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.
The words from my previous entry are from the song “Mighty to Save” by Hillsong.
Oh I am clinging to that cross, sweet Beth. It is going to deliver me by, through, or around the fire. Today feels like through, but we’ll see.
Happy Easter!
Beth, Thank you for your words and all my siestas as well. With my deployed husband gone ya’ll are such a part of me and my family words can’t describe. I look forward to church this morning and being with friends this afternoon. Thank you for always being here no matter what. God Bless ya’ll. Have a great Easter Sunday. I love ya’ll more than you’ll ever know, Mary Anne
PRAISE YOU JESUS!! What an awesome reminder of how much He loves us!! And how we just need to receive it!
“What if today you believed it?…What if today we decided to get up and really live” Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. I want to start living in all the life that You died to provide – abundant and free!
Loving Him,
Joy
Happy RESURRECTION Day siestas!!!
Newsong says it just right,”The grave could not hold the King!!!!”
This thing that makes this so personal is that WE, right here and right now…have that SAME resurrection power within us. Glo-ry!!!
Happy Easter1 It is Easter Afternoon. What a beautiful Day!
May God bless you and your family!
Bless you, Beth, on this Resurrection Sunday. Your words are encouragement and praise. It is wonderful to know there are precious sisters like you out there, and that in the Body of Christ we are surrounded by kindred siestas and connected through Him!
Well, the resurrection power came through and I made it to church with all my little ones. After having maybe a few too many sleep overs for the kids this spring break and so many nights with VERY LITTLE sleep and a husband away at work I didn’t think I would make it to the Easter service all on my own with all 6 kids. I mean I have five girls – can you image doing everyone’s hair on two ours of sleep? Jesus came through and made me go b/c I invited an unchurched neighbor and she wanted to go so I HAD to go. I praise Jesus b/c He still raises the dead and gets sleepy mommas out of bed! And you wouldn’t believe what happened this morning…I’m going to blog about it.
Blessed be the Name of the LORD!! The covenant LORD! (See, Beth, I learned that about God from you!) I have a wellspring of joy in my heart for Jesus today!! I can hardly wait till I see Jesus face to face!
Beth, this is just what I needed. The flu has kept me home from church for four weeks now, and I’m feeling so low, not being able to get out to church and to do the things I need to do. I’m learning to rest in God, but it’s hard. And your words just brought me to the foot of the cross and helped me see that my suffering is nothing at all. Thank you.
I spent the last week in another country with a group ‘ministering’ to them. The week was long and being gone over palm sunday, seeing the dire straits of so many has literally been crushing to me mentally. We were there to minister, but yet Christ came and ministered to us, me personally during this week preceeding Easter. Being in a non english speaking church on palm sunday, not knowing a word, yet feeling His presence and one week later being in my Home church feeling His presence and knowing He was present in that church today…sent me over the edge. He is here, he is there….(sounds of Dr. Seuss) but HE IS. Always and forever. Praise God, He arose, hallelujah!!!!! I know you have spent much time in Africa and have seen the devestation that we were looking at as well….the hopelessness, yet in it all they too are his children. May we all be aware and humbled at our lives and not forget our brothers and sisters who need the Lord around the world.
What a Savior we have.
I’m so glad we “siesta’s” get to spend eternity together!
Good evening Siestas,
I have a quick question for y’all. Does anyone (like our fearless leader or anyone else but she was the first one who came to mind) know what the Hebrew pronounciation of “Jehovah” is? My mom was wanting to know and I told her I knew at least one person who might be able to answer that. And then decided to ask all of y’all.
Dear Beth, How your words have touched me. Jesus, calling us out of the tomb… today, really, truly receiving and believing His forgiveness. I’ve had about enough with Satan’s lies. Having a husband leave a marriage brings upon all kinds of self doubt. Trying to be a single mom has caused me to think thoughts like it’s my fault. Throw myself a big old pity party. Awhile back I decided to stop doing that. But then I do it again. No matter what life hands us, Satan can throw those lies in there, luring us away from truth. But Jesus calls to us, calls us near. Oh, the deep deep love of Jesus. Vast unmeasured. Boundless, free. Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me. Oh, how I pray my ex-husband would come to know Jesus as I do. And I pray that my precious little boy would never know a day without the One and Only. Thank you for your precious Easter words. Words that call me back to now, back to joy, back to knowing that I am right where God wants me, in His everlasting arms. Calling me forth to live in the fullness of Him. I just love you to pieces. -Jillian
I get it – I understand my heart for Him – if that makes any sense. It is real and I believe. I really do!! I am free to fly and it is all because of Him – everything must be about Him all Him!! I get it!!
love, Leigh
Hello Beth,
I’m typing this at 3.30am in the morning (after Easter Sunday) – I can’t sleep due to my mind going over and over the events of this evening. Even if no-one is reading this – this is therapy for me!! We held a service last night with the theme of ‘freedom’ – I lead a very gifted and talented team who present the gospel in a very ‘cringe-fee’ way. This morning I cannot explain the day I had – the enemy severely attacked me. I begged God for strength for this evening service. We built a prison on our stage and presented the message of freedom. I brought a group of ladies who don’t know Christ to the service. They are amazing people – I love them!! It is true – it is the quiet ones you need to watch – one of the girls who is the quietest began to cry while I was having coffee with them afterwards and I shared Jesus with those girls-the reason why I share this is because earlier on in the day I could bearly stand due to satanic attack – God heard me!! God used me!!! Don’t ask me why and trust me this is not me boasting – this is me sitting at 3.30am in awe! From a former prisoner xo
Sweet Beth,
Thank you for that beautiful, encouraging and challenging post. How empowering is your phrase…”Every single ounce of power expended on the Cross is yours in Jesus’ Name.” What a thought! I’m claiming that tonight, in these final moments of Resurrection Sunday! I want to live, believing that like never before! Thanks again so very much for sharing your passion for Christ with us.
Much love & many prayers…
Tracy
Thank You, Lord. You have re-awakened in me the story of Your death and resurrection. You are orchestrating situations in my life to bring me to the place where I need You, and You only….nothing else will satisfy. Praise You!
Thank you, dearest Beth. I have missed your blog entries so much!
Such an unusual Easter morning for me, as two of my four sisters and I gathered at our dear Mother’s bed in the ICU, to sing hymns and pray and worship with her. She is on life-support, this dear 91 year old servant who spent her life as a church organist, giving glory to the Lord in song. Easter was always her favorite time. So we brought the Easter service to her this day and I pray that our little choir was joined by the heavenly hosts as well. What hope we have in Him, because He lives!!
Praise His name forevermore.
I’ll give a huge “Amen” to that!
Boy do I need to learn how to live in God’s fullness and not my weakness.
Beth, you are our cheerleader through life. Never letting us get down and out, but always trying to motivate us to that next level with God.
Thank you!
Rachel
What a celebration Easter Sunday must be in Heaven. As I struggle with the lost of my dear friend who babysat and loved on my 4 kids for 4 years, this is my comfort. Kids are so sweet and so able to believe God with open hearts. From the mouth of my kids:
My 4 yr old says “It is raining because God is crying because Miss Trudy died.” My 6 year old says “No God is not crying because Miss Trudy is there with HIM. He is crying because a kid said a bad word or somebody did something bad. ” Oh, what insight from the mouth of little ones.
Beth, I think you are wonderful. I think you are wonderful b/c you love Jesus so much and share His love, His word, His greatness with us. Thank you!
Sweetest Beth,
I love this blog. I love that there are siestas just like me who are tearfully passionate for the cross and tearfully thankful for the blood of Jesus. I love that it is a place where siestas can be transparent and vulnerable. I am determined that whatever my lot in life is, that I will have a joyful and thankful heart. I certainly could never make it through the trials of life without my precious, loving Jesus. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He is an ever present help in the time of trouble. I have truly learned how to encourage myself in the Lord and I have so much faith in my Lord. Childlike faith. Lord you said it, so it is true, you cannot lie faith. Thanks for all you do for us siestas. Only in heaven will you fully know the impact you have made on this world. 🙂 Love you, LeighAnne
Hi Beth,
I’m a sporatic blogger, but read all your posts and alway receive a blessing! I didn’t read your post asking how we were until today. I’d like to ask for prayer..I have battled with kidney stones for 15 years on a regular basis. I’ve been to numerous doctors at wonderful hospitals and always receive contradictory advice. I have currently been hurting for 3 weeks with one stone, it is passable but taking it’s sweet time. I certainly don’t want to be a complainer, so many other suffer so much more, but this condition completely controls my life. I pray for complete healing, but if that is not God’s will, for wisdom and help to deal with it. Also, along the topic of Easter, check out a God Tube video called “New Again” … be prepared to bawl your eyes out. God Bless! I love you to death!!
Good Morning all I have a prayer request please. Gavin Smith 3yr old is fighting terminal brain cancer. Blog is http://www.smithscooptexas.blogspot.com
Thank you Siestas that I have you to turn to with things so much bigger than I.
In Him,
Siesta in San Angelo
Beth, what a treasure you are! Thank you for loving us all so much; this bubbles out of you like “living water”. I’m one of the lucky ones who gets in a hug now & again at church, so I know you are so very real & geniune. You are such an encouragement to so many of us. (I also got to see Jackson up close & personal, & he’s beautiful – almost as beautiful as my 2 year old grandson 🙂 It’s honestly true, everything they say about grandparenthood!
Beth,
Got a story to tell you. My brother has lived with criticism his whole life he has always thought he was a failure,and there have been plenty of people who have spoken those ugly words to him, he lost his job of almost thirteen years, and now is trying to embark on a new career, God so graciously allowed my husband and myself to minister to him, and show him that he was somebody in Christ and he was worth God’s time, God worked through us for 5 months, it is with a humble heart that I can praise God for the new career my brother has chosen, as he goes into the new career, he is on his knees thanking God for his mercies, and grace. It just amazes me how God’s timing is so perfect. Your never to old to be used for Gods purposes, he just needs that willing vessel. To God be the Glory….
I am so proud that I serve an Awesome God.
Thank you Beth, for you help minister to my soul. I thank God for you.
I’m awed and humbled by the cross. Amazing how we can care so much for so many that we’ve never met. Glory! My dear sweet Siestas, I’m praying for each of you. Thank you, Beth, for making it possible for us to all gather in this place.
Beth,
You are just precious – a “lump of sugar”, as my Mother used to say. She passed away 4 years ago March 23, which was Easter Sunday this year.
But because of HIS incredible love for me, because of coming to KNOW HIM so intimately through face down and on my knees prayer; because of your contagious love through all the Bible studies; through watching your transparency in teaching – this Easter was unlike any other.
I wept tears of joy that my beautiful Savior was really alive and with me and inside of my heart, soul and mind. I KNOW HIM, Beth! Glorious!
I wept because my son is wayward and rebellious and GOD is giving me the grace to endure all things and the assurance that I CAN.
I wept with tears of joy when a poor, shabbily dressed man of maybe 30 something came to our Easter service.
I wept because my church loves everyone no matter what they look like or wear.
I wept when my pastor led him to GOD’S grace and then baptized him.
I wept and the pastor wept and smiled and the man said over and over again, “thank you, thank you, oh thank you.”
Tears of joy, tears of sadness, tears of both joy and sadness, but Blessed Be HIS NAME…always.
Thank you for answering GOD’S call at the exact time that you needed to. You would not be the person I love to hear so much if you had “done it all right”. You did something that mattered “a hill-a beans”..not “hill of beans”..:-)
Much love and many prayers for all of you!
Teri
oh, Beth. I don’t know if any of what you said has sunk in or if it ever will. I realized three years ago that I needed help and here I am still fighting the same stupid stuff. It is so frustrating.
Miss Beth, Thank you so much for your precious heart. I was in London just before Easter visiting my dear daughter and the Lord spoke to me even there. He is so precious. I just read a book that I wish you would read and comment on…”The Shack” by William P.Young. Can’t we have some sort of book club??? It would be waaay better than Oprah’s 🙂 (I LOVED the book you casually mentioned “Same Kind of Different as Me”)
Oh Beth,
How the words of your post so captured my mood. So many post reflecting so many different colors and hues.Some bright some dark, but all illuminated with His grace. Today, my struggle is disillusionment, yet somehow my faith knows that when His light shines upon that place in me, freedom will occur and from that, sprouts of colors so brilliant will spring forth, allowing me to encourage others who are coming behind me. Thx for your words today, they were fresh water to me.
Even though I am posting this well after the Holy Weekend, I am still desperately needing and feeling the power of the Empty Tomb. My husband left this morning for his new job 3 states away, leaving me at home with 3 very unhappy teenagers, one of whom is rebellious beyond words. I am afraid. I am worried. I am anxious. But praise God, I am not undone.
He is as Risen this MOnday morning as He was yesterday morning! I so need Him. I heard it yesterday, “God didn’t roll that stone away so Christ could get out of that tomb. He rolled it away so WE could get in the tomb and SEE”.
I so need to see more…..
I want to take my eyes off the stinkin’ Goliath facing me at home today and let my Risen Savior stand in the way. He’s got the power I am lacking….
last night the college group (300+ kids!) at our church watched the passion and responded in worship for our sunday night service. it was incredible. one of the songs we sang was “how he loved us”. AMAZING! during the whole movie i just kept singing the lyrics over and over…here is a link-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chx6s3qXKt4
(or just search “how he loved us” by jesus culture on you tube)
I can’t even imagine the depths of love that our Father has for each of us. I look around at the perfect timing of each blossom, the newness of spring, the promise of hope but more importantly the love of a Heavenly Father. Each of us created perfectly by His hand…Let us remember not to let this world shape our identity but let Our Heavenly Father shape us into what and who He wants us to be. Wouldn’t that be a much better tradeoff? When this world beats you up and it will, crawl into YOUR FATHER’S lap and let HIM love on you a little!!!!!
What a awesome time of year!!!
Drinking from my saucer!!
Thank you Mary Lou….I feel exactly the same way…Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!! HE LIVES!!
Thank You Beth for your awesome words during this season of seasons, Easter. He resurrects us all every day to begin anew in Him..Praise God. Old things have passed away, new have come! It amazes me everyday as I read this blog how our God touches each of us exactly where we need the touch.
Love, strength, peace, courage, compassion, maybe even to just sit and cry in His presence. How Great is our GOD!!
Georgia in MI
I know this is a late comment and may never be read, but I must ask. I have been pondering the crucifixion since Friday. The sermon Sunday morning dealt some with the brutality of the cross. The sermon focused on the physical, emotional and spiritual brutality that Christ had to suffer. I have been saved for many years and have grown tremedously through studying the word, but I don’t understand why He had to suffer in such a brutal way. I looked into the Roman practices and learned that they were the most extreme form of being put to death. Why did my Lord and Savior have to suffer that kind of shame and pain? It is just raw with me that He endured the horror of the cross for me! Oh, how I love Jesus because He first loved me!
I’m new at leaving comments but I just want you to know how blessed I’ve been after completing the study on Daniel and beginning Stepping Up. I’ve been trying to get over the guilt of a painful divorce that stemmed from my unfaithfulness to an unloving husband. Somedays I wake up and I know of my forgiveness, but other days, I fall into that deep pit of despair again! Your studies have encouraged me to study the Word so much…I know that Jesus died for me…I just want to feel that assurance EVERY DAY! Keep encouraging us!
Beth and LPM,
I want to say a great big “THANK YOU” for giving us the “Jesus, the One and Only” study. I just got through leading it for the second time (first time was 4 yrs. ago), and each time we ended at Easter Week. It truly enhances the worship experience of Easter and Communion. Thank you for following God’s call on your life. We are all blessed by your dedication as we follow, worship and adore Jesus, the One and Only.
May God bless you and your’s.
Carol in Rome, GA
Praise the Lord because God had the victory, we have the victory too!Christ rose from the dead, and we can rise from our sins! Glory!
Beth.
God allows you to bring His word to life. Thank you for the depth of your passion you speak to us.
I know it is His Holy Spirit working in you and allowing me to see and experience His abundant life that I have never before experienced. May God bless your ministry and bring you strength to continue because Beth, I see so much deeper through you how much Our Lord loves us. Thank you for being so honest.
Carol from Orlando
I just wanted to let you know that I know a girl that you taought named Tilary Hayes…she is my pledge sister!!! I cant believe this. And, you wrote to a lady once about her son that passed in an accident during one of your conferences. I cant wait to see you in Atlanta.
-KT
I just had to thank you for this post. I keep reading it and then going back the next day to re-read it! How important to remember that He never changes, no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in. His love overcomes anything life throws at us!
He Is Risen, what words of comfort!! Our bible study group has just finished the Psalm of Ascents. I have never had so many call me about how depressed they are because it is over, and we will not start another one until the fall. (I am the leader, and have led all of your studies< thank you, so much). Any way, it is such proof that being in God's word just makes life better.
Pray for one lady in the study that called last night, her daughter in college is not living the Christian life, and she is broken hearted. Also, another who has a husband who has grown totally distant, and has quit going to church. Life is full of real life situations. Today, I just feel burdened for these sisters that I love so much.
Thanks for allowing me to let off steam, now it is time to get on my face and tell Jesus all of this and much more. I love you
Thank you, dear one!!!!
Happy Easter, a few days late. We were at my folks’ for the weekend.
Have to share a sweet story. My 3 1/2 year old brought home a cross she had made at preschool (she goes to a church preschool). We were talking about Jesus dying on the cross…and she said, “Mama, let’s not talk about that. I don’t like that story”. I tried to explain about rising again, but she is just too young to get it. But I know what she means. I don’t like the cross part either…but I love the ending! Praise Jesus!
An engineer in my office lost his son in Iraq on Saturday. He was killed in a road side bombing. 27 years old and so full of life. I am praying that God’s Grace will be recognized as sufficent. Family of believers,Praise God!
I was so blessed by this. Thank you, Beth!
Dear Beth,
What a blessing you were tonight to our ladies Bible study! For some unknown reason, we had to skip ahead one week last session because the scheduled session’s DVD was missing….with God there are no coincidences….tonight we had a new lovely young lady in our class (first time) who is experiencing post partum depression, just passed her nurse practitioner tests and has some family issues, come to class obviously crying. We did the session we had skipped and it was on the Holy of Holies….from A Woman’s Heart..I just sat in awe of how God works as we listened to you talk about the anchor that holds..God started an incredible work, I believe, in her heart tonight and I am trusing that He will complete it. Every study we do with you has been so fantastic….we don’t even want to leave! Through the last few sessions I have been reminded of the Steven Curtis Chapman song, “You’re My Hiding Place” as I learned of the significance of the various arks in the Bible. I am so thankful that God now chooses to dwell in our hearts. Sorry for the lenghthy write, I am just so moved by God tonight, I had to share it with you. Thank God for His Word!
Diana