Hey, Siestas! I have to type fast because I don’t have long before we board! I am now sitting in the A Terminal at the Nashville Airport getting ready to head back to Houston. The wedding was fabulous! Rich was so handsome and Gretchen was gorgeous. So glad to be getting married. The sweetest faces looking at one another you’ve ever seen. Really tender wedding. Girlfriends, let me tell you that IN MY LIFE I have never heard a preacher bring an exhortation to a bride and groom like theirs did. His name is Reverend Carter Crenshaw and I’m telling you he was up in their stuff. Leaned into them and looked them dead center in the eye while he told them what faithfulness meant. Nothing pre-canned about it. It was fantastic. PROFOUND. And with such a sweet heart. I saw him pat on Rich’s arm over and over. I thought to myself that every married person in that room needed a copy of that message. He was so good that Travis, Paige (another good friend of ours who was singing with Travis) and I couldn’t even cut up during the service. Not that in a million years we ever would have. After all, our good friend, Ron, who does security at the events, was looking straight at us and that alone makes us behave.
There was one funny thing though. We were sitting on a side pew by the piano and there was a little piece of shag carpet right in front of us about the size of a welcome mat. It had some kind of hole under it with air puffing up through it. The church was gorgeous church so I know it had a really important acoustical purpose of some kind. I just wasn’t familiar with it. Like a magic carpet of some kind. With every sound from the microphone or loud chord from the piano, it rose (fairly dramatically) then dropped like it was breathing. You can imagine it nearly did a flip when Travis hit some of his notes. I’m not kidding you. It reminded me of that really hairy dude on The Addams Family. What was his name? “Cousin It”? (I have to tell y’all that AJ edited that sentence for me because I told her on the way home in the car that it had occurred to me on the plane that it was the Addams family instead of The Muensters. BUT then it took Moose Mama to tell me that I had mistaken a kind of cheese for The Munsters. Laughing my head off. Are you sure you’re not from Wisconsin?)
I know I’m jumping here but, again, I only have a second. I’m not after the Nobel Peace Prize here. I’m just trying to blog. The reception was so great. Travis sang a Harry Connick Jr. song while Rich and Gretchen danced and it was so romantic! Now, Gretchen, that girl can shake a leg. (If anything I’m saying means anything bad, I don’t know it so forgive me.) She’s the one that taught me the Cha Cha Slide.
As I live and breathe, the woman at the Continental counter just called for passenger “Shoestrang” (yes, strang) to check in at the desk. I sure hope I get to see that dude. He may be really skinny though.
We’re boarding! Gotta go! Oh, and all five Cottrells did pick me up! I had the best time at their house!
No time to proof. You know what comes next…so deal.
I LOVE YOU!!
Tags: Rich Kalonick
If you ever tire for reaching women for the LORD, you can certainly get a job doing color commentary for a sport! Let us know what Customer Shoestrang looked like.
Peace,
Kim in Apex, NC
I so love free airport wi-fi!
XO Melinda
I would love to see you do the cha cha slide! I’m so glad that you had a wonderful time and I hope that you can post a copy of that sermon for us married siestas!
Love you too!
1) LOL! ShoestAng!??? 🙂
2) I nearly am always laughing at the most horrible and inopportune times – weddings and yes….(gasp) funerals.
3) Thanks for the update on their wedding. So thrilled to hear it was amazing
I could be wrong, but wasn’t Cousin It on The Addams Family? So was Shoestrang, the Southern cousin, whose nickname refers not to his dimensions, but to the oddly made banjo that he always brought with him to family gatherings. (Trust me, I’m from East Tennessee and I know these things.)
That magic carpet would have had me laughing!
I just love weddings…and that one sounds like it was grand.
Did Angela share about her trip to D.C.? I would love to hear all about it…
And, love you, too!
Glad to hear you had a great time!!! By the way, you crack me up girl!!! 🙂
Mama Beth, you crack me up! “Shoestrang”? Did you ever get to see the dude? My word! Glad to hear the wedding was wonderful. I will have mental images of poofy pieces of shag carpet for days! Wishing we all DID have a transcript of the pastor’s message and exhortation! That would be amazing! Good for him to be bold and tell it like it needs to be told! Too many people not marrying forever today! What’s up with that?! Congratulations again to Rich and his lovely wife. Can’t wait to see the photos! Safe journey home, Mama Beth. Love you.
Thank you so much for all your blogs – serious, silly and in between. My own mother has been in heaven for over 7 years now, but I always feel a little mothered after reading your stuff. Don’t know why really but I do. Don’t forget – we love you too!
Thanks for making me smile…did you get any pictures?
Sounds like a GREAT weekend. I would be very interested to find out what was up with that carpet thing!! I would have been biting the inside of my mouth to keep from laughing.
Love these posts!
So deal…
Beth–
You are such a good friend to keep in touch with us. I have to tell you that I am doing “Living Beyond Yourself” in my home for some neighbors this fall (2 are new to any Bible study!) . After baking the tea cake, whipping the apple dip, getting 3 kids off to school and cleaning, I greeted the women, prayed, and pushed “play”. When you started speaking I totally had to stop myself from crying. I felt like my long-lost sister had come for a visit and it felt soooo good. I know you understand the supernatural feeling of our friendships and I want you to know you are loved and cherished. Our friendship is by faith, not sight. (Grin.)
I love “dealing” with Beth’s ways. Hysterical.
Beth Moore, I love you so much. No one has a sweeter time of life than you. Your words always make me smile. What a gift! Thank you for including me in your day.
Bless you, dear one.
🙂
Mary
I’m so glad that you had a fun time! Thank you for the recap of your busy 24-hr trip:) What a whirlwind of fun…with the Cottrell’s no less!
PS. And never feel bad about not proofing- We’d rather get little short tidbits here and there in your spare time anyday!
*giggling*
Thank you Mama Siesta for the giggle. It's the first one I've had today (pitiful, huh)!
When James & I got married, we had a friend prepared to sing "Bless the Broken Road" and another friend was to cue the music. We're all such a gang of jokesters, and so far, the wedding had gone off without my cutting up (and I certainly didn't have any magic carpets!), when the friend in charge of music started some rock music! He was afraid I would be upset, but I thought it was funny, so I laughed, and then everyone else did too. (Ok, so maybe I had been one of those horrible bridezillas and I was just really glad it was all coming to an end. It was like trying to herd cats getting those peeps ready!)
Anyway, I'm the queen of ramble today and that's all the ramble for now.
I hope you've had a safe trip home, and I thank you for sharing the wedding with us :-)!
I love you!
hahahhaha Beth you are hilarious…I loved reading your post 🙂 Glad to hear the wedding was fun and beautiful!
Oh Beth you sweet thing….I’ll deal…but I was laughing so hard at The MUENSTERS. That’s a cheese. The show was the MUNSTERS. But that isn’t the show with Cousin It. He was on The Adams Family.
I’m so happy to hear about the wedding and that you had fun AND behaved yourself.
Staying in the Word and Loving it!!!
Melana in Wyoming
So glad you had a good time, hope we get some pictures of the blessed event.
Oh, you are soooo funny! Just love you to pieces!
So glad to hear that Rich and Gretchen’s wedding went so well and that everyone had a great time celebrating with them…I love weddings!
My weekend has been eventful that is for sure….I am going to have to blog about it so any of you siestas out there looking for a new blog to read check mine out…it is going to be interesting! The title to the next post is going to be “Puppy Dogs and Tetnus Shots!”….Guess what I had to get this weekend?!
Well, Miss Bethie….hope that you arrived home safely and so glad that you had a lovely weekend!
I’ll see you tomorrow night (on video for A Woman’s Heart)!
You are SO funny!! I bet you can shake a leg yourself sister!! I know those aerobic instructors have some rhythm 🙂
Glad you had such a great time!
(you’ll have to let us know about Mr. Shoestrang)
Oh Beth, I am cracking up. You are hilarious.
Beth, you make me laugh. I PERFORMED a wedding last weekend in Atlanta (got ordained online for it, my pastor was horrified, but sometimes we take a hit for our friends) and it was fantastic. We did the cha-cha slide AND the electric slide! Although the best moment was the bride’s dance with her father, when the music segued from this Latin love song into the hip-hop song “Umbrella.” Seeing my best girlfriend, who is an accomplished hip-hop dancer in addition to being a Yale Law graduate, in her white wedding dress jamming to a hip-hop tune while her dad just tried to keep up is one of the visuals I will keep in mind all my life. Precious. Aren’t girlfriends wonderful?
Beth,
I’m so glad you in your writings help so many woman have a better day, night and put a smile on their faces. That is so wonderful! What a joy you are. And what a blessing for me to know you personally. You are the real deal.
Love alli
In high school a friend and I used to call the San Francisco airport and ask for the white courtesy telephone operator to page “Sylney Fondr”. Who knows why? But we got a great kick out of it and 35 years later I’m still thinking it is funny. I’m *so* juvenile.
Glad you are back, safe and sound.
Oh Beth YOU ARE SO FUNNY!!! If there was only one thing to claim I love in life, it’s humor. I would die without laughter. You are my kind of woman! I so appreciate that you don’t hold back and are ‘real’ with all of us. You have such a beautiful heart and it’s such a blessing to ALL of us ladies that love to read your blog. You’re such a gift to us, sister. Praise God for the freedom we have in Him to be who He made us to be…without fear! Do you ever visit/speak for small gatherings of woman? What I mean is could a church have you out to speak to just the ladies of that particular church?
Much love to you! Can’t wait to laugh with you in Heaven! 🙂
Oh Miss Beth, I have to be honest… I got on your blog tonight to find a link to Travis’s… My husband is one of the staff members at the church we all go to and someone told me I could find a funny story of Levi there, so… 🙂 (as if there is any other TYPE of story of Levi, am I right?!?)
Nonetheless, I figured since the highlight of my week is attending your Bible Study every Thursday I might as well tell you what every woman in the world must tell you and that is how your study’s enrich the life of this pastor’s wife every week. It’s wonderful and refreshing to be able to go somewhere to be fed instead of being the one doing the feeding all of the time, and for that I thank you.
Here’s the thing though… next time you’re spending the weekend at the Cottrell’s- be sure to come by and see us down in T.S.! (Or maybe you were there this morning and I missed it, who knows…) We’d welcome ya with open arms and big hugs! Thanks for your ministry!
I just read both blogs (going & coming) and of course in the wrong order! All I want to say is I LOVE YOU! You are the best.
Forever His,
Lawan Rivera
Phil 4:8
Seriously Shoestrang? Beth, we are all totally laughing out loud!!! Let us know the details of that person.
Could you elaborate on the pronunciation of “Shoestrangâ€? I’m imagining a Texan accent… British would be interesting too though… Just wondering. Did you get to meet him? That poor guy probably doesn’t even know he’s famous now 🙂
Beth Moore, I love you so!!! I ditto anonymous comment at 7:32 pm…..my own mother will be in heaven 10 years this year. Single gal here and I’m the same way….. Feel mothered after reading your blogs and that’s a good thing. Love it! I’ve been reading everyday since you all started the blog and it is amazing the encouragement, the laughs, the cries, the smiles and the “community” this brings. Thank you for helping us all to be reminded what a blast life with Jesus is!! Love you, Susan
You are just a hoot! Needed the uplifting description of all that went on! It has to be hilarious around you. Thank you for sharing and being so transparent!
love you
Oh Mrs. Beth!
I so hope you read these comments. I have been wanting to tell you something for a while now and have not had any idea how to get in touch with you. I just discovered your blog this weekend, and thought this would be perfect!
Now I know you have no idea who I am, but I thought you might appreciate hearing this. God really used you in my life recently. I was at the Living Proof event in San Antonio back in August. I was having a hard time because I was losing my grandmother. The other ladies and I left early Friday morning (6ish) and I really didn’t know whether or not I was going until about midnight Thursday. I was fearful that my grandmother would pass over the weekend while I was gone. I had already told her “goodbye” and that I loved her by Thursday night, but that didn’t make my decision any easier. I’m so glad that I did decide to go! Everything that you said about getting our Inheritance and what Heaven is going to be like, really gave me a peace.
I’m sort of young (21) and am a fairly new Christian. It’s been about three years since I gave my life to the Lord. I don’t have many family members that are Christian influences, but my grandmother was one. That’s part of why losing her was so hard. But, knowing that she has inherited Jesus and He has inherited her gives me this wonderful, indescribable feeling. And knowing that I’ll be there one day as well makes it an even more wonderful feeling.
She passed the following Wednesday, but I did get to see her once more and share with her what I had experienced. And even though it was incredibly difficult, I kept reminding myself of everything I learned the weekend before. I knew that she was no longer hurting, and was livin’ it up with Jesus! I love the thought of that. So, to conclude this long note, thank you so much for being a tool for God to use, not only in my life, but in many others.
If I never get to meet you here on earth, I’ll see you in Heaven!
Sending lots of love,
Becca
I am so happy to come across your site. It was by accident, but I really love your work.
xoxo Nita
Congratulations, Gretchen and Rich!!
You have got your funny on, again! Must have been saving up through the wedding! So glad to hear of Rich and his sweet girl though- Sounds like a wedding that dreams are made of. They will probably always remember that preacher and what he said. Perfect! Glad you are coming home!
Lisa in Kirkland, WA
Beth, we love you too! So glad you had fun at the wedding. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
You’re cracking me up with these airport posts. Have a wonderful week.
Michelle in Hendersonville, TN
Not sure which I’m more curious about — the wedding message or Shoestrang! 🙂
Hi Miss Beth,
Glad to hear you had a great time.
Could you please update us on how things are going in Houston; Galveston areas as soon as you can, because the northern newscasters are mostly focusing in on the election now, almost as if nothing happened down there… So sad !!!
The last time I knew, my friend [also a sister in Christ], who lives far to the NW of Houston was still having to go without electricity and a regular water service. =(
But, thanks be to God, she told me that everyone was "okay", and that it was the worst wind damage that she has ever seen in her area; like trees and power poles going down as if they were "toothpicks" !
And, even when the newscasters did speak about Hurricane Ike's rampage, they spoke mainly of Galveston, and about 1 major building whose windows were all broken out in downtown Houston. I wish that I could help out regarding that situation more from here… But, I do know that prayer goes a long ways; praise our magnificent God !!! So, that is what I have been doing… Lots of praying for all of Y'all !
By the way, I just saw the wierdest and coolest looking thing [at the same time] on the news a little while ago, and believe it or not, it reminded me of you, Miss Beth! It is going to be on exhibit next month at the Wis. Historical Museum, I guess. Of course, I didn't even know we had one of those. It was a thing with like 10-12 of these metal curling rods on it, and they stated that women actually used to use it on their hair – LOL !
And, I've never eaten Muenster cheese, but I am living in Wisconsin ~ hehe… I do love the smoked string cheese that we get from this small dairy near the campground where my Mom & I camp in southern Wis.
And, yes, I do remember watching both the Munsters and the old Addams Family shows on TV while I was growing up!
As a matter of fact, one day while my 3 older sisters and I were watching The Munsters, the living room drop down ceiling caved in on us, but nobody got hurt. Now we just have to laugh about it because it happened while we were watching that particular show. [You can tell my age, because back then, the Munsters were "a bit scary" for kids back then] – LOL
And, I've never eaten Muenster cheese, but I am living in Wisconsin ~ hehe. I do love the smoked string cheese that we get from this small dairy near the campground where my Mom & I camp in southern Wis. And, don't you worry your sweet head off about the word "camping", as my parents purchased a really nice 5th wheel trailer, with nearly everything a person needs in it- which has gotta be better than that place you and Keith had to stay at when you showed us some pictures from your African trip during the taping of LBY several years ago now – hehehe !
Hey, you've actually got me almost "smiling", which is something that has been very hard for me to do in the past year, as my dear Daddy passed away about 6 months ago from Leukemia… Thanks ! =)
And, I would love to see you doing the cha-cha slide, too; LOL !
I'm wondering if you are allowed to [and are willing to] give us siestas any hints as to what you are working on for your next project, if the Lord has chosen to give you one yet ???
However, do try to make it a "small one", Lord ! I think our dear teacher and Siesta Mama deserves a HUGE break from writing the major kind of stuff like Esther, though !!! Just call it "your Sabbath rest", my dear sister !!!
Hugs to you !
Love in Christ Jesus,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
Beth–thanks so much for coming to celebrate Gretch and Rich’s wedding. It was truly beautiful and all that they had hoped it would be. I’m thankful for the role you have played in Rich’s life along the way. I’m thankful for the man he has become and the great husband I know he will be to my sister. Thank you again for coming!
Rebecca (aka: sister of the bride/Maid of Honor/Rich’s new sister-in-law) 🙂
I would have to agree with twinkle…the magic carpet would have gotten me going! 🙂
So happy that the wedding was wonderful and God met them there with words of wisdom!
thanks for the quick note and the not so qick laugh here!
mk
whose daughters changed my blogger name from mamabearmk to go-between!
Girlfriend I think maybe you need to aah…see somebody if you know what I mean. I mean I seriously think you NEED help!!!!! Please dial “911” and ask to be transfered to the “MENTAL UNIT”!!!(Ha Ha just kidding)! You CRAZY thing!! You crack me up and I find myself smilin’:) and laughin’ all at the same time.
Way to behave in church….I know how hard that must have been for you!! Did Mr. Shoestrang look like a “shoestring” or “stringbean”???
Congratulations Rich and Gretchen and I pray God’s “richest” blessings on your marriage (no pun intended!!).
Much love to you “crazy” girlfriend!!! XO
Angela
Redmond, Wa
I just have to say…
that I love the “so deal”!
can’t wait for Lit Tuesday!
How fun?!?! I’m so glad you had an awesome time! Blessings over your trip back! Love ya!
I love the comment about the magic carpet. The fact that it was shag just adds to the whole picture. How y’all managed to keep it together during the wedding is amazing. You’re right the pastor must have been one amazing guy!!
Glad you got to spend time with the Cottrell’s and more so that you’re back home now to help AJ while Curtis is gone. There’s nothing better than to have your Mama back home.
Take care, Beth and thanks for the grin. You always lift me up!!!
Much love and silliness,
~Cheryl
So good to hear from you Siesta Mama Beth! I’ve been busy lately so I am catching up on my blog reading. I’m so glad the wedding went well and what a sweet post before about how much this young man means to you. He’s blessed you have you in his life – we all are!!! Hope you have a great week! Love you lots!
I SOOO love the cha cha slide! I have been meaning to download it from itunes. Homeschooling 3 children can wear on your nerves and I think when we are all going bonkers it would be fun to take a break and shake a leg with the cha-cha slide. It may keep us all more focused!!!
Mama Siesta Beth,
You crack me up! I am so happy to read anything you post on your blog! I feel like I know you personally! It is such a joy to share in laughter with you, and I know your wicked sense of humor comes from loving Jesus. (I mean wicked in the best way, I am the mom of a teen girl and it means good stuff).
can’t wait to see you in Illinois next year.
Love you! So deal….ha!
Tracy
Thanks for the funny posts, Beth.
You are cuter than words can describe!!
I love a good wedding! When we go to weddings, my husband and I hold each other’s hand and always “renew” our vows and say our “I do’s” very softly as the bride and groom says theirs. It is such a time of cleansing and a true reminder that we are in this for the long haul so let’s enjoy every minute of it!
BTW, I just got back from my first women’s retreat since joining the staff as the Director of Women’s Ministry at our west campus. It was soooooooo fabulous! God showed up so big! We had such an intimate and personal time with Him on Sat. night. It was the sweetest time. While Gretchen was getting to know her groom, we were getting better acquainted with our GROOM!! Oh how I want to be a beautiful, cleaned up BRIDE for Him. He deserves no less!!!
Blessed assurance, Jesus is MINE!! And I am His!!! Forever in love with the Savior and so blessed to be the BRIDE OF CHRIST!!!
Thank you, JESUS!!!