Hey, You Darling Siestas! I am beside myself with joy over all of you who will be able to join us for what I hope will be the First Annual Siesta Fiesta and I’m so sad to miss all of you who won’t. Every single one of you is dear to us. We’ll make sure you who are attending have all the information you need regarding pertinent events. At the same time, we won’t let the blog become all about that until then. We have some fun blog themes planned for the summer that will include all of us.
Just thought I’d share with you a bit before I leave work today. I’ve had a very busy week and weekend and my poor blonde brain has had it for today. I thought I’d set aside the research and just spend this last little while chatting with my very favorite blog-folks over a few of my favorite things that happened over the last week:
1. National Day of Prayer in D.C. was incredible. So profound. What could be more important than praying for our nation? My task was to shadow Dr. Zacharias so that I could learn the ropes. I bet Keith and I don’t have to tell you how meaningful our time was with him and his family. I fell in love with his wife, Margie. I had the unspeakable privilege with a number of others to get to attend a reception in the State dining room at the White House. (I drank coffee out of the most beautiful cream colored china cups with gold edges. It tasted extra good somehow). I also got to be part of a group that gathered there in a press room to hear the President give a very warm, endearing address about God and the vitality of prayer. We may or may not have the opportunity to visit the White House next year as an official part of NDOP because we’ll be under a new administration so I was extra thankful for the joy.
2. After hearing from President Bush, Keith and I jumped in the car with the Zachariases and headed to the Pentagon where Dr. Zacharias spoke at an NDOP chapel service there. This was one of my favorite parts for many reasons, but perhaps most understandably because of my Army heritage. Oh, how Major Dad would have loved that visit! We, then, went to the Cannon Building where the major event took place including messages, incredible music, and powerful intercessory prayer. During the service we sang all the patriotic songs that mean so much to us, not the least of which was the National Anthem. We closed with Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be An American” and I nearly bawled all the way through it. I’ve got a lump in my throat just thinking about it.
3. Now that I’ve told you some of the serious and profound things, let me rewind to my induction to the NDOP observances and tell you something funny. Keith and I were invited to a private dinner the first night we arrived consisting of about 20 people involved in NDOP. The FIRST THING that happened was the presentation of a gift to me from a darling woman who was attending this dinner. The gift was tucked inside a leopard print gift bag that had pink fur around the edges. Inside were…no, not White House mementos…no, not NDOP leatherbound daytimers (there were no such things)…inside the decorative bag were HAIR PRODUCTS. Yep, shampoo and what was famed to be the best gel in the whole U.S. of A. I’m proud to be an American. (I’ve got to admit, good hair products could be something to put your hand over your heart about.) I had two questions immediately overwhelm me: A) Was Dr. Zacharias awarded with a matching set of hair products? I conjectured not. B) Could I trust a woman from the dry, cold North to know how to hold hair in the wet, hot South??? I had the biggest laugh ever. Ellie May had come to D.C. yet again…but this time she was not leaving empty-handed. I wanted to beg Dr. Dobson’s and Dr. Zacharias’ forgiveness for bringing my reputation with me to NDOP but, alas, I believe I got away with the awards under their radar. Could they not tell from my hair though, I ask???
4. After all the observances for NDOP ended, we flew straight to Colorado Springs for the Living Proof Live event. On Friday, several hours before the event, I met a woman who told me about someone she and her group had encountered while checking into their hotel. As the woman checked in their sizable group, she asked why they’d come to town. When they explained, her face became radiant with joy and surprise as she testified of taking one of the Bible studies in prison and receiving Christ Jesus as her personal Savior. I was beside myself. I asked my buddy, Rich, to take me straightaway to the hotel so that I could meet her. She was not working the desk at that exact time but I was able to write her a letter and invite her to come as our guest. She had to work that night but we saw her bright and early Saturday morning for the second and third sessions and we gave her and her friend seats right up front. We hugged like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in way too long. She and I were two captives set free and not one more than the other. I could see her face the entire time I taught and, in doing so, strangely saw my own. I loved her so much. In fact, more than is possible for strangers. I knew it was the love of Jesus using my simple frame as a momentary conduit. As I felt the smallest hint of His love for her, I also got the oddest feeling that He loved me, too. After all, He came for people just like us. All 9,000 of us. None needier than the next. All saved by grace. Freed by grace. Oh, for grace to love Him more!
I cherish all of you so much. Allow me to voice special gratitude and affection to all of you who attended the Living Proof Live event in Colorado Springs. We are so grateful for the privilege to serve you. Let’s you and I give it up so we can live it up! Matthew 16:24-27
Tags: National Day of Prayer
I know I have said this before, but thank you for taking time to share with us siestas! We know you are so busy, but your stories make us laugh and cry, and we need to do both!
Praise the Lord for the sister set free, former captive just like me!
(Maybe there is a poem that needs to be written about this story?)
Much love!
Kristi B.
It is so like you to have us rolling on the floor in laughter and then falling face down in bawling. I love to see the God of the universe work miracles in people who think they don’t have a chance in the world. Won’t heaven be an all out blast!!!
I am just in tears over the desk clerk story. May He use us all in ways to reach others…
Beth,
Thank you for squeezing out a post for us from your blonde-brained tired self! We have missed you and prayed for you as you traveled from DC to CO! And it sounds like God was glorified wherever you went! What wonderful recap from DC about the NDOP events. What a wonderful time for our nation- May it be a constant reminder on our hearts to pray like that for our country daily! And praise the Lord for the LPL conference in CO. I will be praying that the seeds that were planted would continue to grow in the lives of those women.
Thank you for loving much…to whomever and wherever you go! What a blessing it is to see your heart for God’s Word and God’s People.
Much love to you! Can’t wait to see you in Aug!
Just an idea…but if Beth is going to be involved with the NDOP next year…what about a public event on the Mall (like Promise Keepers did) for those who aren’t invited to the official events to join in prayer for our nation, our leaders, our families, etc. And a giant Siesta event in one of the suburbs so we might be able to afford the hotel bill 🙂 over the weekend.
Hey friend…
I watched Session 2 of A Woman’s Heart a day or two ago and the lesson impacted me in ways you will never know!! What I came away with:
1. He is a Sweet God!
2. We have to get up, put our sandals on, and go get our manna — God’s daily provision.
3. Stop having fits over Skittles! 🙂
There was much, much more but you have given me quite a bit to chew on for the next week!!
Thank you for your faithfulness to teach His Word! Just wanted you to know this morning that I have been blessed!
Love ya,
Dori
And I pray that hands were placed on each room you entered while there in DC. I pray that an anointing of the Holy Spirit falls all over Washington so that our God can be high and lifted up where He belongs! Thank you for going and praying for our nation and being a part of the NDOP.
And as for the woman that you went and wrote the letter to and offered for her to come and sit front row. Well, that is simply amazing! God wanted her front row and knew His Word spoken to her would bless her. God has been obvious in showing me the last several months that when He wants me to act and move in faith by contacting someone with a letter, a call or a personal visit, I’d better get it done because He wants it to happen. He may be wanting to bless the person we are speaking to, but in turn He blesses us when we step out in faith. Thank you for being an example of moving forward in faith. You constantly bless us!
Love, Amy in OK
Oh Beth, what a blessing your writings are! I grew up in Col. Spgs. so I have love gushing out over that event already! I have a question and I don’t know where to go or who to ask. I am going to Israel next Spring and I want to be ready and prepared. What should I read? I just want to be ready. Can you help? Thank you!
How awesome it is that you can impact so many people!!! I am not surprised at all…in fact I expect to hear more of those reports. But it’s still so cool. Have a great week!
♥~Andreea
I can’t imagine seeing the president up close and getting to eat in the White House. It must have been amazing! I can just see you sipping your coffee from that fine china, making sure you held your pinky out in extra dainty fashion.
And to get to see a lady who’s been changed because of how God used your Bible study to speak to her, that’s just the best. What a great surprise you gave her….and what a blessing to you both.
I so wish I could be at the siesta fiesta, but I think “life” is getting in the way of my plans. I’m praying for a divine intervention about that matter.
Thanks for sharing about your amazing weekend!
What an awesome opportunity. Look what God can do! And what makes me even more awestuck, is HE is not “choosy”. What he has done for you & that precious lady, he can do for me!
Psalms 69:33
The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.
Praise His HOLY and Wonderful Name!
A Few of My Favorite Things (currently):
**my red shoes with white polka-dots that i’ve worn almost every day for 3 years.
**Isaiah 26:3
**i changed 5 blowout diapers yesterday generated by only 2 children…and then i paid my rent…i am getting my money’s worth in a Huggies education
**the hand-over-heart hair products line. you’re amazing.
**the fact that my first (and favorite) siesta i ever met in blogland is currently spending the week in Nashville sleeping in my room 🙂 = much gabbing about Jesus, boys, and food…and getting very little sleep 😉
**praying for the mental stability of san antonio for their upcoming invasion of pink lipstick, capri pants, and blonde highlights
Beth–
You are the REAL DEAL and I know it is because you allow yourself to be used as God’s vessel. Isn’t God’s GRACE awesome!!
Doo-Dah (who still can’t get her password to work ?!?)
Beth-
You’ve changed my life over and over, with every study. It was such a blessing being able to see you in Colorado Springs… please come back sooner than later. Thank God for you, you’re one of my best sisters in Christ and I don’t even know you! Trust me- I am only 20 but I feel like I have known you all of my life. Love you!!!
Nicole
Aurora, Colorado
Beth, I love that you tracked down that clerk and brought her to event! You rock!
Wow! I almost wasn’t able to attend, but God provided a way. God also spoke to me in a profound way about my ego and how it plays in my decisions – I can honestly tell you that this a major turning point in my life. You taught me a whole new way of what it means to die to myself. Thank you so much! By the way – LOVED the yellow and white jacket!!
Oh yes…the hair products gift bag was indeed funny to read. However, more than ever, I was blessed to read of the spiritual aspects of your trip to DC and Colorado. Thank you for sharing those HIGHLIGHTS rather than just the salon version.
(((hugs))) from Arkansas
I loved the cool insider stories about NDOP. BUT-
The story about the sweet former prisoner just melted my heart. Praise God that he set us free- every last one of us.
Beth,
I’m trying not to cry, but how that story touched me. GRACE! There’s just nothing like it. That’s why I named my daughter, Grace. I’m reminded of God’s incredible love for me every time I see her or speak her name.
God is so Good! Thanks for letting Him use you to bless that dear lady! As a former pit dweller, I know what it’s like to be set free from captivity. Whether it is prisons made by man or those of our own making, when God sets us free…well there’s no words to describe it!
Kimberly
It’s amazing how the Lord allows us to experience such wonderful things (like the NDOP events for you), and yet what brings us to our knees, what warms our hearts, what fills our eyes with tears, is the sweet story of His love in someone else’s life. Beth as I read the blog, I was in tears reading the story of the desk clerk. I was so happy that you were able to be part of such a great event at DC, but in awe that our Lord can still amaze us and bring tenderness to our heart with the common bystanders of Life. He is just as crazy about them as He is for you and me. Praise the Lord for what you do!
Beth,
My testimony is similar to Pat’s. I was able to attend LPL in Jacksonville, FL and it FOREVER changed my relationship with Christ and I was able to go to again in Colorado Springs and only heaven will tell of the impact these events have had on my heart for His glory! Thank you for your faithful labor of love. (Heb 6:10)
In Christ,
Katie
I am so glad I have an office that I can read the blog and cry& praise in front of the Lord!!!!!
Oh, Beth. you are so wonderful. I can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks in Boise. Sooooo excited!!!
Thank you for sharing girlfriend-
What an amazing story(both about the desk clerk, and the hair products!) I loved it! Isn’t He good to take what He already gifted us with in the first place( in your case, the ability to write that Bible study) and then,..to top it off…re-gift it to her for use in her salvation, then to allow her to re-gift it back to you for blessing! Only God can work out those “Gilgal” moments and do that sort of thing! He just thrills me when He does stuff like that! Isn’t HE GOOD!
Much love to you-
Lisa in Kirkland, WA
WOW! Talk about a busy, but blessed weekend!:) God is up to something BIG and intricate, isn’t He!?:) All I know is that HE IS SOVEREIGN over all of us, everything-that’s all I know. And I know it, because He’s told me and showed me so!:) You and your hair and coffee-your personality cracks me up!:) Okay, and the GODSTOP of meeting that woman who accepted Christ, our Lord, in prison!? Whew! THEN, He blesses with anointed LPL!?? Yeah, I’d say that the christian life is the Great Adventure (understatement):) I’d be beside myself too:)
We cherish you too spritual mom Beth (you’re too young to be a spiritual grandmother-or would you prefer older sister?):)
Oh, well, we cherish you too, definitely.
katiegfromtennessee
Romans 8:1, Romans 8:33-39
Wow! What a wonderful recap and such a blessing to read about the desk clerk.
Thank you for sharing with your siestas.
I just love God!! What a divine appointment with this precious lady! I’m sure her grateful heart was full to overflowing – mine is just hearing about it.
I’m so excited – I will be able to attend the Minn, Mn event in July! God is so Good. I was praying to attend the San Antonio event so that I could meet my siestas but – God had a different plan and you know I trust Him so it’s all good!!
Much Love to Everyone!
Beth,
You had my eyes watering in the first part of the post. Patriotic songs always makes my eyes water. When I go to an OU football game in that huge stadium and the National Anthem is played and the crowd of thousands and thousands are totally quiet and respectful, it just gives me chills.
Then, the last part of your post I had tears dripping. How sweet was that story of the young lady who was saved while in prison?
Thank you. I’m always appreciative of the details you share with us.
Blessings Sister!
Love,
Valerie
Thank you for serving the Lord. I can’t imagine the thrill of being in D.C. on NDOP and then giving us your all in Co. Springs. You have no idea how God uses you and I can’t wait to share stories one day with you about what the Lord has done through you. May God continue to give you the strength and energy.
Dear Beth –
Thank you for sharing and for your deep love to us. We are so blessed to know you. Please continue to pray for me. I have a phone interview on thursday morning at 10:00am. Thank you so much!! 🙂
Much love,
Sharon, NC
Oh how I’m just in tears for that precious woman from the desk at the hotel…PRAISE HIM!!!
We love you Ms. Beth! May He continue to be the greatest joy of your heart every single day!!
Now, get some rest if you can!
Big hugs~
Fran
I am jumping for joy myself because I too am on the receiving end of blessings from the siestas and Amanda!!!! Beth your ministry is such a blessing to so many and how pleased I am that God has seen fit to bless me, my mother and my grandmother (103 yrs old and a Jehovah’s Witness) with tickets…these are the days that God is pouring out His Spirit to ALL that will receive and your organization and dear people have made it possible for potentially saving yet another and blessing me and my mom immeasurably. Add me to rank and file of DANCING DESK CLERKS…PRAISE GOD for Blessings and Christian friends.
Kristin
Camden Alabama
Such a blessing — thanks for sharing all the amazing God-did-it stuff…but also the details…like how that coffee cup made the coffee better — I can just see it! God bless all of you!
Sometimes when I’m feeling all alone in this “ministry” of mine, and in desperate need of someone to encourage me, I find that you have blogged on something that will remind me that there is nothing else worth anything but loving and serving our God in whatever spot he means for us to be. Whether it be glamorous or not. Let me tell you, mine is not glamorous. All the more to His glory!
Thank you. You may never understand how much of a difference your encouragement makes to one like me who is devoid of encouragement in my daily life.
I’m just beside myself that you didn’t tell us what you wore to the White House AND that you didn’t name the hair products! Loved Colorado Springs and as usual was overwhelmed by how God meets us right where we are at…sometimes it’s gentle…and sometimes it’s with a 2×4, but thank the Lord He meets us still!
God is so great!
Thanks for sharing!
Love you siesta!!
I foundyour blog. You are a really seem like a true Christian. Since I have been saved I keep seeing so many people talking about it on television or at different churches, but they don’t look like what the bible said they would look like.
Do you have bad days too? Ilike your bible study on the computer. you believe that the holy spirit is not just a name but he actually works but not weird like some people think that want money to pray.
i pray god will keep you a real christian because they don’t have many in my town like you who are nice and not screaming.love from someone thatis saved too.
Oh thank you for the update! I am so excited that you got to go to the WH!! The Lord is so good. I especially am thankful for all of us captives who have been set free. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING GOD!!
My sister in law and her daughter, Robin, who just recently had a double lung transplant (praise God) were there with you in Colo. Sprgs. I had told them how wonderfully God worked in San Diego. Bless you Beth.
My daughter works on Capitol Hill and has the privilege to be a tiny part of all that. Just loved your patriotism and passion. I Cor 2:3,4 – Beth, your life is a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit, so that people’s faith rests on God and His Mighty Power not on how wise you are…though you do certainly have much wisdom from Above. Just love what you bring to us on this blog.
Beth, my daughter, Quinn, and I attended our fourth LPL together last weekend in CO Springs. We always choose the very top row and enjoy the visual of so many women worshiping and learning together in one place. Yesterday I recreated the graph on my computer so that I could share it with our pastoral team in a spiritual practice this morning. They noted the use of the word “man” with interest, since we were 9,000 women. I’m so proud that you affirmed our ability to know that word INCLUDES women! I live in Oregon, which might explain why that was noticed. See the picture I posted of you at http://www.mauriandsherry.com/2008/05/03/birds-eye-view/ Sure wish I could join the blog siestas in San Antonio but the Springs with my precious daughter trumped that possibility. Blessings!
RE: #4 — praise God! It brought tears to my eyes! Should she ever read this: Welcome dear siesta!
Lord, continue to use your Word to touch hearts and set them free!!
Gena-MI
Just checking if my blog info works! I want to be someone besides anonymous!
O, Beth! What a joy to hear about our dear sweet sister who took your study and met the Lord while in prison and then got the joy of seeing in person the one God used to make the introduction! I’m involved in prison ministry and I may share that sweet story with the girls. A friend of mine from Refresh My Soul blog will be going to jail with me for the first time on Friday to teach a class. She is so full of Jesus and I know she is in for one of the biggest blessings of her life b/c Jesus SHOWS UP for those ladies in a way that takes my breath away every time. Also, sweet Stephanie (ocean mommy) led worship in a women’s conference this past weekend and it was wonderful. It’s good to see the siestas in real life. She lives in Atlanta (I’m in Chattanooga,TN) so it was a real treat and she is a wonderful song writer and worship leader. I wanted to share the blessing of it with all the siestas.
You stir me for greater works – thank you and blessings upon you and your family.
Much love,
Kara
That’s awesome! All of it!!!
Beth:
This post is such a great picture of your godly character. The fact that you can be rubbing elbow with people who are well know and to some degree famous one day and the the next minute you are making personal touches with those that most of society would not want to be around shows your heart for God and the people around you so well. You remember what God has saved you from and you are willing to love whomever God has placed in your path to love. The fact that your deepest desire is to be obedient to Christ is evident in what you say and do. It is all of this that makes you such a great teacher and so well loved. Your passion for god is fun to watch and something I greatly desire. It is such a wonderful picture of humility. Now this is meant to be encouraging so I hope that it comes out that way. Love, Kim B. AZ
P.S. I would be grateful if you all would pray for me this week. I am speaking at a ladies luncheon this Sat. Thanks
Wow! Colorado Springs was amazing. So good to see you. I loved the part of us getting to ask you questions at the lunch. What a wonderful surprise. I was glad to get to ask you my question but felt like I could have talked to you all day. 🙂 I was not sure if you remembered me or not ( I know you meet lots of women hee hee). But I asked you the question about all the letters and how you handle everyone getting to talk to you.
Our son died in a car accident 6 years ago. My dad was speaking at your church and someone told you about it and you wrote me a handwritten (actually, it was a fax!!) I cherish it to this day.
God has been so great and merciful to us through all of it and now I get to share all that He is has done and is doing through us. Isn’t He amazing??!!
I know you know how true that is!
You briefly talked about how you have been accused of various things at our conference and I just wonder how you handle. I am fit to be tied this morning about all of it and even had to blog about it to get it off my chest. Aren’t we just hurting the body more and looking like fools in the process to the outside world?
Know that you are loved and I prayed today that God would be your protector. I wish we could be but He can be so much more! Amen and Amen!
That’s wonderful!!! Go GOD!
And hair products? That’s hilarious! And a great gift at that!
It is possible that there is a world-wide conspiracy…
This morning I turned on the television to watch Wednesday’s with Beth. I was about 5 minutes early and guess what was airing on my cable channel prior to Life Today???
An info-mercial for HAIR PRODUCTS!
Dear Beth,
It was a privilege to see you in COS with your worship team, and hubby also…loved your story about him calling you his flower. Your words, spoken in truth, from the ultimate source, God’s Word stir my soul every and I mean every time. You are divinely inspired and God’s lovingkindness transcends through your teaching. For the last couple of years I have lead a NDOP event at my workplace and was thrilled to hear you will be next years chairperson. Let’s rock the nation, mobilize the siestas, so that prayer will once again dominate the public square as it did in years gone by. The revival has begun, let freedom ring!