Hey, Siestas! My man and I hopped on a plane yesterday afternoon for Nashville and we’re already back for crying out loud. It was meant to be a quick trip but it flew so fast that I’m not sure I didn’t dream it. Travis, our LPL praise team and I were asked to be part of the Sunday morning worship service for the beginning of this year’s GMA Week (the Gospel music thing that hosts the Dove Awards, etc.) When I got on the plane yesterday, AJ said to me on the phone, “Mom, come back with some blog-able moments. Remember your blog girls while you’re up there. Remember your blog girls!” And I did! I never forgot you! The problem is, I didn’t stay long enough to have something earth-shatteringly exciting happen BESIDES OF COURSE that I did get to serve servants in the merciful Name of Jesus which is a privilege I don’t take lightly. I’m not exactly sure WHO I served because the lights were so dim on the audience and so bright on the stage that I couldn’t see a soul. For all I know, Keith was the only one out there and I’m not sure he didn’t go to Starbucks for a grande Americana with an extra shot while I spoke then haul himself back in there before I finished the last eighteen lines of my final poem (JK. Didn’t really throw a poem on them). I think Travis escaped with him.
Keith and I did get to hang out in the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel and people watch for a few – I do mean a VERY few – minutes. And here are a few people we did not see.
Amy Grant. I’ve always liked her and kinda grown up with her through her music but I fell head over heels in love with her when I got to sit behind her at a Women of Faith conference a few years ago. Not only was she maybe the most humble, approachable person I’ve ever never expected to meet. She also had two very simple barrettes in that long gorgeous hair of hers and they didn’t match. I was endeared forever. But I think she has forgotten that we are BFF.
Nicole C. Mullen (and, as her personal trainer, I really needed to check her progress)
Third Day. That’s because I left on the First Day. I’m so bitter.
Casting Crowns. If we are the Body, where is the LOVE???
Michael W. Smith. I don’t even get to call him Smitty.
Mandisa. She hates me.
Not really.
Kirk Franklin. Don’t get me started. I did, however, hear “Stomp” playing over the speaker in the elevator of the hotel. It was the next best thing to seeing him live. I was coming down from the 20th floor so I got to answer the “GP, are ya with me?” Oh yeah… No one else in the elevator even sang it. I don’t think they’d had much sleep.
Stephen Curtis Chapman. His wife and I are both “Beths”. Does that count for a dang thing?
Most of the artists I did see were like twelve years old but I liked them. I liked them a lot. I wanted to be their friend. I liked their hair. And I wanted them to like me. But I don’t think they did. I think it was my hair. I almost had really cool hair today though. When I got out of bed this morning in the hotel room and stumbled into the bathroom, I glanced in the mirror and, had I gotten a level three Mystic Tan instead of a level two, I would have SWORN I saw Prince. Not A prince. Prince as in the artist formerly known as. My hair looked exactly like his. I thought about just spraying it like that but then again, I didn’t know if Keith wanted to escort Prince to speak at the worship service. I felt a sense of loss when I brushed it out though.
My personal highlight is that I really did get to hang around today after the worship service and hug women’s necks (willing women, that is. I don’t maul anybody unless she has popcorn) and get pictures made and, most of all, boast in the Lord and lay hands on a few and pray. The hardest part of the events being a little larger through this season is not getting to hug a whole passel of women and hear their God-stories and tell them eye to eye how much they mean to me. How dearly Jesus loves them. How He WILL redeem every loss. Every ounce of pain. Every season of sin. If we’ll let Him.
But I sort of get to do that here. All but the hugs. But, then again, sometimes you give a hug and sometimes you write one. Consider one written.
Tags: Music
You always have the coolest blogs!! LOL that you liked the hair of the ones who were “twelve yr olds” Aaand you always have cool hair.
♥ you!
I’m cracking up…Prince!
And I am sure Amy knows y’all are BFF. And so….uhmm….when you are Nicole’s personal trainer, does she select the work out music, or do you? 🙂 Heeehee (grin)
To think we were in Nashville at the same time and could have met for dinner. Ha Ha. Thank you for the hug and the recap of your week-end. Thank you for the ministry. Why is it we women just love a good story with lots of laughter.
Thanks, Beth for sharing with us. I am so blessed by your blogs…and Amanda’s, Melissa…and now Curtis. Cool!
You brought me back to where I need to be…sharing with the people. Though my church is small I tend to teach the SS lesson, find my mom and make sure she gets over to the sanctuary…try to run around and greet visitors…come back, sit with my mom and catch my breath. Then, when the service is over my mom is tired and ready to go home so we work to get her to the car and home. I feel like it’s one big blurr. I need to remember those around me. Pray for them and with them. Thanks for the reminder…and the funny blog about your trip…you are a trip!
Sheryl
Marietta, GA
Dear Beth,
So nice to hear from you. We missed you so it’s nice to know you think of us between blogs. Hearing about Bible study ladies you encounter I’ve often thought about what I would say if we had a chance to meet. Probably something really silly but underneath I’d be saying THANK YOU. Thank you for letting God use you and being such a testimony that He is approachable and knowable in a thrilling way. I fell in love with God’s word years ago through Precept but your studies have been just what I need at this season of life. So many many times when I’m desperate to know God is aware of my situation I receive a word from Him while doing a study or reading one of your books. I just thank Him over and over for you.
May He bless you with just what you need this day.
Love,
You made me smile on a Monday morning back at work as I read about your trip to Nashville! Just like you and Amy Grant, I tell my friends that you and I are BFF, since I read your blog all the time and feel like I know you so well! YOu bless my life, friend!
My hubby was sad to not get to go this year to GMA–always comes back with great stories of awesome live music. Glad you had a fun albeit short trip to Music City.
Beth,
I just want you to know that I grew up listening to Amy’s music too. 🙂 I love her authenticity just like I love yours. We are all BFFs in our hearts in the Lord.
And consider it received, with joy! We were at Women of Joy this weekend and girl, did we receive a Word! THE Word of Life! Travis led us in worship with our Savior and Priscilla, Kay, Liz and Karen brought us the truth straight from His word! And Beth, thank you for being a woman of the word who wants to know her Lord all the more. You provide the diving board for us to jump deep into His Truth. It sounds like you and Keith had a blast and I imagine he was sitting on the edge of his seat right in the front row, but God wanted you to have an audience of one-Himself!
Beth,
Okay so you don’t have to publish this to the site but I have to tell you this! Your post was hilarious as usual. My youth pastor growing up was actually Mark Hall, from Casting Crowns and we still talk about once a week. Last time they were in Houston for a concert my husband and I took them to the Galleria because he is a shopper to the T! He and my husband actually got kicked out of Armani because he had ice cream! the man that worked there was like (in a French accent) , “Exuuuussse me sir, pleas be bery careful wit your ice cream.” To which Mark replied, “Do I look like I have ever missed a lick?” Hilarious! Anyway, I told him that everytime I come to the Galleria I secretly hope I see you at Starbucks or at a store so I can hug your neck, even though I see you on Tuesday nights it would be different to see you and thank you! Anyway, he was like yeah man next time we come to Houston we need to call her and set up a lunch!
So just know that there is VERY much love to you from Casting Crowns and he would have loved to walk into you in the hotel!!!!
Much love and I hope to get to be a part of the Bible Study in September if I am a “chosen” one! 😉
Stephanie Arnett
Thanks, Beth, for the written hug. Now I have one for you and eveyone who reads this comment. I pray that all of you may be strengthened with might through His Spirit in your inner beings,that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Blessings to all of you,
Patti
PS: I know my Redeemer lives and is even now interceding at the right hand of the Father.
Welcome home, Beth! Consider yourself hugged!
A God thing happened a this past weekend and really about two weeks ago-and I have to quickly share:)
I was planning on going to a broadcast of the Simulcast in August, and I had called a woman who had gone with a group of us ladies to Deeper Still last year to see if she would be interested too, and she told me that she had in fact bought some tickets to the actual event in KY. She said that I might be able to go with her instead:):)
I wasn’t sure if it would work out, but she told me she has enough left over tickets that I am able to go! Of course, my precious sister-in-law that went to Deeper Still gets to go too! Double blessing:):)
Anyway, long story, but it goes without saying, God provides, and He has been and is going to use you, Beth and LPM, in women’s and now men’s (Curtis:) lives to His glory for the rest of your lives. I have no doubt about that!
See ya in August!:)
Your little sister in CHRIST,
katiegfromtennessee
Dear Beth,
You don’t know how I needed that hug today…
I, too, wish this season would allow us a way to sit down eye to eye and share how Jesus saves but alas it is not to be.
Heaven will be all the sweeter when we get to meet there.
blessings,
Sister Lynn
i live in nashville. your prince hair would have fit RIGHT in. 🙂
Beth,
I love the way that you are just Beth… I am a people watcher, I work in a Lifeway and I love to watch people and then I love to approch them and reach out to them… I enjoy getting to know people and I enjoy sharing what God has done for me and my family… To me it is a joy to ask someone if I can pray for them, and the Holy Spirt flows through me to help them… I hope that someday I will be at one of your confrences, when you were in salt lake in 2006, I was going to be there to work., but God was calling me to Kentucky, and i missed it, but my daughter was working for Lifeway at the time and she was there. And now I have tickets for when you are here in Aug. and my house is up for sell and I want to be back in Utah by June, i’m just praying that God wants me back there by then… So I am sure there will be a time that I get to see you… I hope you have a great day…
Connie
GBU
Beth, you crack me up. Thanks for making me laugh and for constantly pointing me to Jesus! I love you and I love Him more because of you.
Oh Ms. Beth. I do love the way you write. You have put a wonderful smile on my face this Monday morning! May God continue to bless you and your family! Please pray for us as our last day in our office is April 30 and we all need jobs. God will provide…I am sure! EM
Beth.
I love you. You are hilarious!
Thanks to Amanda, and all of you who work this blog! I look forward to hearing what you all have to say, and can be pretty sure I will be laughing before it is over. :o)
But the main reason I am writing is to let you know I just had a fresh revelation. My 20 year old daughter has been asking, “Mom, where did you get the word ‘dang?'” It has been flying out of my mouth quite regularly when I am saying something goofy. Well, while reading this post, I saw you said “dang.” So, I have decided, it is your fault. :o)
Okay, I know this was random. Just wanted you to know you taught me a word. :o)You are also teaching me God’s Word, so don’t feel too bad for teaching me an almost cuss word. :o)
Thanking God for you and your transparency. I love how you seem to be very real and touchable, much like Jesus would be if He were still walking the earth.
I love you so dang much! :o)
I needed a hug today! My 23 year old baby girl just drove off to start a new job in a new city, and the priviledge of having spent the weekend with my parents reminded me of how old they are getting. Not so sure I’m going to enjoy this next phase of life, but guaranteed that God will give the grace I need when I need it!
Smiling.
Just wanted to send a hug back.
Love & prayers,
Joy
Beth, You are too precious for words. Thanks for the hug. Here’s one back ((((beth))). I love you sister! And for the record, although I am 33 and not 12, I love your hair just the way it is. 🙂
This is why this is my favorite blog site ~ a chance to sit down with my BFF and catch up on her busy life! I love how you make each of us feel like we we’re your favorite, and how it feels like I would be instant friends with any and all of my siestas. Only God can do that! Thanks Beth & Amanda (and now Curt too!) for making us into a wonderfully ditzy family.
On another note, I don’t want to bring a sad note to your day, but I wouldn’t be a girlfriend without letting you know I’m saying extra prayers for you today on the anniversary of your Dad’s home-going. May all of your wonderful memories of him bring you sweet joy today.
Much love & hugs,
Linda
I needed the written hug because I sure am feeling a ton like Lot’s wife. I falling into the trap and looking back! Will I ever be victorious in my life with Christ? I feel like I am forcing this life to fit just like I am forcing last years size 4 capri’s to fit into this years size 6 body! Good gravy I just want to get it right!
That was such fun to read! Thanks!
I felt like that in the lobby of my hotel at Deeper Still in Nashville. I kept looking for the speakers of that event, but they must have whisked themselves away quickly so as to not have been mauled by the very rowdy women who invaded that town that weekend! 🙂
I love it when you write out exactly how feel…makes me feel like I was there.
Hugs right back to you,
Paige
Thanks for the hug.
Hugs and much love to all at LPM
Cindy
Beth, I love it when you are just plain FUNNY!! Thanks for the laugh.. I think God likes to hear us laugh.
I’m in my second week of Believing God.. and I am soooo believing He is going to change my mind about some things!
HUGS to you!
Linda
Beth, This is a “just in cse you didn’t know” thing for you. Tickets are still selling – so go to Kirk’s site and go see him. I know you will love it. He will be in Fort Worth in May on the fouth. If you get to go – let us know and also – “just in case you didn’t know” on the site I went to it has a place ro “ONLINE ATTENDEES” I am guessing there is a cost to that as well, but it is a good option for those of us who might not can travel that far to see him. Anyway, just in case! Well below is the information. Love you, Vicki
A Great Hall Celebrates:
Bass Hall’s 10th Anniversary Festival
KIRK FRANKLIN
Presented by: Bass Hall
“Kirk Franklin blends Christian themes with contemporary grooves and textures… Whatever your relationship to the message, the medium smokes.”
— Entertainment Weekly
Dates / Times:
Sunday, 05/04/2008 2:00 PM
Information:
“Kirk Franklin has become one of the brightest stars on the contemporary gospel music scene… Some have even called him ‘the Garth Brooks of gospel.’ Still, despite all the adulation and brouhaha, Franklin remains humble and devout, eschewing the title of ‘entertainer’ in favor of labeling himself as ‘just a church boy.'” — Billboard
Beth,
Thanks for posting. You crack me up. I love that you posted about the people that you didn’t get to see. Sorry you didn’t get enough hugs, if I had been there I would have given you one.
Thanks for the humorous start to our Monday morning, Beth 🙂 Sending a hug back to you!
How dearly Jesus loves them. How He WILL redeem every loss. Every ounce of pain. Every season of sin. If we’ll let Him.
Beth,
Thank you for this. I needed to hear this. Because I’ve not been letting Him. I’m not entirely sure how to let go of it myself.
Andi
PS: You write with such joy and it’s so evident in your tone. Thank you for that too. I need the reminder that joy is here too, I just need to look for it. I don’t know if you realize how much you bless me.
I did need a hug today-and not one of the wimpy kinds, where someone gives you a gentle pat on the back. What’s the point of that?
You are just too funny! I bet you keep Keith cracking up all the time. Thanks for sharing with us!
We Love you too Beth!
FUN!!! I love you Beth! Ill see you in CO Springs soon!
HahaHAAAA! Needed this chuckle!!
Love you so- Big hug!
I suppose “Stomp” on the elevator is better than no “Stomp” at all. My first stomp experience was the last day of our Houston “Breaking Free,” and it was just the coolest thing…both times. 🙂
Also thought of you this morning as I was driving to work. KSBJ played a version of “God Bless the Broken Road” this morning. Not sure whether this particular version of the song just came out or not, but it was the first time I’ve heard it on KSBJ. I sqealed out loud in my car when it came on because it was so fun to hear the song and think back on your story and when you had Roger sing it for all the Houston girls!
God ROCKS – and I’m glad you party on with him!
Peace,
Kim in Apex, NC
Oh Beth, it was such an honor and a pleasure to meet you yesterday. I emailed the picture Travis took of us to my husband from the parking garage! Yep… he said we’re both cute! And then I blogged about it when I got home, and my mom just called to see if I had come down from the clouds yet. Your teaching blessed me so much.
Beth,
I have been reading for quite some time and I have always thought about posting. I just want to send a hug to you and tell you how much you and your ministry means to me. God has been changing my life because of Tuesday night bible studies. Especially with Breaking Free. I can tell you with so much joy and excitement that I love my Jesus so much more today, than yesterday because of the truth of the Word that you have brought on Tuesday nights. I know you hear this all the time but when you are tired and empty, please remember me, and know how grateful I am for your faithfulness and vulernabilty.
Love in Christ,
Candy Smith
Oh Beth!
Hug received and here’s one right back a’cha. You have no idea how much you’ve blessed my life! You are such a blast!
Love ya,
Anne in MO
I saw a picture of you and Sue Smith today on her blog. She had such wonderful things to say about you! Sounds like you both had a wonderful time!
Beth: Thank you for the Cyber-Hug, and thanks for patting my arm on your way out of the arena after the Friday night session at the Jacksonville LPL. That was precious to me. I know it was you because I looked up just as you were passing by and for some reason, you chose to just pat my arm – I needed it and I thank ya.
I loved your post on who you didn’t see – clever indeed – you are hilarious and weave in some hair story or another…which is also classic Beth.
Looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta, GA at Deeper Still.
GEORGIA JAN
Oh how I would have loved to have been there! I just love praising my Lord through music. My husband tells me I was cut out to be a singer, I just got sewed up wrong!! (His very nice way of telling me that I can’t sing!) I would have sang with you in the elevator and hugged your neck – spray tan, mushed hair and all! I hope y’all have a wonderful week.
Marsha in Georgia
Oh how I would have loved to have been there! I just love praising my Lord through music. My husband tells me I was cut out to be a singer, I just got sewed up wrong!! (His very nice way of telling me that I can’t sing!) I would have sang with you in the elevator and hugged your neck – spray tan, mushed hair and all! I hope y’all have a wonderful week.
Marsha in Georgia
Sister Beth,
Thanks for the fun post. I smiled and laughed all the way through- You are hilarious, and write as if we were chatting over a cup of coffee- I love it!
And I amened you with the Amy Grant comment: I LOVE Amy Grant too! Starting at the age of 4, I knew every one of her songs, and used to walk around the house with a wooden spoon and sing them! And I had Mom do my hair the exact way that she did- a little bit up with the cross bobby pins! I used to wish my name was Amy:) Anyway, I can’t believe that you got to sit behind her at a WOF Conference. Wish you had gotten to see her yesterday too (as well as all those other cool artists!)
Sending a huge squeeze back to you! Wish I could hug your neck in person and thank you for being you! I so appreciate and love ya, girl!
Thanks for the fun update! Those you didn’t see, don’t know what they are missing! Hug back!
I got excited as I read your blog today. My mom and I were with Travis this weekend at the Women of Joy conference in Branson. We were told he had to leave to go to the GMA worship service for Sunday. Kim Hill took his place for that morning. We sure missed Travis but Kim was amazing. (God was amazing through her!) Hearing about your time there just made the whole bunch of you feel like close family especially after worshipping with Travis and his bunch Friday and Saturday. Did you see Jeremy Camp? We were blessed to be a part of his worship Saturday night and I was amazed once again. Didn’t know if he had to head out that night to go to Nashville also.
Wish you were going to be close to Arkansas soon. We had to settle for Kay Arthur and Priscilla and Liz Curtis Higgs and Karen Kingsbury. Darn! ha ha ha
We did get a wonderful hug from Kay Arthur. She even kissed my cheek!! So personable!!! Thanks for the cyber hug! Thanks for being God’s vessel!!!!
At least you looked like Prince! I always look more like Buckwheat when I get out of bed!!
I like to think of a blog hug as a “blug” Consider youself blugged back. I’ll give you a real one probably after I hug Jesus.
ps I start leading Patriarchs again tomorrow night prayers from the siestas are much appreciated!!