I am not sure how you first came to know Jesus Christ. You may have first heard Him speak to you at an evangelism crusade or perhaps you sensed His immediate comforting presence during a certain extraordinary life experience. I have friends who have witnessed miraculous moments with Jesus Christ and I even have friends who have heard Him speak to them in their dreams. For reasons unknown to me, the Lord has never chosen to communicate with me through these sorts of experiential avenues. And I, in the past, have become a tad envious of those who have experienced God in these phenomenal ways. Please don’t read me wrong, Siestas. I am not questioning if God really does communicate with human beings in these miraculous ways, I ABSOLUTELY believe that He does. I am just saying that I myself have yet to experience Jesus Christ like this.
In brief, I was raised in a Christian home. Yes, I was raised by a woman who I like to call “the- Titus- woman- from-you-know-where” (but I say the word). I heard about Jesus Christ every single day. I was encouraged, if not enforced, to do a “quiet time” at a very early age. And I am so glad that I was but it remained vital for me to actually experience God for myself. So, in High School I began to question if I really “knew” Jesus. It wasn’t that I was living in a bunch of sin at that particular time; it was simply that I did not feel very connected to Him. I didn’t feel in my heart that He communicated with me.
So I called to mind a very basic verse in Matthew that says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). I certainly hadn’t had any exegetical training at that point, but I figured that what this verse meant was that the Lord would communicate with me if I truly sought His face. So I said to the Lord in my teenage heart, “Okay, Lord, I am going to spend the next few months seeking your face with all of my heart and then if I don’t sense your presence, then I really am done with all of this Christianity.”
So what I had intended to be a few months of seeking God through rigorously reading the Bible has become a lifetime passion for me. Yes, even more than cooking. What I found when I read the biblical text was something other-worldly. To me the biblical text was self-testifying. It simply spoke up for itself. I didn’t have to defend it or try to make it sound true, I simply read it and knew it was truth. This skeptic’s heart began to melt like butter. My mind had never been so stimulated, my heart had never been more encouraged, and my own worldly intentions had never been so thwarted. When I read through the pages of the Bible, the Holy Spirit testified to my spirit that I was a child of God. And even today, dear Siestas, when I distance myself from reading the biblical text, I feel my mind beginning to drift. I feel my heart slowly harden and I feel more prone to depression and despair. And not surprisingly so, I begin to feel more intoxicated by the pleasures of the world around me. It is like John Bunyan said, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book”.
One thing that my research of the Book of Esther has taught me is the significance of intentional remembrance. I have purposefully been bringing back to mind my first experiences of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is what I remember most: I came to know Jesus Christ when I took the time to read the actual content of the Bible for myself. This is why I have devoted my life to a shameless study of the biblical text. This is why I work for Living Proof Ministries, because we exist to exalt the power of God through the biblical text. We exist to loudly proclaim that “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
I have been reminded afresh of the wonder of the Scriptures. I have found what my Mom said all of those years to be true. I have found that indeed, “there is no other book like it”. When you sit on your couch with your Bible in your lap, you are a witness to a miracle. This miracle is called Divine Revelation. And the miracle of divine revelation is not a “lesser miracle”; it is not merely what the rest of us “get” by default because the Lord doesn’t have to time to appear in another one of our dreams. There is no greater phenomenon than an almighty and holy God speaking to and through humankind. God has chosen to speak to you, dear Siesta, and to reveal to you the mysteries of salvation history: the knowledge of his glorious Son. Take a minute today to behold the miracle of the written word of God…take a minute to read the very best of all books. Behold and then tell of His glory.
I love you, Siestas, and wish sometime soon we could all have an old fashioned “pot-luck” around a massive round table together.
Melissa
i so needed to hear this!! it convicted me of not being in the Word for the past couple months, and it reminded me of how i too can tell a huge difference in me when im in the Word and when im not. thank you!
Oh, I pray for a such an intense craving of the Word! I enjoy reading scripture, but don’t crave it. I so want to, though!!! I was also raised in a Christian home, but unlike you, I can’t think of a time that I’ve EVER seen either of my parents do a quiet time. And my dad’s a pastor. Now that I’m an adult with kids of my own, I want them to see my read the Word and consistently do a quiet time daily. You know, the whole walk the walk thing. I want Him to be the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. I want that craving. Desperately.
I know you thank God daily for the “Titus woman from you know where.” It’s sad to know that there are so many of us Siestas who don’t have that in our lives. I know that’ll make you appreciate her even more. You are blessed beyond comprehension. I thank God for you, Melissa, your dad, and of course, your mom.
Thank you Melissa,
I was reading about the lead singer of Korn coming to Christ. He had a beautiful experience. I too was alittle jealous. After reading your post I relized I have felt the same thing you described while reading the Bible.
Thank you Liz H in Oregon
Praise God for his faithfulness. This is a wonderful post and very encouraging to me. I have been feeling so flat lately. Kim B. in AZ
PS I to wish we could have a giant potluck.
Most every night when I get home from work I check my email weather news and LPM BLOG. and I’ll watch the end of Letterman then Joyce Meyer and Celebration with Marcus and Joni Lamb. But tonight I didn’t turn on the TV at all. I haven’t read in the bible much this week just been a busy one it seems. I found myself praying at work about different things and was feeling like I need to get back to reading some in the bible and decided I’d do that tonight and not turn on the TV. Then check the blog and here you are encouraging us to read. I can tell too if I skip out on reading the word. We so need that don’t we.
When I first started reading your post I was about half way though and thought which one of you wrote it 🙂 and scrolled down to see. 🙂 I then felt a tear down my cheek because I knew God was talking through you. You all are such a blessing.
Ok if you will excuse me I’m going to go do a little reading before I go to bed.
Love you all
Pam ( Southern Indiana )
Melissa,
What an awesome testimony!!! Thanks for the great reminder of how powerful Scripture is. There truly ain’t nothing like it!
Love you!
Kristen
Hey Girl! After reading your post and the comments…it dawned on me that there is no such thing as LUCK for a Christian. So I guess we will have to turn the “Pot-luck” into a “FEAST” on the Word. I offer my home for the get together! Everyone LOVES the beach! 🙂 Right, Siestas?
I guess you will also get to use your “guest room” this weekend. Hey… get that bath tub ready! LOL
Glad to see you got your name right too. 🙂 One last thing… does Colin sing Hank William’s song “Hey Good Looking” to you???
AMEN!! God’s Word is so amazing! There is nothing out there like it. It is a true divine romance.
You are so precious, thank you so much Melissa.
P.S. I made your chicken enchilada’s, & queso dip tonight for bible study and the crowd went wild
Wow! How powerful! I have come to realize that if I don’t take the time to open God’s Word on a daily basis (preferably in the mornings), I am out of sync all day….like something is missing!
Thanks Melissa! I know exactly what you mean. If I am not in the throws of the Word, even small moments everyday…than the world just pulls me away, one hair & one thought at a time. Your post is so relevant!
~~~Nicole
I love your post, Melissa! I shamefully find myself envious of those who have had such direct encounters with God. I love taking bible studies and get so much out of them, but I also think there is value in just reading through the bible yourself. I started a blog with a group of friends to read through the NT over 9 months (Apr-Nov)–
http://www.BibleBookClub.blogspot.com
It is a great way to stay in the Word and stay accountable. Anyone is welcome to join us. We’re starting the book of John in July.
Thank you Melissa – I agree with the others, love it when you post!
Thanks Melissa!
I too need to be reminded about this. I am finishing Daniel (i’m facilitating this time) and need to be reminded that the Word is ALIVE! my fave quote is by Spurgeon, it is ” Defending the Bible is like defending a lion, you don’t defend the lion you let him loose, He’ll defend Himself.”
Let the lion loose siestas! He’s true to defend!!!
Love y’all.
Holly in SC
Melissa – bless you girl, you are solidly grounded on the Rock of Ages – Hallelujah and Praise His Name.
Isaiah 40:8 – The WORD of our God stands forever.
Hope to see you at Deeper Still in Atlanta – since you are now a Gawja Girl!
Much love,
GEORGIA JAN
My apologies for this extra comment, dear Melissa, but I have to say that boy, am I glad I have no plans to become a writer! I’ve actually managed to use the oh-so-specific adjective “HUGE” THREE times in the span of ONE paragraph, and each instance in all caps, too…!!! how embarrassing!!! Sorry Siestas!
Maria cristina 🙂
melissa-
thanks for honesty in your testimony and post. i, too, grew up in a similar household where i heard about Jesus all the time. and even though i made Him my own through a decision of faith as an older child, it wasn’t until i dove into His Word wholeheartedly that i really came to know Him. just recently i realized that i’ve been married almost 7 years, i’m 28 years old, and i’ve lost a little of my passionate love. and you hit the nail on the head. when i’m out of touch with His Word, i’m out of touch with Him. thanks for bringing that truth home today. i needed the kick in the pants.
i’m headed to your new hometown tomorrow for deeper still. i’m guessing you’ll be there too! be blessed.
Your Mom is also the one who inspired me to Love God through loving his word. I can tell you the day I heard Beth on founders Week talking about The Word and how it radically changed my life. I am so thankful for this ministry that has literally saved my life from The Pit!! Awesome Post!!
Melissa, what a blessing it was to read this testimony from you this morning. I could have written it…your experience seems so similar to mine. I always find it interesting to hear the faith journey of someone who grew up in a solid, Christian home. It seems there are unique challenges that go hand-in-hand with the blessings. Thanks for sharing! How thankful I too am for the living Word of God and the Holy Spirit who testifies in us!
What a great post! I consider myself a Siesta – tho I don’t often post – I do have a question… maybe you’ve addressed somewhere else – but as a mother of three (10,9,5) – I am curious how to start instilling personal quiet time for my children – so that they can make their relationship with Jesus their own – personal – real… We do family devotions every morning – serve in a start-up church – and my kids sing along to Christian songs. But I am at a place where I want their desires to know Christ to superseed my desires for them to know Christ – and I want to encourage this relationship – not force it. (As a fairly young Christian – I don’t my upbringing to rely on) Any suggestions?
You ladies just radiate Jesus – thanks for sharing your revleations with us!
Amanda
Melissa, thanks so much for the encouragement! It’s easy to get dry and disconnected.
And Beth, I’m looking forward to seeing you in HOTlanta this weekend!
Thanks for your words. I have been teaching VBS this week to Kindergarten kids. They have certainly been a challenge, but I have had really one prayer for them all week.– That God would be REAL to them as they grow in Him –Not just words on a page, but a real, living, moving, life changing presence that they were intimate with. A God that they knew moved in their own lives, not just in the lives of the Israelites were have learned about this week. Thanks for your wise words Melissa. Praise God He is REAL.
Amy
What a beautiful post Melissa. Your faith in Jesus had to become real to you … living with the Titus woman from … wasn’t the answer. How wonderful it is that God reveals Himself through His word.
I grew up in a home where I never saw a Bible but believed in God… I had an insatiable thirst to know more about Him… I thank God that the Bible has become my blueprint for life.
May God continue to bless your life as Living Proof blesses so many.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! SIESTA!
The Journey continues ~
Melissa, I sincerely appreciate you speaking from an honesty and passionate heart.
I have had both experiences that you shared. I am one of the siesta’s that has heard the voice of God and also one that wanted to really know HIM.
I arise each morning “early” and spend time reading, talking and praying with my BEST FRIEND!
I am like your mother, I tell on others and my BEST FRIEND listens!
When my feelings are hurt, I tell my BEST FRIEND and find comfort in that.
I have two sons, both at university. My oldest, has studied philosophy and been told by many professors that the Christian faith is a belieft where people don’t think for themselves. He has been exploring all religions
( he grew up in a very strong Baptist background) He would come home and question our faith, and finally, my husband and I said to him ” Seek it out for yourself” and that is just what he did.
Our youngest son, is very involved in the InterVarsity at university and attends a Celebration group at a college town church. He stands very strong in his faith walk.
Bless you for being REAL to all of us Internet Siesta’s! THANK YOU for touching us through your loving and may I said GORGEOUS face and voice!
As I tell Beth and Amanda ~ PLEASE continue to
“Carry the Light” for JESUS CHRIST
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
If you could see the tears rolling down my face, you would know just what you have done. Never ever doubt yourself or your calling. You are truly making a difference.
My time with the Lord in His Word this morning was delightful. I love how He shows me Scripture after Scripture to compare to make sure that I get what He is teaching. He is so faithful. Dee
Whohoo!! Amen Siesta!!! You teach it and remind us!!! If you want to know God, there is only one way, in His Word!! Do you suppose He did that deliberately?? 🙂 Praise His Holy Name….I am in love with Him!! You go girl!! We are going to be so blesed by your contributions to LPM Bible Studies!!
Blessings from the Bible Bunny in MI
Dear Melissa, thank you for your partnering in the work to help us catch fire and to get us to drink deeply of the well of God’s Word. In Jesus’ Love Kathy Knoblock
Melissa, thank you so much for this post. I had literally just sat down my Bible after reading Luke 11:9-13 and then opened up to your post – God is so good. I have a friend who “hears” God and has said multiple times that she has the gift of “hearing” which has always left me feeling a bit out of the holy loop…As a result, I have cried out and pleaded to God to have me be able to “hear” Him like her. Thankfully,it was in a Bible study, “Deeper Still”, that your mother said something that rang so loud in my ear about how you do indeed have access to the voice of God – the Bible! Your post confirms my heart’s desire being answered by a Father who will not withhold His ever-teaching Spirit if His Word abides in me. Thank you.
Bless you Melissa and AMEN!!!! Your post was exactly what I needed this morning! What a blessing!!
Thank you!
Thanks for the encouragement, Melissa! I needed that today!! The last sentence of your post about an old-fashioned potluck filled my heart with such joy. I just began to picture the greatest Siesta Fiesta ever — the one we’ll get to have on the other side of glory. Oh yes, I can’t wait for the wedding feast of the Lamb – but that’s not what I’m talking about. After the big Wedding Feast, don’t you think that Christ will indulge us all and let us have a big Siesta dinner party – just girls ;). That might be the first time I get to see so many of your sweet faces & put my arms around everyone – and I can’t wait!! Even thinking about it gives me such chills. We’ll have to invite the King of Kings, of course, because we’ll want it to be a royal affair (not that it could be any different in Heaven). Love to all!
Melissa, you give me hope for my headstrong child! I loved your words today . They were powerful. Blessings to you .
Melissa, I love that you shared this today. I have prayed for so many women (including myself) these same words that you speak of and ask that God reveal more of Himself to them (and me) through His word. These verses speak truth:
Psalm 27:4 ’One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.’
Jeremiah 6:16 ‘This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’
Ephesians 1:17 ‘I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.’
Colossians 1:9 ‘For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through spiritual wisdom and understanding.’
James 1:5 ’If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.’
Love, Amy in OK
Melissa, there is nothing that can compare to the “experience” of a revelation from the WORD! Are you familiar with the song Ancient Words? You would love it! You are such a blessing and a bit of a mystery yourself, keep on writing! Shalom
Thanks a ton Mel! Anyone call you that?
I read every night to my six year old about the miracles of God’s word and then I don’t really look at my own Bible that way sometimes. (I’m such a visual gal. I want pictures in my ‘big girl Bible’ too!) Then I have a 13 year old that is questioning faith and doesn’t feel the connect with God, like you mention. Thanks for reminding me that ‘God’s got it!’
Time to dive into ‘No Other Gods’ today;)
What a beautiful word!! Preach on sister (or should I say siesta)!! -terri
Thanks for the encouragement and reminder that there “aint no book like the Good Book”. Also, I believe we WILL have a big potluck one day…all around a big huge table sharing about the Lord and how He revealed Himself to us over and over again. I’m looking forward to that day, as I’m sure are you! Blessings.
Wow! I don’t know which was more encouraging – your entry, Melissa or all the siesta’s entries!! What a testamony to God. What a blessing to be able to glean from so many amazing daughters of the King!
This is, as usual so timely. It is so true about the power of the Word and I was encouraged in a fresh way. It will so encourage my daughters as well. We are all doing ‘no other gods’. One that has always, it seems, to know God but can struggle so at times and one that was so strong-willed that I knew that when Jesus got ahold of her there would be no turning back for her! (When she was little, after a time of discipline she would proclaim that she had won because we were angry and she still got to do what she wanted to do!) And now she loves the Lord and His Word. And one much younger daughter who isn’t quite old enough but gets to glean from our conversations.
But what was really funny is that God has been talking to me in that ‘just-a-moment-before-you- completely-wake up’ about my idols and it has been very profound and eye-opening. (is that redunant??)
It is not an usual occurance and I am careful not to attribute every dream to God! ;~) In fact I dreamed this morning that Beth’s study on Esther was like a last hurrah and you were on your way to continue on!! Like I said, I am careful not to attribute every dream to God! (but thought it interesting!) :~)
I am so thankful that we are priviledged to be able to read so many personal encouragements and living testamonies of God’s faithfulness!
mk
Amen, sister !!!
I grew up going to church, and even enjoying most of it, but I wasn’t so blessed as to understand the Bible until the first “Believing God” came out online. And, I did it online from just NW of Houston, but I realized that that was a “good thing”, because I could pause the videos long enough to simply find the Scriptures that your Mom was asking us to find. =) And, I had just turned 35 years old that September.
However, I had NO idea what doing just 1 in-depth Bible study with the Lord, Beth, via the computer would do to me… He caused the Holy Spirit to come straight through your dear Mom via that computer!!! And, once it was finished, I was so bored I almost couldn’t stand it, so via an Amy Grant paper newsletter, I saw that she had recommended your Mom’s book, Praying God’s Word to us, which apparently Travis had given to her earlier. So, I hopped in my car and dashed off to the nearest Lifeway bookstore and bought this book that literally changed my life… I began to read it, but was not completely understanding it, yet the Lord wouldn’t let me put it down!!!
Then, I found out that your Mom’s website said that she was doing another “live” study in Houston in January, and I was So excited. It was “Beloved Disciple”, and, as usual, the Holy Spirit worked straight through her, almost as if I were the one and only person in this huge sanctuary filled with 3,000 dear women! And, once that was over, I finally got the chance to “meet” Miss Beth live and in person at her “Wedding supper of the Lamb” night. Yet, strangely enough, God would not even let me speak to her, except on paper, as I had come down with a very bad case of laryngitis the previous Saturday, when I had decided that if this study was going to end, I knew that I had to choose another one to study, and since the Praying God’s Word book was based on a study called “Breaking Free”, the Lord gave me enough $$ to purchase the taped set and the workbook for it.
AND, half way through that study [between God/His Word, Beth, and myself], God literally awakened my senses and helped break open my heart to allow His awesome love to pour in, and within less than a month, I found someone from Beth’s church to teach me about “what salvation in Christ Jesus/being born again, saved, etc.” meant, and I gave my heart and life over to the Lord in April 2003. And, I praise God for doing that work in my heart previously to allow me to question things enough to want to really KNOW what salvation was/is.
And, whether it is one of your Mom’s studies, or a mini book Bible study, if it is biblically sound, I go ahead and study His Word using some kind of study, as often as I am able to do so.
And, I am actually doing 2 Bible studies right now; “The Patriarch’s” via cds, and one called “Praying Our Goodbyes” by Joyce Rupp, as my dear Daddy passed away at the end of March due to complications from Leukemia. =( So, I am trying really hard to begin to understand His ways in that situation, even though I know for sure that my Dad was saved, and is with Jesus now, but it is still so very difficult for me…
So, unfortunately, I am not able to add your Mom’s summer blog study to those two, as the Lord has provided for me to go back to school to renew my teaching license this summer [6 semester credits/2 in depth 3 week courses].
But, I try my best to pray that the Lord would help me by taking my thoughts, words, actions, etc. captive to His will for my life every day, because I KNOW that I simply cannot do all of these things without HIM taking charge !
Thanks for letting me share…
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
P.s. Hi Miss Beth! Thank you for all that all of Y’all are doing at LPM !!! And, thank you for sharing with us through this blog.
Melissa,
Thank you for this post. I, too, grew up in a Christian home and am thankful to this day for all the positive influences. But, I had to fall in love with Jesus all by myself. For years I did not get how people were so pumped by God’s word – it was boring to me.
At the risk of sounding like a “brown noser”, it was not until I did my first Beth Moore study that I finally understood the wisdom, the peace, the understanding, and the overall awesomeness of my God and His word.
I truly look forward to the time I spend reading my Bible because I never know what kind of nugget of truth I will walk away with.
I do get a kick out of reading your blog entries and talking to my sister (the Jerusalem college one) – your absolute love of the Word (the “begats” and all) is incredibly infectious!
Thank you again for this post and for reminding us that God’s Word is intentional and relevant to our every single day!
Melissa, Thank you for putting so well in words what I often try to say to my groups. The Word of God really does speak a now Word to us regularly and miraculously! And I am thanking God for your Titus Mom and the ministry God allows you share with all of us! Susan
I have tried before to read the Bible cover to cover, but this year I am actually getting somewhere. Most days, I spend my lunch reading online at work. I continue to ask God to help me to not just read the words so that I can mark something of my To Do list, but to understand what I read. He has been faithful and I love getting to know Him more through His Word!
An off-subject question…saw a “Quick Word” mini daily the other day and want to know where Beth’s head is! Loved the shoes, but wanted to see the hair too!
Mellisa, you spoke to my heart! I always believed God was here, but was never really “wowed” by Him. Then I, too, went through a period of wanting “proof.” Then felt disappointed when His will didn’t line up with mine, like He really didn’t care about my “needs.” Well, He knew my needs were much more than a “yes” stamp on my prayers, and He took me on a journey that is too lengthy to describe here, but WOW! Now I feel like experiencing Him is like an amplifier. You feel the humm, and it keeps getting turned up a notch at a time, with some big Ka-blooms here and there. But that humm gets more exciting all the time. Can’t you feel it?! Thanks, Melissa!
Gail
I wouldn’t want a dream vision anyway. A dream I could doubt afterwards, but the bible is real and in PRINT. how can I doubt what God has protected all these years.
Is anyone still interested in a partner for No Other Gods?
[email protected]
married
3 boys 6 and under
36 yrs old
fun, friendly, on fire for God
Melissa-
Thank you for your love of Jesus. I, too, can not get enough of Him. He is so glorious! Thank you for your insightful words. They inspire me to continue my dedication to the Lord and know that each night I fought a good fight, finished my daily race, and never gave up my faith.
Much love to you. (One day in heaven we will all meet for our perfect pot luck meal and it will be the tastiest we have ever had!)
How totally right you are Melissa! I think too often we forget our “story” andthe true miracle that it is! Thanks for reminding me to think about mine more often!
Love You!
Amanda in SC
Melissa, WOW, thank you so much for sharing what God spoke to you. Thank you for being so open and honest. Oh how I love God’s word, and I thank you for your encouragement to be in His word. I love how you wanted to experience God and find Him for yourself and not just try to live off of your parents’ faith. How I pray my children will love Him and seek Him with all of their heart, all of their souls, all of their strength, and all of their minds. You are a blessing!!!
Melissa, you spoke to my heart as well! I too have often wondered why God hadn’t “spoken” to me. I too believe He absolutely speaks to many, but I hadn’t really experienced it. Then one morning we went to church. On our way in I thought that very thought-a little questioning why I hadn’t experienced God speaking to me. As we waited for the pastor to speak, words appeared on the overheard screens—“Today’s message will be silent. Bible verses will appear on the screen and questions for you to ponder silently with the Lord.” I got goosebumps and still do when I remember that Sunday morning. God “spoke” to me so loudly in the silence, with no words other than His words on the screen–it was like being hit in the back of the head! I try to listen to Him through His word when reading my BIble-God is Awesome!
Amen!!! Your words really spoke to me – love the quote about the bible keeping you from sin or sin keeping you from the bible!!!
And Beth, thank you for your encouraging words about strong willed kids. I NEEDED to hear that. God is Good and Faithful – always!!
Love y’all – can’t wait for Minneapolis!!!!