Hey Siestas! Well, I am absolutely beside myself. I just flew into Burlington, Vermont where we kick off our New England Living Proof Live Celebration Tour this very night. It’s a celebration because this week Travis, the praise team, the LifeWay event team and I finish off all fifty states with Living Proof Live events. Don’t get me wrong. We’re not finished…I hope. We’re just taking God up on a magnanimous opportunity to celebrate His faithfulness through 10 years of events together in 50 States. And then we’ll start over. He has taught us so much and changed our lives so ferociously that we’re nearly breathless with praise. I have made a lot of mistakes and misfired a whole lot of points in the last ten years – sometimes cried halfway home – but God has overruled my weaknesses with His power and faithfulness. He simply loves His own Word and doesn’t let it return to Him without effect. I love Him so.
This is the first time we’ve ever done a tour, moving from city to city without going home in between. I’ve always had babies to raise and kids to carpool and a husband that insisted on having a real wife, praise God. I still have the latter, thank goodness, but Keith couldn’t begrudge this opportunity for anything. When he dropped me off at the airport this morning he said, “Baby, this is big. 50 States. Go have a blast.” And that’s exactly what I’m planning to do.
Our first stop is here in Burlington and let me tell you, Vermont was a SPECTACLE from the air. I do mean A STINKING SPECTACLE!! I have never seen a more shameless Autumn in all my life. This from a girl who has seen some beautiful Falls. October has never been wasted on me. I was raised in the beautiful hills of Arkansas and have been to the Tetons at the peak of the Aspen-yellows countless times. And still, I’m going to tell you, I’ve never seen anything like the colors I saw from the air before we landed. I was dumbstruck. I had to talk about it obsessively to the men who handled the bags, asking what trees are what colors. They humored me. In fact, they kind of blew up like a toad about it. Proud as could be. And should’ve been. Then, my first stop after the airport was the local Starbucks, of course, and I wanted to talk to the Barista about it but he didn’t want to talk to me. Sometimes you can just tell. Dad blast. I just realized I let my cappuccino get cold. What a waste. So glad I didn’t get an extra shot.
I just got word that we’re expecting 1975 women tonight and I can’t wait to get my hands on them. I will teach four evenings out of five this week and I will try my hardest to journal something every day or most days as I go. It will have to be short because we will be on the move. We will be in New Hampshire (expecting 2977) tomorrow night, we’ll take a day off in NYC Wednesday (Lord, have mercy), be in Delaware Thursday night (expecting 3959! Way to go, Delaware!!) and end the tour in Connecticut where we’ll kick up our heels with 3000.
If I’ve heard God correctly, I am speaking out of 2 Corinthians all week. A portion of ch.3 tonight, then a portion of ch.4 tomorrow night, a portion of ch.5 Thursday night and a portion of ch.6 on the last night. So get busy and pray, why don’t you. I’m calling the theme for the week “That Ever-Increasing, All-Surpassing Thing Called Glory.” I’m hoping to form a 4-part series out of this week’s tour because I’m usually not a big fan of one-night speaking stands. I’d rather spend some longer hours with a group and see if God will take us from Point A to Point B like we get to do a bit more effectively at the regular events. Since we only have one opportunity with each of these wonderful groups, each night’s message is meant to stand by itself but then all fit together to form one cohesive series, I HOPE. God willing. Self crucified.
I’ve told you before that I deal without a lot of fear and anxiety but one thing compels me to do this way-out-there (for me, anyway) thing. I’d rather jump into Scripture and seek the face of Jesus with a group of women than take my next breath. His words are spirit and life.
Now you’ve gone and done it. You’ve let my clam chowder get cold. Oh, I don’t even care. But I do have to get off of here because I got to town much later than I usually do and I haven’t unpacked my Velcro rollers. They’re probably flat by now. I’ll gladly lay down my supper for you but I will NOT lay down my hair for you. Unless I have to. Don’t make me have to. I love you but my love does have limits.
Amanda, Melissa, and I are so honored to be your servants, Siestas. Thank you for allowing us to take this journey of faith with you. I’ll hopefully touch base with you tomorrow! If I don’t, you’ll know to pray for me all the harder because that will mean I’m in a tailspin.
I surely do love you.
Tags: New England Nights
I am so thrilled you will proclaim God’s Word in the Northeast. I am tears just thinking about the women who will be touched so deeply this week.
WOW!!! Your schedule is unbelievable! Please know I will be praying for you and all the women who will be in attendance at these events. We all know how powerful God’s Word is and I thank Him for you and your team! What a blessing you all to all of us! May God bless you big-time!!!
Beth, thanks so much for taking time to share this special journey of yours with us. Wish I could see the beauty of Vermont right now! Kansas is still green!
God bless and empower you!
So glad to be on my knees for you, Beth, and for the whole team, and every single woman (and brave man!). Praying for every heart to behold His Glory. Now go and do His thang, my Sister! You are greatly loved and esteemed!
Praying with faith,
Holly
Beth,
I love Jesus, you, and the beautiful fall colors so I wish I could be there with you this week…but I will definitely be there through prayer. May God bless all who hear His word through you.
Love, LINDA
I thank God for you, Amanda, and Melissa’s love for hair! I can’t believe I had to go all the way to San Antonio just to figure out how Melissa gets the front to curl.
I have been praying and what is even cooler is that I have been in 2 Cor. all week myself. I love how the Spirit brings unity through the Word. He is so rich and majestic in holiness. I am so proud of you for believing God. I thought about that as I read Hebrews 11 and just how I would not be where I am without the Lord using you in my life over the last 10 years. I have traveled so many journeys with you from a distance and Jesus the One and only has transfigured Himself before me over and over. I love you mama Beth!! I am so crazy about all of y’all
Dear Siesta Beth,
How thoughtful of you to take the time to update the blog! You know your siestas are praying for you and everyone involved.
To reiterate the words of your faithful husband, “Have a blast!”
God is so much fun in all His glorious splendor. You are living proof of it and such an inspiration to us!
You wear that TX hair big and proud girl.
Not that I like hearing that you have cried halfway home before but it’s good to hear I’m not the only one that blows it even when I mean well. Go have a blast at this one. I’ll be praying.
Oh, I am so excited!! I will be in Delaward on thursday night and am off to read 2nd Cor. chapter 5. Praise God!! thank you Beth!!
WOW what wonderful words to be pouring out this week. Your soul is a letter let them read it!
My prayers are with you all.
Chel – Abiding Branch
How exciting!! I’m praying and can’t wait to hear what God does these next few days!! He is so awesome!!
Go Siesta Beth ~
Let GOD be LARGE and in CHARGE!!
We have your back!
Love You!
Siesta Staci
Demorest, Ga
All 50 states, a gorgeous fall backdrop and the Word of God??? Wow, how much fun is your week going to be!!! Have a wonderful time, you will be covered in prayer from the tip of your velcro-rolled hair to the end of your sweet toes! Love you too!
What an awesome time I know you’ll be having. And those trees, my heart just soared thinking about the all that autumn beauty. LOVE IT! Don’t they so display his glory? And this week you will too, Beth. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Prayers are being lifted up this very minute from my heart. God bless!!!!!
Oh how we love you! I am praying for you this week and even as I type here. You will do wonderfully because you love the Lord with all of your heart and I know that it is your heart’s desire to pour yourself out as an offering to Him! He is going to bring blessing upon you, your people, and the countless women (and maybe men) attending these events. The first night is special because that is the year that I was born! (1975!)
Girl, you need to carry a camera with you so that you can capture the beauty of fall in Vermont! I hope that you have one…if not then I must assume that you’ve learned nothing from you camera happy daughter!
God’s blessings be upon you Siesta Mama!
Beth,
I love that you try to keep up with us in the midst of all you have to do. But, as an older (58)
and wiser (not) woman, I say enjoy
your time, praise the Lord, and bring glory to His Name and don’t worry about us. Of course, we will be waiting to hear all about it when it’s over. You are something else and I praise God for your faithfulness to Him and for that wonderful enthusiasm of yours.
In Him,
Esabelle
Beth:
I will be ever so glad to go to the thrown of God and ask Him to Bless you with 4 Jesus shows this week. Wow those ladies up North will be so touched by His words.
As far as the Velcro rollers… I am not so sure they will know what to do with Texas Big Hair!… so if the rollers are a little on the flattened side, it will be ok.
Blessings and great Grace to you and your team!
Lichelle
Two things: first, every time I hear or say the word “Vermont,” I have to say “very Vermonty” from White Christmas. I know…random.
Second, one of my very favorite verses is from 2 Cor. 3! Verse 18, to be exact. Praying all goes well the next few days!
I can’t believe that its already time for the New England tour. My old manager at Lifeway is going to be up there working and asked if I wanted to go and help in the bookstore. At the time I had just started a new job and didnt think that I could get time off of work. Now I know that it wouldn’t have been a big deal, but if I had then more than likely I wouldn’t have been able to go to the Siesta Fiesta and I would have hated to had missed that!
I will definitely keep you and the team in prayers! Its going to be crazy and awesome all at the same time! I pray that God will give you the strength and the voice to make it through the whole tour!
I love you Mama Beth and your little girls too! (lol..couldn’t help it!)
Nikki
My husband works for the Air Force, and we had the pleasure of living in Nashua, NH for 3 years. We attended Cross Pointe Community Church in Hudson, NH during that time. It is such a small group of believers, 30-50 (sometimes less!) on any given Sunday. The pastor there (Shawn Palmer) and his wonderful family were such a blessing to me and my family in ways that I won’t describe for expediency’s sake. (Okay, I blown way past “short and sweet!”)
Anyway, I had a wonderful totally God-given opportunity (I have never taught women before or since.) to lead the ladies of that wonderful group. God is so good! We averaged about 12 ladies every Tuesday. We learned together so much during that time. It was such a wonderful experience!
We attended the LP event in Auburn, ME. It was a huge trip for us to make, and we took 7 lovely ladies with us. What a huge blessing we received!
I know as I read this that “my” ladies are attending the events with you, and I am so blinding jealous that I can’t be there with them right now! *sniff*
I will DEFINITELY be praying for you, and for “my” ladies. Please know that it is so desperatly important for these wonderful ladies to have you and those like you make it up to their neck of the woods. (Gloriously colored as they are!) Thank you!
Praying for you and your team. I know God has a word for each woman coming to the events!
Hope your hair is standing tall and proud:)
Know I will be praying! So exciting! : )
So excited for the Ladies in the northeast. I hope you get a good solid vacation when you get home. Praying for you!!!
Oh, how I wish I could be in Vermont with you right now! Hubs and I were there in October of ’06 and it was gorgeous!!! Enjoy the tour. (:
What an exciting time for you and your ministry. I pray that God will speak clearly through you. That you and every person in attendance will feel His presence and hear His voice. Oh, and also, that you will have fabulous hair days each day which will undoubtedly lessen the chance of a tailspin.
You go girl, and be blessed as you bless.
I will be lifting you in prayer.
Beth…I so love you and will be praying for the ladies that attend these events, for you, for the praise team and for all those involved. God has used you over and over to speak His word to my heart and I pray that same experience for others.
I know this sounds crazy, but I have just waited anxiously for you to post. When I read what you write I can hear you speaking it and it is as comforting as hearing my own mother speak…maybe more. I guess it’s because you are my spiritual mama. THANK YOU!
Kimberly
Miss Beth,
I’m so excited to see you for the first time in Delaware this week! And so anticipating an encounter with Jesus on Thursday night! I’ll be praying for you and reading 2 Corinthians so I am prepared. . .
Also, I’m thankful that my hairdresser blessed me with some fresh highlights last week – totally relate to the hair affection!
Just want you to know that I’m rejoicing with you and praying for you.
Blessings from Florida!
Awwl I love you! Praying that God’s Glory reveal itself so wonderfully, that y’all can’t even stand. How awesome?! Love Him!
Thanks for sharing the incredible beauty that surrounds you, which includes each and every one of those 1975 tonight. Will be praying for each group, your prep, clarity, and total surrender, and for great joy with everyone. Time to unpack 2 Co. for a fresh intake.
praying with you and loving you lots
Siesta Beth…
I am so glad you made it here safely. We are breath taking at this time of year. Especially this year. God knew you were coming. We got pleanty of rain this summer which has made the glorious brush strokes of His hand. I will be in NH tomorrow night with three ladies from the Otis MA area. It will take us 4 hours to get there…worth every minute. I will also be attending your CT visit. When I began having your studies in this area about 5 years ago, no one even heard of you. Now your drawing about 7000 people from New England. Nothing is too hard for God.
A huge welcome to you and Travis. You have become a good friend and I feel that I am apart of the family. I am sure that God will be HUGE this week. We need Him desperately in this part of the country to set a fire in the pulpits and throughout the body of Christ. Please keep us in your prayers. It is a battlefied.
Please get the word out that we are hungry.
Nancy from MA
Sooooo happy, God gave you a show when you got to the Northeast. Can’t think of anyone who deserves His blessings more.
I will surely be praying for this momentous week. Wish I’d known about your ministry 10 years ago….but I’m thankful for the last 3 years that I’ve “known” you.
You say you are honored to serve us. But I gotta say, I’m honored to have sat under your teaching. Yes, your teaching has made me more knowlegeable, but it’s the love….I love Jesus more than I ever have… and a lot of that is because you have been faithful. AND HE has been faithful, to me.
Will never ask you to lay down your hair for me. NEVER! I’m not from Texas, but I understand.
God Bless You this week Beth! And have fun!
Melana in (really snowy) Wyoming
I must admit I am so jealous of you guys this week (New England is so amazing this time of year and just the opportunity to be there) and am going to be lifting you and the team up all week long. I am so thankful for the way God has used these events in so many lives including my own! I will be checking in and praying for God to show up in mighty ways!
I love you Shelley
Hey Beth…
I just got back from a few days in the NE and one day in NYC. What a blessing – enjoy!
Another Southern Beth
P.S. There are 100+ Starbucks in Manhattan alone. Two on every corner. (I am not joking.) Make sure you fit in some NYC-only places! My favorite is The Top of The Rock.
I am so excited for you, Travis, the praise team and all of LPM staff. What an awesome opportunity. I love you so, and will be thinking about and praying for you…
GO, BETH, GO!!!
With all the power of Heaven, the anointing of God, all the love from your Savior and support from your Siestas!!!
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE BIG 5-0!!
Dancing the Hallelujah Step with you and so proud of you!!!
WE LOVE YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE!!!!
CELEBRATE KING JESUS!!!!
I don’t know how anyone could help but experience God in your presence – in person, on a page or through cyber space. You really do breathe Jesus in and out. (Is that an ok thing for me to covet?).
Speaking of… you spoke to a woman’s heart recently in a rather unexpected way through a bit of God-directed mail I wouldn’t normally link my own blog but our God is just too awesome not to share!
I love to hear from you, it makes me want to shout! You’re the best Beth. Enjoy your week!
Have an amazing time! God has been faithful always 🙂 Im so excited his word will be reaching so many! well the LIT girls will miss you! but it will be nice to hear curtis speak, well i got a mess of HW to do… great job on the translations last wk thanks melissa and beth!
Lord, I pray your blessing over Beth and her crew as she speaks Your word this week. Lord, I pray that Your Words just LEAP off that page, and into the hearts of the thousands of women she’s ministering to. In the NAME OF JESUS, I pray that You give her divine wisdom and knowledge as she glorifies You this week. I love and thank You in advance. In Jesus precious holy name, AMEN.
Teach you heart out! What an amazing opportunity God has given LPM!
With SO much rhetoric in the news right now about bad news and the politics of elections, it is such a relief to know about the crowds that are joining you in the Word of God!!
Thanks for sharing the experience! AND keep up the journaling effort!!
By now you are neck deep in teaching…The ladies of the northeast be blessed. I will pray as our gracious Lord leads. Looking forward to your updates on this great trip.
Soak in your entire trip and squeeze out God’s word on them all, Mama Beth! Please buy something awesome in NYC that you can share with us to make us wish were were there too–a girl needs a prize afterall.
OK….I’m so happy to know what you are teaching on b/c I plan to read those exact chapters each day and night before bed hoping that God will teach me something fresh as He imparts to you for those ladies. Blessings and love, Jill
I am clapping over Nancy in MA coming hungry to hear the Word!! Praying for each one to be filled up in faith to the overspilling! Oh my, I love how we can read one another’s hearts through this blog and pray more specifically. Thanks Nancy!
Self crucified, indeed. I just prayed for you, on several levels. I am so thankful for your ministry– You’ll never really know just how many you’ve touched, Beth, this side of heaven. But, personally I know how anxiety can creep in, so I’m also praying against that–you said it best, self crucified that you may be fully His to serve this week. Nothing like a NYC break, too. I love you, my friend. Annette
Beth I am 100% praing for you and I will be reading those scriptures tonight so I can be right there with you! Glory! Glory! Glory! Thank you for allowing me ito your journey!
What a wonderful place to be ministering right now. I was in Vermont last Tuesday and Beth, you aren’t kiddin’ about the colors of Fall there. They are breathtaking to say the least.
Praying that God will use you to bless the socks off those women!
T Keeler