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 are a HOOT! I think you’re right though, they are all TWELVE years old.
You make me laugh, laugh, laugh!!! 🙂
I love Amy too – always have because of her gentle and kind spirit that comes across even though I’ve never personally met her!! I love that she wore two different barrets!!! 🙂
Hey Siestas. I have an urgent prayer request. I have a friend, Katherine, who is a 26 year old wife and mom of a 5 month old baby boy. Today, Katherine started vomiting and then her legs went numb. Her husband, Jay, called an ambulance and she was rushed to the hospital. They have now determined that she has had a stroke, was unconscious, and is in surgery to relieve the bleeding on her brain. Her prognosis is unclear, but her husband and family are obviously terrified. Please pray for Katherine and her precious family. They live in LA, but her family and her husband’s family are from Georgia and Alabama. They are all on a plane to LA right now. Jay and Katherine have been married for a little over 2 years.
Thanks and love to you all.
Robyn
I’m always surprised how funny you are.
Kirk Franklin’s stomp! OMG I haven’t heard that in years! I’m gonna have to down load that one right now! Memories of youth mission trips and long bus drives from San antonio fill my head! So fun!
I’m so thankful you have this blog. We’re missionaries in Guatemala (as of last week!), and your sweet blog posts help me feel more connected to everyone! Thank you!
I believe I could just sit and “listen” to you go on and on and on….You make me laugh and cry and just feel so good to know that we share in the same sisterhood…sisters in Christ!
A big {h u g} to you, siesta!
Love you!
Hi Beth..
I just completed Stepping Up! Boy that last session was speaking to me. I am so glad that I decided to just put it in my lap top and have your face looking directly into mine as you spoke. This Bible study has lasted longer than the 6 weeks due to illnesses, church programs, etc. But I am so glad I was obedient and finished it up on my own at home. When I first began this in February, I was expressing concerns with my child. I have a strong willed child, just as you have described that you do as well. My wonderful child is 7 and is such a free spirit. With her strong will, she can be very defiant and has to learn things the hard way. I laughed and was “right there w/ ya” tonight watching that last session as you described Melissa as a child and you just want to get a hold of their chin and STOP IT!! Actually, I have done that. But I loved how you said “once God gets a hold of them, they are delightful”or something along those lines. What a blessing! What a great thing to look forward to. During this time of doing Stepping Up, my strong willed 7year old accepted Christ!! What a joyous time it was. What was most wonderful is that it was just the two of us at home together. I am so thankful to have been that one with her. Praise Jesus! I know we’ll still have issues with her personality, but that is just what it is..her personality and the way God created that sweet child.
Thank you so much for all you do. I just wanted to share that with you.
Blessings~Alyce
Beth,
In your Bible Study, “Stepping Up”, on day three you mentioned the Salt Lake City LPL in 2006. You talked about the 55 women receiving Christ on that Saturday morning. At the 3rd session, you started to give your testimony walking through the aisles. You knelt before a woman who desperately needed a Word from God. You gave her that Word, telling her to “go back home and continue the ministry God has given you, He is pleased”! I was that woman.
I have written a letter, and have not yet sent it. I will send it and add an update on what God has been doing in my life, and how much He has blessed me.
God has used you mightily in my life, and I’m out of the pit now, because of your obedience. I love you so much. I will see you in Billings in September with my girlfriends.
Aurelie
Beth, I just LOVE your storytelling! I think it’s what endears you most to me. Well, that and your love and passion for Jesus and the Bible. Thanks for the hug and the great story. Oh, and you should be SO thankful this blog doesn’t have pictures. Because if it did, I would post my best morning hair ever. Lets just say it was nothing like Prince. But it sure would bring laughs.
Much love,
Kim in ABQ
Whew!!!! I am worn out just reading about your very short trip to Nashville. You never fail to make me laugh.
I get the sense through the Holy Spirit, that the GOD you and I both serves wishes for me to remind you also (as you remind US all the time) Jesus loves you! He loves the way you love His people and He takes great delight in you sweet Beth.
You rock siesta. Nice to hear from you.
Isaac’s Mom
P.S. Ms Beth, hugs back. I cannot wait to meet you in whether it’s here or in heaven. (I haven’t been able to attend any of your events yet. At this point I’m like “Forget vacations..lets go see Beth Moore”.) 🙂
And to Felecia I so hear you about the curly hair with a personality of it’s own. ::hugs you as well::. Since I started hiliting mine, I get one side that curls and one side that poofs. I am sooo thankful for my flat iron!!! 😀
Sweet Mama Beth, you are sure somebody special to have so many BFFs — so many of whom have never met you “in real life” — and each of whom is surely your favorite!
Not to mention speaking Jesus into the lives of so many, many women who love Him dearly and love Him better now…
Whew! Oh yeah…and funny…and real…and…and… So very very glad you are who you are and Whose you are…
Just read your poem re His plan vs. ours in Things Pondered…I know it’s been years since you wrote it, but wow, did He ever use it in my life today! Down to the details…people I’d expected to be around for the duration who have disappeared…Can’t tell you how very very very much I needed to be reminded that He’s got a plan that hasn’t blown up or blown away…cause that’s what happened to mine. And my little plan was so good, too! I colored inside the lines real nice. And it even had a picket fence and everything…
So I decided to handle this whole thing like the grownup I am supposed to be, and made a really good mature decision: I buried my face in His shoulder, and let Him bear the burdens and fight the battles. Know what? It worked just fine!
Hugs from someone who loves having you for a siesta…
(Won’t Heaven be fun?)
Beth,
I ALWAYS love your blog page but today I have a SPECIAL request for your blog siestas–our son was diagnosted with a glioblastoma brain tumor last year–sometime in early July..And that was after he fell over dead on May 31st and didn’t breathe for 22 minutes (documented by doctors)and came back to life; his dad & I prayed for him; joined hands and stood on Matt. 18:19…OH, OUR GOD is SO Good!!
We have had a roller coaster ride for this past 11 months but God has ALWAYS BEEN WITH US….And HAS Sustained US…Praise His Holy Name…At the Name of Jesus, all things come UNDER His Control…WHEN WE BELIEVE….
Mick is now in a clinical trial program at Duke Brain Cancer Clinic in Durham. He was to be on 3 different chemo drugs (by pill form) for 28 days. After 19 days, his white cell count dropped to .4; which is basically zero…they started giving him shots (2 a day since last Monday)and told him to stay in at home and NOT to have anyone in. Today, his white cell count was up to 7.6!!! PRAISE GOD!!! He was supposed to go back to Duke yesterday but didn’t have the strength so I ask all of you to pray for His strength to come back and that he will see the salvation of God revealed to him in such a way that he will always praise the One True God, Our Lord & Saviour…..I am so grateful for this blog page and know just how much you siestas not only care but how you approach the THRONE OF GOD for times such as this…I only can add a very special Thank you and may God Bless you & your family…FROM ONE WHO BELIEVES IN THE HEALING POWER OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR……..THANK YOU…..Amanda, you are such a prayer warrior and I do appreciate your replies….God surely has His hand on you & Curt; also Jackson!!
Nancy C.
Oh Beth! Don’t you know this is how we all feel about you too! Like when you see Amy Grant and want to be her BFF and want to hug her and you think she is so real and beautiful and precious! This is how I feel when I see you. I would love to be your BFF and to hug you and tell you how beautiful and precious you are to me! I would love for you to say, Hey, Julie – want to go to Starbucks and just talk for a while! I mean we both have grandchildren and daughters the same age and we do love to talk and I just know we would have so much to talk about! So I perfectly understand this “people watching” thing and you know them – but you really don’t – you know what I mean. So love and huge hugs to you and maybe – just maybe one day we’ll sit down and drink that coffee and just talk! Love you so much!
Mammy
I just told my hubby that you were in Nashville yesterday and he said jokingly “did she stop in and say Hi?” and I told him no as a matter of fact she didn’t. then he said, “well that was rude. she was in town and didn’t stop by and see you? doesn’t she know that ya’ll are best friends?” LOL
Here’s a hug right back atcha!
Thanks for the hug. : ) You are hilarious!!!!!!!!! It’s so good to be reminded that we can be deep women of God and still have a sense of humor. : ) (That’s what I’m after anyway!!!) If I ever sit in front of you, I’ll make sure I have mismatched barrettes in my hair. : )
My hair has had some serious “styling” issues today. While babysitting a precious child a 3 yrs…..I was informed when I asked her to “be gentle” (I was afraid I didn’t have any hair left b/c she was brushing it so hard) that ” if you want to be a princess, sometimes it hurts to be boot-ti-ful.” 🙂
Beth,
Thanks for the Hug It was a tough week last week a family friend lost her mother she is just 23 and has a 2 yr son. Nancy was my brother’s best friend. Lauren the 23 yr.old is all alone now no father or siblings. Please pray for her & Jaden the Grandson.
I am bringing a friend to Colorado Springs who lost her daughter last November to Cancer. Teresa has been looking through some of Shelly’s books and found one of the Bible study guides and asked me about you. I took the opportunity to invite her to go with me. She needs such healing and is hungry for answers.
We both can use hugs, we’ll be the ones with the popcorn!
Love ya, SueB
Beth,
Having lived in Nashville and worked in the music biz, I’ve survived many GMA Weeks. How blessed those people were to get to hear you speak! I have to say I absolutely cracked up at who you “didn’t get to meet.” I’ve meet most all of them (used to work with Third Day and SCC) and I have to say, I was SOOOO much more excited to stand in the second row, right behind you at your LPM event in Vancouver BC than I EVER was to meet and know some of the artists you listed. You are my BFF…you just don’t know it yet 🙂 Me and my siestas share a bond in loving you and Jesus. Mostly it’s loving how much you love Jesus and how you tell us your stories. We know that it’s Him in you that make you so fabulous! Thanks for being obedient to His calling on your life.
Love and blessings,
Katy Krippaehne
I can not believe that out of 255 comments, no one mentioned the Third Day comment! Beth, I thought that was the funniest. And since you are Nicole’s trainer, did she get the idea for her song, “Black, White and Tan” from your extra strength lotion??? lol BTW, I am NOT a hugger but I might make an exception for you!((((U))))
Oh I forgot..did Tara’s comment about Amy Grant make anyone besides me feel OLD??? (Singing AG songs at 4 years old)Young’en
Okay. I am totally jealous. Although, I did get to meet the Newsboys years ago. That was pretty cool. I was a complete idiot and my now husband will never let me forget it as long as I live. I couldn’t say anything intelligible and I don’t want to talk about what I did say. I was an idiot!!!! He’s been teasing me about what I’m going to say when I finally meet Jesus face to face. Scary thought. Very scary thought!!!! If that’s how I reacted to meeting the Newsboys very scary!
I haven’t read all thec 255 + posts, they could be sayin’ the same thing I’m about to say for all I know…but here’s from ME ; )… this post is the prototypical you that I JUST ADORE coming through- I love your humor and your love. And I haven’t told you today that I love you , so that’s the other thing I needed to say. I wuv you Beth. : ) Hugs back.
Oh , and I too look for Amy Grant whenever I go to Nashville. Never have seen her. I just know when she sees me , that she’ll say ” Hey , let’s go sing together and study the Bible and talk like best friends. ” snort !
( Course , when someone asks me , if I could be with anyone famous for a day , I always say you , Beth. My very best friend. : ) )
I’ll call ya later. We can talk over old times. Like we always do when we talk. Cuz we’re old friends.
( snort )
It’s fun to be your friend and your blogmate.
Seriously , I do love ya Beth. Ta ta for now.
; )
Elizabeth
Well let me just say that I am SO trying to figure out a way financially and logistically to get myself to Deeper
Still in ATL and maybe get a chance to hug your neck! Thanks for all you do. Just think, you got to hug 100’s of seista’s necks without ever leaving home, only none of us got to see how great your hair looked while you were doing it!
ok- now i knew you were funny-but now I know you are seriously funny- your mind works like mine Beth-I love the mismatched barrettes- isn’t that what we like in people? To just see them being real like that?
Love it, Beth! Thanks for being so real with us! Michelle
Hugs back to you!!!
Love
Cynthia in OK
Consider a hug written back at ya. I’ll be at your LP “Live” event here in a few weeks in Boise. I’ll let you hug on me all you want! :):)
Thanks for the big blog hug! We appreciate the update and know you were a blessing to everyone!
In Him,
Nancy
Beth,
Thanks so much for the hug!!!…sending you one right back! Glad you were able to have a fun trip with your man even if it was quick! Thanks for the post…this blog is such a blessing!
Love to you and all of LPM!
Laura Beth
I will take a written hug from you any day you want to pass them out!! Thanks.
Elizabeth
btw~If I am accepting the hug, you know that I am returning it as well…no one sided hugs!!
Wow!!! I just got caught up on the blog (been out of commission for a week with the flu)…a lot going on! Well, first let me say how incredible I think it is that you all (rather, y’all I think you say down there) have a new dwelling. God bless you in that. I still recall the excitement (and completely thrilling chaos) of that big step when moving the ministry that I worked for here into a new place. Kudos to you all…room for growth and expansion physically, spiritually, mentally…may you not just touch but grab a hold of the surrounding community!
Your trip sounds awesome even though you didn’t get to meet the A list, glad you got to hobnob with the up and coming A+ list…I’m sure they loved you…who couldn’t.
Ciao for now,
Kate
Oh adorable Beth,
Thank you for the hug and I send you many hugs back…{{{{{beth}}}}}!! If you ever need real live ones, just head over here to NC. You could stay with me and I promise to hug you every 5 minutes or more if you like!! We could keep your visit totally quiet or invite a few girls from church if you need a hug variety! Your wish is my command!!!
And, you don’t need anything earth-shattering to share with us…we’re siestas…sisters just do life together and talk about the silliest things!!
I adore you!!
Beth,
Blessings from a fellow HFBC sister, and friend of sweet Tammie Head! Just found my way to your blog this morning as I am home with my 4th baby girl, a miracle indeed. She was born with a major heart defect and at 10 days old, she had a 12 hour open heart surgery at TCH on March 5. She is home now, praise God and doing great! Her story is on her carepage at http://www.carepages.com, “Jacquelinescarepage”.
Amy Smith
Just wanted you to know what a blessing this blog is to me! (I read it often but have only attempted to post once before.)How refreshing for my soul to laugh and cry along with my sisters in Christ who are like-minded and seeking God with all their hearts!I so need that…what an encouragement you are to me.
I didn’t get a chance to respond to the earlier post to let you know about our Bible study this semester, but tomorrow one of the groups I have the joy to lead (an interdenominational group of ladies at all different stages of life) is finishing up the “Psalms of Ascent” study. It has been a fantastic study as we have taken those steps to the next place with God…pilgrims on a journey. Many of these women had never done in-depth Bible study before we started doing some of your studies about two years ago, and now they are hooked on the Word and growing deeper in Christ! These are women with some real issues and real pain in their lives, and God’s Word is ministering to us all in such a powerful way. Thank you for loving Him and loving us and for powerfully ministering His Word and His grace to us! We are thankful and we are blessed!
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you (sister), have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”
Philemon 1:6 Praying great refreshing for you today.
Love, Autumn
Thank you Beth for being so real and sharing so much of your life with us. I love this blog. Big hugs to you!
Hey Beth….your quick trip sounded like fun!!
Speaking of the Dove Awards I wanted to say that I recently met ‘Julissa’ who has been nominated for a Dove. What a sweet and down to earth person. She has been very well known in the Latino community for a number of years but has recently made a DVD and CD in English. My husband traveled to Cuba and took out one of her CD’s and he was nearly mobbed….they all knew and loved her.
How exciting to see and meet ‘servants’ who truly love the Lord and the body!!
I love the last part of your blog: “How dearly Jesus loves them. How He WILL redeem every loss. Every ounce of pain. Every season of sin. If we’ll let Him.” That wrecked me in such a good way. Thanks for your heart.
MK
Thank you so much for sharing your quick event….wish I could have been there to share it! Thanks also for your “hug”. What a blessing you are to soooooo many!
Love you,
Fay
Isn’t it funny how we get oogle eyed over artist when they are just livin’ as God called them to…it just so happens to be in the spot light of all us sisters and brothers.
I was a bit star struck yesterday myself. I made an entry in my blog commenting about how I loved the Yada Yada prayer group book series by Neta Jackson….and much to excitement…Neta the author herself made a comment in my blog!! I was beside myself….you would have thought Elvis was in the building!! 🙂
And once I got a hug from Kathy Troccoli I thought I was going hyperventilate, I also got a picture with her only to find out when I got home there was no film in my camera! I think God was tryin’ to tell me to calm down their just real people, livin’ real life!
Thanks Beth for the Cyber Hug! Maybe in July at the Target Center I can collect the real thing! 🙂
Oh Beth!! I do love me some Kirk Franklin too!! GP are you with me??
{{hugs}} debbie
This is a bit presumptuous,but Beth, did you or the LPM ladies pray for me because I have to PRAISE GOD today! He is turning my life upside down right now:) I just have to tell you and the siestas:):)
1. my husband is growing spiritually-he put to rest his doubts about salvation last night and is going to finally be baptized to show the change that has already taken place in him.
2. I watched the session four of Stepping Up today: Beth, I was at One Day 2003 with the rain storm-it was amazing-God did a work there in me. The group of ladies that are in the study with me have been praying for me, and I definitely have felt a peace in the midst of the trial that I am going through.(and we all decided today to send you a pic of the group to add to your pile of smiling Bible Study siestas:)
3.And…PRAISE GOD!…God is breaking me free from a stronghold of horrific runaway thoughts that I have dealt with periodically since childhood that stemmed from childhood victimization. I don’t have to live with it-I can be free from it and I want you all, siestas, to know that.
Siestas, listen to Beth’s testimony! She knows what she is talking about! God has saved us and on top of that, He wants to heal us completely. Hear me here-this is the abundant life; the more than a conqueror promise that we have. Claim your rights as a child of God! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Thank God for Beth, and His healing of her, and her testimony! Love you all-be free!
And yes, I am joyful:):)
katiegfromtennessee
3d7Consider yourself hugged back, good and tight!
And I ADORE Nicole C. Mullen. Just got to hear her at Women of Faith in LR. She needs to put out an aerobics DVD.
Beth, I love you so stinking much!!! Maria
Your posts always leave me feeling hugged! I’ll be seeing you CS in two weeks, and I’d just love to hug the heck out of ya!
I needed to hear from you today! I know you and your family have been super super busy with two very important moves and all…but sometimes a girl has gotta hear her “Mama’s” voice! 🙂 I just love you so much and I’ve never met you face to face…but praying that God would give me some icing on top of my cake (I am blessed to get to attend the Four Square convention in Houston, late May) and see you in Starbucks!!!!! Our sister’s group just finished session five of Stepping Up and was humbled to get to stand shoulder to shoulder with some very very dear friends!!! I can’t begin to tell you how many awesome things God has done these last weeks…You are so amazing!!! God really took special care designing you, you are an exquisite masterpiece!
Thank you for being Beth, the Beth He made you to be!!!!
Love you – kate in charlottesville
I love Mystic Tan. And so pleased that it surely isn’t unholy if Beth does it.
I also love that you know that Prince is The Artist Formerly Known As. Impressive.
And I most especially love that my Jesus is sweet enough to tell you that I needed to hear today that He DOES redeem every loss. He really is just the berries, isn’t He? Yeah, He is.
Consider one written back…a hug, that is. ; )
I was chuckling so hard reading about your “Prince” hair…in Home Depot yesterday I saw a woman who was so elegant and her hair was swept up and the same color as yours, Beth. She oozed “together” -she was beautiful! …and then I realized that she was in a baseball shirt and leggings! I got a laugh out of it because I honestly stood there and thought, “I guess even the Beth Moore’s have to go to Home Depot in their sweats!” Hmmm…wonder if I can ever work “elegant” and “sweats” into the same concept? Can’t see it happening! Your blogs make me smile, so often, and pray harder for God’s people. Thanks.