are burdened and weary because we never have allowed ourselves to feel the full and free forgiveness of the Cross. What if today you believed it? What if today you believed Him? What if you finally let it go? What if today the deadness in us could no longer resist the sound of Christ calling us forth from the tomb? What if we decided to get up and really live?
I love you so dearly. Blessed Friday of all Fridays and Happy Easter Sunday.
Beth,
You are a blessed gift from God!!! Thank you for sharing your life and love for God with us!
The link below is a video – “It’s Friday but Sunday’s coming.” It’s a very moving, special reminder of the sacrifice that has been made for us.
http://www.ignitermedia.com/products/iv/singles/20/Sundays-Comin
Im usually a girl of way too many words, but right now I only have two…
Thank you.
WHAT IF!!! What if Jesus came to get us tonight? Praise God!! Even so come, Lord Jesus! Are you ready?
b brenda
I love the Lord showing off with the moon on this good Friday, btw. I sat in my church pew this afternoon for our Good Friday service. I have been going to my church for ten years now. Of course we are not a perfect church…like you say if it were then me being there would mess it up! LOL. Anyway, I sat there and watched one person after another, after another, after another that I had a relationship with in the last ten years. My heart was so full of affection for them. As I scanned my church and saw so many faces, even some at times that I have disagreed with, I felt nothing but love for each one of them. I was so overwhelmed by the power of the Cross. Not only that I thought I was doing okay and all of the sudden the Holy Spirit moved in my heart and I started bawling. I don’t usually break down in the pew…but you know what…I really didn’t care. I was so overwhelmed that someone like me can stand forgiven in the Cross. So taken aback that Christ already paid for my sins before I even committed them and that I am washed in the blood of the spotless Lamb who was slain BEFORE the foundations of the earth. I told my man that I about lost it (on the front row…I sit on the front row so I won’t people watch and get distracted)and was almost going to have to walk out from sobbing and not take the Lords supper. Anyway, He gave me some self-control and I was able to stay. All of this is to say…I am so amazed at the connection we have in Christ…the philadelphia love born out of common interest for one another. There is nothing like it! Love to all my siestas!
Beth,
I just got back this evening from a wonderful trip to NYC with my 76 yr. old mom and my sister. We had such a special time together.
Yesterday on Holy Thursday we visited St. Patricks Cathedral.
It was beautiful and so special.
Before I left on this trip I had felt a lot like you felt…
there have been so many sad things happening to so many people and I was thinking about it constantly.
I loved this post today. Thank you, Beth for the Truth you remind us of.
Happy Easter to you and your family.
Love,
Valerie
Praise the Lord! I pray for you and all the sweet siestas! That is exactly what we are called to do~ to lift each other up in prayer!
God has taken me to a lonely valley where He is showing me that He is my provider, protector, and healer. Not the mountain top but the low valley is where the green vegetation is. Oddly the lowest part of our life is where we grow and where we get our nourishment.
Today my good friend gave me the same Bible verse Colossians 3:13-15! She read it to me in the amplified Bible~ great!!
For all my Siestas~ Be healed in the name of Jesus! Claim victory and say it loud enough so that the devil hears you! We are all more than conquerors through Him!
~Romans 8:37~
Jesus has risen~ Hallelujah!
Beth- I recently had someone confront me on my blog regarding how this God of mine could allow such tragedy and mayhem in her life.
I shared a lot of what you shared here and also said, “When you believe that God loved us so much that He purposed His son to this earth to be sacrificed for our sins enabling our forgiveness and unity with Him once again… you know you can also TRUST that what He allows in the lives of His children is with their best in mind.”
I don’t just believe that He was crucified and buried and resurrected this weekend. I believe HIM!!! and I TRUST HIM. Even when my health, marriage, circumstances say otherwise…
I choose Him, I trust HIm. HE’S EVERYTHING TO ME!
Happy Easter Beth!
This was absolutely beautiful! I could feel the love of God surrounding me as I read the words. He definitely was speaking in your blog today. Thank you sweet Beth for this beautiful Easter moment. Life will be hard here on Earth for us but Praise be to Him for the wonderful things he has stored for us with him one day!
Those words were exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much for your obedience to serving God! I absolutely love this fellowship that we share and consider it PURE JOY that we can share our lives and prayer requests with others!!!
I receive it, Sister. And I love you so! God bless you this Easter–may He come and continue to show you more of Him.
holly
Dear Beth, Thanks so much for awakening my heart to the reality of this Easter weekend. Blessings to you and yours!
He is risen indeed! Thanks and bless you Miss Beth and my siestas!
My husband said to me the other day, ” I can’t wait to see what it’s like when you finally realize how much God loves you”. I want to know. I realize, in reading this post, how much death permeates my thoughts and mind….and it has NO PLACE there. I want to live and live lively. I hear Jesus calling my name to come forth.
Thank you Beth for speaking truth, once again. I love you.
Dearest Beth,
This morning, I’ve been sitting at my very favorite spot where God has met me many a time: a gazebo overlooking the river that flows just a hundred yards or so from my home in Kenya. I’m trying to finish BELIEVING GOD before leaving on home assignment for 3 months. Did Week 8, Day 4 today.
Thank you for allowing God to speak loudly through you to me as a missionary. I needed your reminder today that Satan wants nothing more than to steal my faith…
Earlier this morning, I had sat in the very same place, feeling like the work we do here is coming to nothing, especially with tension still high around the country following the elections.
I’m taking heart. God truly is still at work. I simply need to watch. To follow. To keep believing. To obey when he asks me to speak up. To obey when he tells me to be quiet.
So, on this Easter Saturday, my heart is full of anticipation to see what God is still doing, in me and around me.
Very blessed Easter greetings from the Kenyan bush to you and all the siestas,
Adele
Beth,
You’re words were God’s divine timing. Praise you Jesus! I’m in my Saturday – the long wait for the stone to be rolled away. Can’t wait until tomorrow!
I love you dearly for serving Him so obediently and speaking into my life this day.
To My Siestas dealing with death today:
My heart is so tender for all of you right now. Letting go is so hard no matter if it’s the miscarriages of precious babies, fathers, mothers or friends.
I feel led to share something the Lord has taught me in recent years…..yes, Sunday is coming, but until then our Lord’s mercies are new EVERY morning. I am a living testimony to this…..HE has made it so.
You see the Lord has called home 5 of my precious loved ones in the last few years. My daughter, my grandmother, my mom (all in 1 yr.), then my grandfather & just this past November, my dad. But despite all the grief, I have a joy that I can only express in one word….JESUS!
I accepted Christ as my Savior nearly nearly 20 yrs. earlier, but the rubber really met the road when I had to decide if I would trust Him no matter what as I watched my little daughter lay dying. I know the Truth is true and I know God is good. I said to myself, I know what I know about my God and I know I can’t trust my feelings. I’ve got to trust the facts – I know that my Father is God Almighty & He never would do anything but what is best for me, His child. And though I can’t get my head all the way around it, I know He loves my daughter more than I do. She is His child too. I decided that even though it broke my heart, I would trust Him even if He took her home. He did take her & through agonizing tears I asked Him how I would be able to go on & He said, “I’ll show you.”
And man has He ever! Hey, now I do have rough patches now & then & He has to carry me, but He always brings me through & I always come back to the same place….the empty tomb.
What Jesus did for us on the cross is astounding and THEN He defeated death! Siestas, we can live knowing our loved ones are living too & eagerly awaiting our arrival home. (even those little babies – & I have one of those too) 🙂
And that stuff about living free & being “real”- living without a veil or mask……..it’s the only way! Do it! I didn’t for so long & I could kick myself for all the time I wasted. After what God has done for me & what He has brought me through, oh I can’t do anything else!! Most people will rejoice with you but there’s always going to be the ones that don’t “get it”. Some may even accuse you of acting like a “super Christian” (happened to me from another sister).:( But I say to them……”I’m not super but my Jesus sure is!” 😀
And remember the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on? – our loved ones may even be in that cheering crowd! We’ve got to serve Him while it’s still day – night is coming when no one can work! Oh I sure don’t want to waste any more time – I want to serve the One that loves me so, don’t you?!!! I know you do!
Let’s “show Him” our love through obedience of witness & service.
I hope something I’ve said here encourages you. I wish I could see you face to face & give you a big hug. But know that I am hugging you in prayer & I understand. You are not alone.
The valley of the shadow of death is real & it hurts, but God hasn’t let go of your hand….He’ll bring you out to a brighter morning than ever before if you’ll let Him.
Just go with the facts of the Truth you KNOW and He’ll “show you” too!!
I love you & I am praying for each of you.
Blessings & Love.
Dear Beth,
I wrote a bit about the power of the Cross on my blog too.
http://www.clydemonastery.org/serendipity/index.php?/archives/14-The-Power-of-the-Cross.html
Today is the preparation day for our Easter celebration. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate the One who makes us one.
Rich blessings dear friend
Sister Lynn
Thank you Beth!
HE IS RISEN!!!!!
Love you!
What a resurrection celebrating glory-filled day! Praise you Jesus! I am sitting at my kitchen table with my laptop typing as tears stream down my face – what a GLORIOUS post. Hallelujah, HE IS ALIVE and still saving and working miracles.
We found out yesterday that our yet unborn grandbaby due August 10 is a BOY!!! After 3 years of infertility and a diagnosis of MS last year for my sweet daughter-in-love, we are on our faces with praise and count it a blessing to celebrate in during Easter weekend. It has been a long 3 years. My son said he wept openly yesterday (Good Friday) during the sonogram, to the point of making a spectacle, but he could not help it. All the hurt, frustration, anger and despair of 3 years came out. He wanted a son so much –
I read most of your post out loud to my husband who is standing at the sink (unloading the dishwasher God love him), and he said, “that will preach, yes that will preach!” And he knows, cause he’s a preacher! Bless the Lord, I know too – because I know Him! I wore my blue Believing God bracelet during this dry season and quoted my 5 statements of belief over and over and over and over.
IT’s A BOY!
Thank you sweet Beth.
Georgia Gran Jan
I’m Believing God
See you in Jacksonville!
Connie, Hospice nurse….Wow! Praise the Lord!!!!!
NC Mom
Thanks Beth for sharing what’s raw. Just the connection I needed to remember. “He never promised that life here would always be fun but He mighty well promised that life here could always be full.” Amen siesta! I feel the tides shifting in my heart…
wow. Glory to that post. Thank you so much. I am having a glorious easter in nepal. It’s so easy to see the glory of the gospel in contrast to the millions who worship idols around me here in this hindu nation. They are looking at the “dead” and trying to live.. we as believers can look at the resurrected one and LIVE. I saw the glory of the gospel as we baptized 17 new believers at church today. This means rejection from their hindu family members.. but they were radiating with the glory of Easter as they came out of the baptismal waters. This EASTER I see the glory of the ONE the only as I am surronded by those trying to please the idols of a million gods.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow!!!!
Thank you Beth, for words that give hope to others and lift up our Savior. This morning as I contemplated what all this week-end means, as I thought about Christ’s last sayings on the cross, I was taken back by His statement “I am thirsty”, to think of The Living Water being thirsty is a new thought to me. God I pray to receive with new understanding the meaning of this.
Blessings to all this Resurrection Sunday!
Beth,
I am so touched by the statement, ” May He roll away the very last thing that is stifling His effervescence in us.” How I want to shine and be a fragrant offering to Him!! Unfortunately I often get bogged down with the challenges of life and I choose not to live to the full in God’s power. I really want to live like I believe. I am in a season of unknown right now and have tough decisions to make. My prayer is that He would roll away any temptation/desire that would deter me from being completely in His will. Thank you, Jesus, for the power of the resurrection given to me as Your child. To God be the glory!
Beth,
I loved the line – what if today the deadness in us could no longer resist the sound of Christ calling us forth from the tomb? What a word picture!! Thank you. Makes me want to say Yes.
after reading your blog I cant help but share this Easter Miracle- My niece was diagnosed with leukemia(spelled wrong) less than 2 months ago. The moment I was informed I immediantly starting calling my friends and carried it to my church for prayer. I prayed beliving my niece would be healed. (I know GOd can do ANYTHING) Last week my sister took my niece for more bloodwork and this week was to go back for a meeting with the doctor to plan a game plan so he said. When she went back the doctor walked in and asked her if she was a christian she said yes I am and he said good so am I so I can share this this way to you. He pulled out two pieces of paper and asked her if she could tell the difference she said yes this one looks so much better. He said yes mam your right. Than he said I am thrilled to tell you that your child has been healed. The leukemia is gone infact she is the healthiest two year old I have seen in a long time. My niece was healed and will always know that God has a special plan for her. He touched her at a very young age of two. A EAster Miracle indeed!
I thought you would appreciate that.
Love,
F. Howell
“For in Him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:28
Dear Sweet Precious Beth and Siestas’
I have bee reading the blogs all weekend what a sweet smelling aroma to the LORD. My heart bleeds for the wife that is spending her Easter with her husband delpoyed in Iraq. My son was recently deployed in Iraq and by the grace of God and answered prayers he returned safely. Praise you Jesus. The Lord has places Soldiers and Military families heavy on my heart. I pray that we all remember them in our prayers and thank them for their service to our country. We must never forget the sacrifice that they give of themselves. Just as we must never forget the sacrifice that Jesus gave of himself. For he so loved the world.
This is a weekend that we rejoice and be glad for his is Risen.
Lord I lift up all the Military families to you and I ask in the name of Jesus to fill them with your Love and strength and bring them comfort and peace while their loved one is away. Encamp your angels around their loved ones serving far away and protect them from the enemey. Fear not to what man can do to me. For the Lord is with us where ever we are.
I pray this in the Risen ones name JESUS for he is alive.
Deb Marquis
When I was a kid my ten years younger and ten times bigger little brother used to put me in a head lock and rub his knuckels on my head and would not let go until I said “Cooper is the greatest! Cooper is the greatest!” Reminds me of what Jesus is doing in my life right now. He’s put me in the wilderness… again. A spiritual head lock to get my attention. The difference is that this time I’m paying attention, I’ve got some big ol’ Dumbo ears perked up and listening and I refuse to leave this “I love you so much I’m putting you in a head lock” wilderness until I “get it” clear as a clanging bell. I’m pitching a tent, planting flowers and having smores in my wilderness. He hasn’t changed even one circumstance but, thank you Jesus, he has changed… is changing me!
Beth, you’re so right you’ve got to mean it, gut level, the scarey dark basement level, that under all the shiney stuff, tunnel system where we think we can hide things. He is standing there, with me in a head lock just waiting for me to say: “Jesus is the greatest! Jesus is the greatest!”
Lizzie
After pouting all week, I think I’m finally ready to bring it all to Him. Again. To let that girl die and wither away (please, Lord!) and allow This Girl to soar, to live life to the Fullest…whatever that means…with Him.
Oh how I miss you, Beth, when you don’t post and no one else steps in to get my bottom back in gear.
Hugs and blessings, Susan
“His business is life and life at its liveliest. Loveliest.”
WEll said. Sometimes I forget how much He wants me to be happy. Thank goodness my children don’t let me forget too often!
God bless-
Amanda
http://iammommy.typepad.com/my_weblog/
It’s Friday (was yesterday) but Sunday Is a COMIN’ praise God!!!!!
Oh how I miss Him. I physically ache to see Him. This is so not my home and never will be. I remember when I was 5 years old and went to stay with a friend of my dad’s who had two daughters a little bit older than me. It sounded fun but they live an hour away and I remember leaving in their car looking out the window at my parents as we drove off and having a knotting pit in my stomach. I got so homesick that my mom had to come pick me up the next day. Well, I miss Him more than that…day in and day out. The desire to be with Him consumes me these days. Oh how I desperately want to be in my Abba Father’s arms. Yet, I have 2 children and a husband and a “life” here. But I’m never really fully engaged…I always feel the tug of homesickness in my heart. Precious Jesus, I am so unworthy and I am down on my face before you. I need you more than words can say. I love you more than words can say. You are everything to me!
I love your post Beth. You have the gift of words that describe what we are in need of hearing and what at times we are indeed feeling. I am blessed beyond measure (not to say my life is easy) but blessed none the same.
If it offers any encouragement at all I would just like to say to those struggling with empty arms, waiting for a baby to hold, those who don’t know how you are going to pay your mortgage, those who have had an unfaithful spouse and whose marriages hold on by a thread…..hold on!!! Cry out to Jesus with every fiber of your being, do your part and then watch the One who raised Jesus from the dead raise you also. I have walked through all of the above mentioned trials and have watched God move in dramatic ways ladies. If He did it for me He WILL do it for you. Perhaps not in the way we would like but He will do it. I now have a son through adoption and he is the joy of our lives, my husband has repented and is now the most wonderful husband a girl could ask for and our financial trials seem to have come to an end (at least for now). So, Hold on…help is on the way!!!
I will say it until the day I die (and then for all eternity)….He is worthy!!!!!!
Happy Resurrection Day Siestas!!!
Beth, Our church has a Good Friday 12:00 noon service, it is one of my favorites of year; the solemnace and reverence of that service reverberates with me. A man sang “The Power of the Cross” yesterday in that service and I was struck anew with the Power of the Cross that has changed my life forever. I praise Him for the power to raise dead lives to new life. As my friend and I was sitting in chruch I was so thankful that my Jesus would do that for the likes of me. Power of the Cross indeed, to change lives, to lift us our of the mire, and to transform us into new creatures in Him. I love Him so. My heart is so full!! And tomorrow is Hallelujah!! EASTER!!! When Christ arose!!! I can’t wait to celebrate tomorrow – Resurrection Sunday!! Amen and Amen
In Christ Alone
Beth, As I read this post three songs went through my mind:
1) “He still rolls the stone away.
He still changes hearts that will pray.
If you are bound by sins prison, you don’t have to stay,
Jesus, still rolls the stone away.” (Billy Fields)
2) “Keep me near the cross,
Near the cross, May I never stray so far, That I cannot see, what flows down for me, At the foot of the cross.” (not sure who originally recorded it. We have a wonderful family in our area who sings it)
3) “When He says live, I have to breath, when He says dance I hear heaven’s melody. When He says sing, I hear redemption’s song, and He gives me the faith to carry on. When He says live.” (T.K & McCray)
Up from the grave He arose!!! GLORY!!!! Have a glorious Resurrection Sunday. Blessings, Patti
Tears are falling, heart is softening. Thank you! I’ve read the first 500+ posts and was praying in intercession for so many sisters I’ve never met. Thank you for your servant’s heart and this blog!
Kim in Apex, NC
Thank you so much. Knowing that he will restore me and bring me freedom from my woes and that he is in the midst of them is very comforting. I am still sniffling as I type. Your words cut deep, as they should. What a blessing you have been to me on this Saturday morning, waiting for the Easter Sunday when he is risen. I pray our freedom is around the corner, and God can’t wait to roll away the stone.
Thank you Beth! Our God surely does reign! I am amazed that you take time to read each entry!!!! May your Resurrection Sunday be blessed as you reflect on the love of our Father and to all who are believers, seekers and lovers of our Lord Jesus…Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with al joy and peace as you trust in Him. So that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” He is able and always GOOD!
Blessings
I am so thankful that the God of this universe who sent his only Son to save me from my sinful self also gives us a most Godly woman —this Beth Moore to minister to the needs of women at such a time as this.
Thank you Beth for your obedience and faithfullness. I love you.
Tricia Hicks
beth-these sisters are beautiful!! this wkend let’s let Him flood our soul and let’s praise Him like never before.
lovin life in Him-lisa
Thank you for the wisdom and the deep appreciation for what the law could not do, God did! I hope we never forget it. It just seems that when you are trying to take a picture with the easter bunny for goodness sakes and offering every bribe to get the stinkin child in her new dress on the lap that she says, “no mama I don wanna sit wit him.” But finally she will sit on his lap as long as it’s on my lap. I’ve got to think, have I even made a big deal to her little 2 1/2 self that tomorrow is the celebration of the most crowning day in all glory. I think when she wakes up from her nap in a few we will have a chat.
But I think she is learning to pray for everything cause the other night when we were praying before bed she prayed for her hair. I couldn’t resist a chuckle. She is a girl indeed and already knows her Father promises her a hope and a future (since a small bit of hair is something she just recently was aquainted with.) 😉 Love you so dearly
Happy Easter Beth. What a wonderful post. Thanks. I didn’t check in until today so I didn’t post on the last post, but I needed to read what you posted in this post. (Lots of “post”s, huh?) Anyway, I’m in a stressful time myself and needed the reminder that Christ is there, no matter the situation. I’m beginning a new business and finances and my husband’s health are not great right now. But, I am redeemed and this is Easter weekend and Christ is RISEN! Thanks for the reminder. God bless you!
He has risen! Hallelujah!
With tears in my eyes I thank you for sharing and bringing a word of hope and encouragement. God bless you.
Happy Easter!!
Jean
Beth and Friends,
I want to wish each of you a blessed Easter! You’re all such a blessing, sharing our lives and realizing that we all go down the same road, with similar bumps.
This Easter my precious son and his new wife will be a miles apart as he is still deployed. My prayers are flowing for his safety, that God will cover him with His feathers of protection and guide him in all his ways, but also for the growth of their love for each other as they do a Bible study “together” on their “date nights” via the internet!
Thank you Siestas, for sharing the stories of your lives. You are all special and my prayers are with you. I praise God for every one of you.
May God’s love be with each of you Siestas, Beth, Amanda, Melissa and your “men” this beautiful Easter weekend.
Happy Easter~
Thank you Beth for the beautiful words. As for me, I am celebrating this Easter with such a grateful heart that my husband of 18 years has such a hunger for the word of God right now- and he shares it with me. This season in our marriage is absolutely amazing-
I too feel the pain and trials that the siestas are going through. We watched session 3 on rejection last night from Living Beyond Yourself. It was such an appropriate time to watch it. And I just had to pray for the women in the room who couldn’t sit still-who couldn’t even bear to listen to the entire message because something was being stirred up inside.
I feel so blessed by your messages and the way you deliver the Word to all of us.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Amy
Dear Beth and Siestas,
I had to share this with you. Friday night while driving to the nearest Wal-mart. My fmaily was hit by a drunk driver. I was driving because my husband hurt his back(we are the ones that are on Sping Break putting down hardward floors). Our 9 year old daughter was in the back seat. I knew that we were going to wreck. My life flashed before me. I thought, “I’m not ready to leave this life. There are things left to do.” Then there was a loud bang and the air bags deployed. Then I realized that I was still driving the car and that I wasn’t dead. My daughter was screaming and my husband was telling her that it was okay. So I was immediately thankful that we were all okay. I wanted to take the time to give all the praise to my Creator for saving our lives. Not only were we okay, but my SUV was still driveable. The person who hit us kept going. Drove through a field and just keep on going. He was caught 16 miles down the road(driving 74 MPH in a 45 MPH zone). Hand cuffed and taken away. I want for all you siestas to pray for this person. It was a guy. His last name is Hart. I don’t know what age person he is. Thank you ladies for allowing me to share this with you. For whatever reason God spared my family. We are all sinners saved by Grace. Praise the Name of Jesus for He IS!! My daughter said after the wreck…Mom, Jesus is our Very Present Help in time of Need…And boy do we need Him.
God Bless You All and Happy Easter!
He is risen!
Mary in Alabama
Hi Beth …
So good to hear from you again! I’m teaching fifth grade this year after 12 years of being a stay-at-home mom. Loving it alot, but overwhelmed trying to juggle it all, and missing the fellowship of other sisters like crazy. Just this morning in my mailbox, I found a notice that a local church is doing your “Stepping Up” study on Monday evenings. My heart leaped with joy! Most of these groups meet in the mornings, which is no longer an option for me. So in a few weeks I’ll be “stepping up,” which is so desperately what I need to be doing. Head up, chin up … better days are ahead. Blessings to you and yours this Easter season … Thanks for your consistent testimony. On days when I feel like breakthrough and victory and wholeness are only for other people and not for me, your testimony encourages me that God desires such as these for all His people. So I walk on with HOPE this Easter season.
Beth 😮
I had the same experience last night…an overwhelming, deep sorrow. Genuine and to the core. Life is good. And this sorrow came when I sought a time to remember His sacrifice on this “Good Friday.” My husband snuck into my privacy and found me weeping. He just held me…thinking it was something he had done…and I whispered to him that I hated this day…”Good Friday.” I read Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 to him. He read John 17. There was no way that I could even LOOK at the gospel and try to read about the passion of the Christ. No way. I was undone. Heavy hearted. Broken. It was as if I were there watching. Bawling, too, on this “Good Friday” and longing for His Sweet Face.