Hey, Darling Ones! In case you’ve been looking in the lost and found for your senior Siesta, here I am! I’ve had lots of (good but busy!) family stuff going on and, in the process, got behind on my writing for Esther. SO I had my man take me to the cactus lands of West Texas where cell phones don’t ring, emails don’t send, and deadlines are what happen when someone runs the tractor over the telephone wire AGAIN. A divine set-up indeed. And I got caught right on up, praise You, Jesus. All is well with Moores, Jones’s, and Fitzpatricks. I have all sorts of things to catch you up on and I’ll do that soon. Far more importantly, it is Holy Week and I’ll look forward to reflecting with you on some of what that means – some of what CHRIST means – to us as we approach the weekend.
Until then (most likely Friday), I’d so dearly love to know how you are doing. Check in and let me know. Keep your responses to one to two sentences max so that I can read them all. Can’t wait to hear about you. I’m so sick of myself I could throw up. Love you, Siestas, and I’ve missed you!
I have missed you! I am smack in the middle of spring break home w/ my 4 year old son! We had a great day at the zoo today – beautiful. I also got to stay in Bible study (instead of going to my kids’ class) yesterday and hear session four of Stepping Up. Awesome!
Love you
Cynthia in OK
So glad you had time to get alone with your Lord. I am up in Arkansas spending time with one of my girls and having a blast. I had 9 hours to listen to sermons and just pray on the way up here and then one the way back as well – I love that time with just me and Jesus. See you in two weekends! Yeah – Jacksonville – here we come!! Vicki
Now Beth! I am SURE you experienced the special blessings God bestows just on us west Texas siestas! He paints spectacular sunsets just for us! Now the wind really does mess up a good hair day but those sunsets are THE BEST!!!
I am trying to get my 3 teenagers through the last few days of school before their spring break starts…they can HARDLY wait. They are going with our youth group to Camp Barnabas (in Purdy, MO..a camp for special needs kids, one of my twins goes there every summer) to clean it up for the summer. Praise be for places like that.
Love ya,
Stacy
Work (tax season!)is wearing me down, but the break for Easter and flying to San Antonio to be with family and plan my wedding is picking me up! Praise Jesus for an amazing and moving Maundy Thursday service as well!
We are in the middle of our church’s Easter Passion Play…tonight was the first performance. God showed up! We sang, we prayed, we cried, we worshiped, we rejoiced in our Saviour. Hallelujah!
How am I doing…hmm…
a. tired-college schedule is kicking my butt!!
b. GREAT-I just got back from myfirst overseas trip- to Dominican Republic over Spring Break…the people there stole my heart! (check it out on my blog)Would love to go back and stay…
c. anxious- lots of uncertains about next yr (school schedule, possible new jobs, no where to live, lots of unknowns)
d. in love- with the Dominican Republic:)and Jesus
May Easter find us all blessed with a fresh sense of God’s presence – thanks for sharing so faithfully!
At our house . . . celebrating lots of family birthdays, enjoying a week’s break from teaching Jr. Hi History & girls Bible, waiting for spring, and falling in love with Jesus as I dig in and co-lead ‘Jesus the One and Only’.
God has amazed me this past week with His goodness and faithfulness in every area of my life – even in the smallest of ways, He is showing Himself faithful. I am also deep in prayer for my friend Heidi who was injured at Virginia Tech last April as she faces the first anniversary of the tragedy. Happy Easter to you, Keith and the family!
Afraid…but stepping out in faith to trust the Lord like I never have before.
Blessed Easter,
Because He Lives,
Joy
Hey Beth!
So glad that you checked back in with us- I was starting to get worried about you!!!!
We are all doing well here- Just went grocery shopping to feed both my husband’s family and my family this weekend for Easter. What could be better than family time, lots of good food, and a Risen Savior to celebrate! (And I’m so excited: all 4 of my us will be in coordinating-color Easter outfits. It almost didn’t happen, but praise the Lord for Stein Mart- I finally found a dress for me!)
Much love- Happy Easter to you!
Tara
How sweet of you to check in! I’ve been on spring break this week- a truly blessed time of rest and relaxation. I’m ready for the kiddos on Monday!!!
~*H*A*P*P*Y**E*A*S*T*E*R*~
Happy Easter Beth! Its great to have you back! We have been busy decorating eggs for a family hunt immediately following brunch and early services at church. We love this week! Its incredible! Be blessed!
A TIMELY WORD….I’m a worship leader and bible study leader at my church…have been for 19 years. After much prayer and fasting, my family and I are making a gigantic leap and moving to another state to be part of another ministry, after all these years. God confirmed this to us some time back with the scripture Joshua 1:9. Ordered your study DVD’s from Life Today, and you spoke yet another confirmation to us in Pressing Past our Fears! Joshua 1:9!!!!!! Blessings.
Beth, I am so thankful for you!
We just finished the Tabernacle study (170) and it was amazing to hear how God had touched lives through it. We are getting ready to “step up”! I just found music of the Psalms we are studying, put to music for our worship. Check out
Sons of Korah.
Thank you for your
authenticity and challenging words–your lessons afford us special moments with Him. That’s where He deals with each of us.
May God bless you as you continue to serve Him!
Another greeting from San Antonio. We are caught up in rehersals for our Easter program. It is going to be glorious!
Beth,
I love that you take the time to ask about us. I am a mom who is tired, burned out and trying to survive. I truly look forward to your posts I love the encouragement and laughter.
Just launched the Patriarch Study at church…and we are on our jounry away from our usual routine! Amen! God is good.
Hey Beth,
We have 4 couples doing Breaking Free on our tiny island of 150 people. Amazing! God is working, he’s still working even now!!
Nan
Just loving Jesus, family and friends! Missed you!
Beth:
Life at my house has been crazy but good. We have had my parents visit, two sick kids, one of my other kids flew to another state yo visit a friend, which meant two trip to Tuscan,& a birthday for my now 16 year old. Add to that normal life stuff and you got it. A very busy time but all worth it. Kim B. in Az
Struggling. Praying for breakthrough, pressing into the LORD, surrenduring myself to Him, but can’t find peace or victory. Feels like the enemy is waging war on me and I’m so worn out…
3 years since we brought miracle baby #2 home, almost 9 months since miracle baby #3 went to Heaven, halfway through classes to adopt miracle boys. Hubby got the promotion of his life, God is telling us to wait, wait, and wait some more while we trust him with what we cannot see, and I am loving see you back! 🙂
Hi Beth and Siestas!! (waving)
Happy Easter and Happy Spring, or as I call it here in Michigan, Winter Light. (the robins are back but spring won’t be here for a few more weeks.)
I have a prayer request. My husband just found out that his office is being moved as of May 27, which will mean a 142 mile round trip commute for him daily from our home. While we are so thankful that he HAS a job, that kind of commute isn’t doable long term. We need to sell our house and move, however the economy here in Michigan is absolutely terrible – and swamped with foreclosures. If it comes to mind, please pray for us that the Lord would give us wisdom and make our paths straight. And please pray for the citizens of this state. A great many are really hurting financially right now. Thank you so much.
Love,
Veronica
Hi there! I have been reading the blog since the beginning but I think this is my first post. I believe you all really do pray for one another and I am begging!! Please pray that God restores my marriage and my family. After 17 years my husband and I are separated but I believe HE will bring beauty from ashes. Love you Beth! Happy Easter to all of you.
I won the scholarship to attend the SheSpeaks conference (from Proverbs 31 Ministries) and I am itching to know what the Lord has planned with THAT!!
Also, upon the recommendation of my doctor, I am cutting sugar out of my diet.
Pray for me there, dear Beth. Pray for me…
xo ~ Karla
I have received tragic news today…My nephew, Garett, was killed in a car accident last night. His mother,Geraldine, has had more then most could bare:
1. A divorce (not her choice)
2. Lost her eye to cancer
3. Her mother died
4. Now she lost her son
I know God is faithful and He will help her through this…please pray
Hi Beth. Glad you got to get away and do what you have to do. I’m good, A little weather weary here in Southern Indiana ice snow and then days of rain. but glorious sunshine today. I praise God for life. I’m off work for three whole days. Yippie.
Have a good Easter weekend
Love you all. 🙂
Pam
We had a Maundy Thursday celebration tonight with our 5 and 7 year olds.
So precious…we took communion together as a family, and when my son (7) said,
“Mommy..why are you crying?”
My daughter (5) said, “Because of Jesus..he died for her sins.”
Jennifer..praying for you, sister!
Doing well, head long in a quest to find out more about the crucifixion…it’s been a ride and a half! just WOW!
Jesus Loves Me This I Know
Jesus Loves Me even Though
in the midst of my own sin
He sometimes even lets me win
He brings me to a better place
And lets me even see His Face
Mighty Hands, Outstretched Arms
Terrifying yet safe from Harm
Undeserving yet here comes Calm
Welcome Home!!!!! Missed you so!!
You sweeet, sweeet thang!! My heart is touched that you’d ask, really, your sooooo….sweet!!
Eyes are tired right now after reading 531 of my siesta’s responses. But loved every moment I spent catching up and lifting up (through prayer) and praising up our GREAT and GLORIOUS LORD!!!! So worth every moment that I spent tonight!!
Much Love and Easter Blessings to all of you! He Is Risen Indeed!! Oh how I love Him so!!!!!!
Angela
So excited for Ester! Quick life update:
1. I’m sitting here trying to stay awake on my night shift at a children’s hospital….
2. I tried the skinny cow mint chocolate ice cream bars and am now addicted 🙂
3. Have to make a few big decisions about mission work in Africa in the next few weeks and am excited to see what God has in store!!!
Have a great Easter!
Hi, Beth! It’s your number 1 fan in Taiwan! I’m feeling so blessed…recently celebrated my adopted baby boy’s first birthday! God is good. 🙂 And I’m on week 7 of Breaking Free!
Hey “Mama” Beth, it is so good to hear from you. Living south of Atlanta GA I have actually been in Wylie, TX visiting my sister. My parents went with us. I LOVED being with my sister and her family and had so much fun. We visted the Grassy Knoll and did lots of shopping (my favorite). We went to IKEA and when we pulled in the parking lot my 7-year-old said, “You mean John F. Kennedy got shot at IKEA?” So funny! I hope you have a blessed Easter! Thanks so much for caring what we have been up to! I love ya! Michele
It’s Friday…but Sunday is coming! Our church has been using this as a theme of sorts. I have heard it before, but lately it has meant so much. We have hope! Sunday is coming!
…”The LORD, The LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”
Praise His Holy Name. I am safe in Him.
Glad you’re back Beth!
I am currently praying for wisdom on how to handle our 2 daughters (5 & 9). I don’t want to repeat the same “mistakes” that I experienced growing up.
Have a blessed Holy Easter!
Sheri in NC
Today I had some good Friday goodness in small ways…receiving a letter, watching my son jump in puddles, eating chocolate ice cream, reading my son the story of Jesus, supporting my husband in his work. I find myself really thankful.
I, like you, have been up to my ears in deadlines, but unlike you, mine have been for sixth grade social studies students. 🙂 It’s been an exhausting week, but praise God, it’s GOOD Friday, Resurrection Sunday, Spring Break and a 13 hour trip to see siblings & nephews & perhaps the newest one will come while we’re there! Praise to our Father! Isaiah 53…ALL of it! 🙂 And thank you for asking! 😀
We are all doing well in PA – a few runny noses but not too bad!
I’m really enjoying your Jesus the One and Only Bible study at my church – Praising God for what He is revealing to me!
Have a blessed Easter,
Leigh Ann
I’m hanging in there….thanks for asking! Looking forward to seeing you in Jacksonville next week.
Taking my step-daughter for her drivers test today. Pray she does well!I have been on spring break with our college and it seems I have been busier then ever. Have missed your comments! Have a blessed Easter worshiping God and humbling praising Christ for what He did for us! Amazing!
In His Graces~Pamela
I am a mixture of many things nowadays-many “adventures with God” to be had soon in my life. I am planning on sticking close to my LORD through everything (Psalm 63; 63:7-8) Blessings, love ya’ll at LPM.
katiegfromtennessee
Hello,Beth~ So glad you were able to enjoy some alone time! All is well here! 5 kids, 2 birthdays – another coming up~~~~our eldest is turning 13!!!! After LOTS and LOTS of praying decided to take our youngest son out of school(french immersion)and homeschool him in english. Doing A LOT of praying about Homeschooling all 5……..! The Lord has been so AWESOME and faithful to provide for us in this time of financial difficulties!
HE is just amazing!! And HE does care for us!!!
Thank you Lord!
And thank you Beth for all you do for us, to help us believe and trust in HIS word!
Love ya!
A young sister from Canada!!
I am having my first child in 5 weeks! I am feeling excited, nervous, overwhelmed, overjoyed, and any other feeling you can stick in there! We just bought our first home and I am nesting like crazy. But most importantly I am bathing in the joy and peace that Christ has broken me free from me years of fear and anxiety! Praise Him the Risen One!!! 🙂
I’m headed back to Boston with my new baby after visiting the grandparents in TX, and we are excited to see Daddy! Happy Easter!
MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER (8) JUST ACCEPTED CHRIST LAST NIGHT DURNING BEDTIME PRAYERS! SO, SO PRECIOUS!!!!!
PRAISE GOD!
I was on a trip in Honolulu working this week, sharing my story of how I went to HNL 9 years ago and heard you speak . I am the one from DFW that flew out there and you called personally at my hotel to let me know where to go since location had changed. I was telling a coworker about it yesterday, and how I was reading your book A Heart Like His…about 30 minutes later at the pool a lady sat down next to us with a copy of A Heart Like His…..what are the chances!!! I’m glad you are doing well…you are making an impact on our world with the message of Freedom in Christ..always in my prayers…deb
Today as we approach the wonderful weekend, I’m preparing for my Dad’s funeral. He passed quite suddenly on Wednesday morning. He has had many illness that we thought would take him, but the Lord chose to call him quickly (heart attack at home). We are extremely thankful for that, but are left quite shocked.
We’ll have visitation tonight and the funeral in the morning. Pray for our family. We take much strength from the Scriptures and knowing that he is with Jesus. My daddy will celebrate this Easter face to face with a Risen Lord! Praise Jesus!
Beth – I just finished the Psalms of the Ascents a few weeks ago. My Mom mentions yesterday that Dad drew much strength through all his illnesses from Psalm 121! Isn’t that just like our Jesus?
I know I’m not a regular on here, but I am often reading. I appreciate your prayers in this difficult time.
Jill in KY