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
I just love you!!
You are HUH-larious. I love it.
Beth, you are the best…Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing God’s message to us. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
You have blessed mr right out of my socks so many times. Thank you for your ear to the voice of God.
It is always fun to hear how so many people we think are great, are truly human…the singers and such.
Hugs back to you and your family.
Blessings and Prayers
Georgia in MI
Oh goodness. This entry made me laugh so hard!! I love you, Beth. 🙂 And it was great timing cos I am having a CRAZY week and needed a laugh to decompress. 🙂
Here’s a big hug for you:
(((((((Beth)))))))
(I *think* my arms are even there. ;))
I was kinda having a blue Monday. . . I needed that hug. Thanks Beth for being you, such a
light for Jesus. Thanks so much
for jetting here and there and
encouraging all of us. I am still
thinking on SD’s Psalm 139. So great. . .Love you tons, Darlene
Thanks for making me smile–and for the hug…here’s one back atcha! 🙂
I am sure all those you wanted to see really just did not know you were there- otherwise look out, then you would have had NO free time:)
O I just love you Beth Moore! You always make me laugh and are just the coolest. JK, BFF?? This teenager is calling you out for being such a mom! :)haha I love it…i had the absolute pleasure of meeting you last year and i’ll just have you know, you give the best hugs :)tons of love!
Beth,
Here is a cyber hug from me to you. I love when you tell your stories…you just crack me up. This was a great story.
love ya much
Tammy
A hug back to you, Dear Beth! Say a prayer for me please…
Much love,
Sharon, NC
Thanks for the post. I’m spending more time on the computer these days reading blogs. I have 3 1/2 weeks until my baby boy arrives (already have a daughter, age 3) and I’m wearing out fast and needing to sit! 🙂
Hug back!
It’s kind of funny that you talked about the hugs today because I just wrote on my blog today that you were one person that I would love to meet. Then I added that I would just love to hug your neck!
At least I’ll get to SEE you at the Siesta Fiesta. Can’t wait for that weekend!
Thanks for the humor today. I loved it!
(((hugs)))
I was soo excited earlier, I forgot to say BIG hug to you too!-right back at ya:)
(((HUGS)))
katiegfromtennessee
A big hug right back at ya and one for all the lovely siestas out there!!
BTW – You are TOO Funny!!
Have a Blessed Day!
Thanks for the humorous start to our week, Beth 🙂 Sending a hug your way!
((((((((hugs)))))))right back at ya!
Amanda, you crack me up telling your mom to remember “blogable moments”!! She said she has trouble remembering things and your dad told her to take a picture so she won’t forget!
Beth, I will be singing “This is what is sounds like when dove cry” all afternoon!
Thinking of you as you remember your daddy/grandpa!
I concur with the reader who says that you are a whole can of nuts! I usually start my internet day by reading some news sites and checking email, but I always save this blog for last as my favorite. This recent post–with Starbucks, Prince, and the hilarious who’s who of Nashville–is a perfect example of how you bless me with your wit and wisdom each time. Thank you.
XOXO to you, Beth. Thank you for a charming post. : )
I feel sort of conflicted about Christian celebrities. I admire Janis Gill and my heart goes out to her.
KS
I just now read your latest entry. Hugs right back to you, Beth! I had my own BIG GODstop this weekend. At a retreat with my other MN siestas, He came to me and told me I am being reborn in Him twice. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Saturday night and James 5:2 Sunday morning. I was overwhelmed with love from Him.
I am so glad I can share this with you and my cyber-siestas!
Please pray for my husband Bill. He has a phone interview tomorrow night for a job in Houston that would be so right for him. If it is God’s plan, we could living in Houston before the end of the year. We have a lot of family in Houston. Thank you.
Mary Ann,
Your MN Siesta
Hugs back! To bad about the people that you didn’t get to see! They would be on my list of people to see too. I really tried to imagine the hair (I do remember the artist FNA Prince) and had to laugh.
That was hysterical, Beth!! I would be like that, too, if I didn’t get to see all my “Friends” who sing. 🙂
I had the privilege of actually GOING to the Dove Awards in Nashville about 7 or 8 years ago. It was awesome!!!
I’m so excited for Mandisa this week. (and I get to see her at church on Sat. for eWomens’ Conference)
Enjoy your week, and cup of coffee.
Blessings!!
Grace62
Thank you so much for letting us all live vicariously through you. You have no idea how uplifting a new post on this blog is. I am 11 weeks pregnant and have thrown up 12 times today. This is my 3rd pregnancy and totally unplanned, and I feel I just cannot do it. We also moved 500 miles 3 weeks ago and I haven’t even begun to unpack anything but necessities. Thanks for your updates, they remind me there is life outside of the toilet bowl.
Blessings and hugs
You are so funny and I just love you!!! Thanks for thinking of your blog girls!!!!!
Nicole C. Mullen and I use to work out together.
(Oh yeah, that must have been a dream!)
But I can wish, can’t I?!!!
P.S. Oh, and the only thing getting me up these morning are Mike and Susan on KSBJ. Seiously. She CRACKS ME UP!
I swear…you are so funny here, you must be a riot face to face. I’ve never had the pleasure of attending one of your conferences, (I’m Church of Christ…and well…you know…) but I will one day. I do hope to be able to hug your neck. And girl, at least you don’t have naturally super curly hair that has a personality all its own and really changes from day to day, season to season.
Love,
Felicia
aka flee
you’re a dear one, Beth. Allison
Hey Beth,
Thanks so much for the chuckles and the hug. What an encouragement you are to me and oh so many. I would have loved to have been there, but now I feel like I sort of was….One day we will all be together worshipping the Lamb of God around his throne, forever!!!!!!Agape, Roseanna from Bloomington, Indiana
Glad you had fun in almost my neck of the woods! I just finished “When Godly People Do Ungodly Things”. I am a Had and for years have been trying to move past my past! God is working on me and He spoke mightily to me through this study as He does all of them. His timing is perfect! I thank God for you Beth and your family and your staff and pray for you all daily! God Bless, and thanks for being so honest and open about your life. Love you all siestas and brother Curtis! ~Dana in Clarksville, TN
Thanks you Beth! Love the way you love others…you are a great example. People watching is SO much fun! I know what you mean about Amy. My first year of college, some “christian” girl played one of her albums for me. Planted some seeds in me for sure. The Prince hair thang…we’ll, I’m going to see what my twelve year old can do with Photoshop and post it on my blog! I’m trying to visualize it now.
Just crackin’ up and needin’ to!
Beth– I love your blogs, they always make me smile. Hugs back to you!
Beth, I was able to do a weekend retreat with some mighty fine church ladies in a near by church invited by a dear high school friend. We did your study, “Loving Well” and it was such a blessing to me – something I so needed to hear in this season of my life. Thank you, again, Beth for your love and support and for your mighty love for our Jesus and for your gift of teaching us about Him and His Word. Blessings on you, your ministry and your family. I love you dearly.
Thank you for your blessings to us through this blog. Thank you for your hugs via cyber-space! You are such an amazing vessel of God, praying to meet you along the way someday!
Laurette from Ohio
I’ve been stalking this page for awhile, but now I have to leave a comment! I actually work for GMA and was in the audience (with my radio on!) and was so incredibly blessed by what you shared yesterday. I worked with your assistant to arrange your hotel and such, and I was so disappointed I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself. I did stand outside the speaker lounge and pray for you while you all were preparing to come out – and God was so faithful to cover you in His Spirit as you spoke. This is a long week for me, and I needed to hear exactly what you shared about rising above those around us and and wrestling the thing through – no matter what! Thank you for coming and sharing your heart with us. And next time I hope you get to meet some Artists!!
By the way, does this make me an official siesta?
Love,
Kali
I’m huggin you right back!!!
~Kristin
((((HUG))))
LOVE YA!
Ain’t Jesus just the GRANDEST??
Hope you were able to get “rested up” today. Sounds like a wonderful weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Sweet Beth,
I would love to give you a hug in person! I wanted to let you know that I bought the new CeCe Winans CD and it is AWESOME!!! Siestas you should get it…it will not disappoint you!
Love,
Jenny in VA
Big hug back Beth! Ok I only read two blogs, TWO. Yours and Vickie Beeching’s, and you were both at GMA week. I can say that she at least was listening, and on her blog she said that you rocked. Which I am sure you did. I must say I think I feel a little left out! JK!
Beth,
Thank you for eveything:)
I’m having a miserable evening while my husband travels (a weekly thing), and my adorable children are behaving .. but my head is somewhere else – I don’t know where, some “funk” – and I’m pulling out my hair. So thank you for the hug – I desperately needed it! God surely does have great timing!
you’re the best – Stef
But, then again, sometimes you give a hug and sometimes you write one.
Wow…you just made my heart smile!
What a wonderful sentence.
God bless-
Amanda
You are too cute!
Thanks for sharing your passion for Jesus. It truly is inspiring.
The Journey Continues ~
(((((BETH)))))) I loved what Debbie in Tennessee called a cyber hug! so, I am sending out one from California! Can you feel it?
Since your weekend wasn’t as exciting as you wanted, I am going to be a ~ brag ~ Siesta and share what a great weekend me and my man had. We were given a be-lated 25th wedding anniv. gift at a chateau in Oakhurst amongst the Yosemite mountains. The views were amazing! Our room was a whopping $600.00 per night and the dinner was $250.00 for 2. Glory that it was all paid for and not by us! It was a 24 hour dream that I experienced. It went by so quickly that I too am not sure if I dreamed it. While you were looking for Amy Grant, Third Day,Mandisa, etc.. I was actually seeing “casting” crowns as there was a Prince from another country at the chateau and the owner of the chateau came to greet us. It was royal heaven! The smell of the crisp mountain air with the staff at our beckon call pampering us ~ you and Keith should have joined us. We would have had a ball. I will add some photos of the experience on my blogspot.
Thanks for sharing and give Amanda my cyber hug for always remembering us ((((Amanda))))) HUG!
With “Heaven Bound” Blessings,
Kim ~
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Hugs back to you!
I’m glad you and Keith got to go to Nashville even if it was a quick trip.
Love,
Valerie
Beth, You crack me up! Here’s a hug right back at ya!
Sweet Beth,
You are so stinkin cute! I love your comments, that would be me too. (being I was an awesome speaker like you, or I wouldn’t be there).
Anyway, your hair stories are great! I tell my friends that I need to move to Texas because I have “big” hair. When its flat and straight with barely a curl, my friends say “hey you straightend your hair” I say no, straight is what God gave me but I like it full of body, so I always have it curled!! It’s funny! My husband gives me a hard time, although I am getting better about it being flat more!! Thanks for you words, you are so cute.
Happy day!
Hi Beth,
All I can say is that you make me laugh from places that haven’t laughed in years! Having been a Prince fan, it doesn’t take much to visualize what your hair must have looked like in the mirror. You could have sang “When Doves Cry” at the Dove Awards. There’s always next year… Thanks for the hug and the big laugh. May God continue to bless you and here’s a big hug back!
Karen in SC
I’m confused…personal trainer? Beth, do you personal training?