Merry Christmas, You Merry Siestas!

Merry Christmas, Dear Sisters! We hope you’ve had a marvelously blessed day. What greater cause for celebration could we have? The Word became flesh and pitched His tabernacle among us so that we could behold His glory, the glory of the One and Only full of grace and truth! Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King!

I dearly love Christmas. I’m dog-tired but so happy. The company’s all gone (at least for a few hours) and I’m taking a break for a few minutes. I’m sitting on the floor in our computer room because we had to use our desk chairs for all our company to be able to eat at a table and we haven’t moved them back upstairs yet. My day started early. I crawled out of bed at 6:00 AM after a late night as Claus. Thankfully everybody slept for another hour and I had some time to myself. A few minutes to get on the floor before the Lord, to read too-fast-a-devotional, and drink a strong cup of coffee with just the right amount of cream. Before long Keith rolled out of bed then Melissa. She is like a 5 year-old at Christmas. She makes it so much fun. She loves seeing all heaps of presents and trying to guess what she’s getting and trying to get you to guess what she’s giving. It was a treat to see that mighty cute Colin Fitzpatrick coming down the stairs this morning. Our family loves him so much and we’ve even adjusted to him and Melissa sleeping in the same room. (Always a tad awkward at first.)

We wanted Amanda, Curtis, and our best boy, Jackson, to get to have the time they needed for Santa at home so we put off opening presents till later in the morning after they arrived. Melissa made a fantastic egg casserole that we pulled out of the oven about the time they walked through the door. We ate a quick breakfast and gathered in the den. It was Amanda’s time to read the Christmas story. She was so beautiful sitting there with that darling tummy. She doesn’t feel very darling but she is. (We’re only 7 weeks out, by the way!) I was sure Jackson would turn into a pumpkin (wrong holiday) before we could get through the Scriptures but he did so well. Keith prayed over us then the mania began. We love to see each other open presents so it takes forever because we keep stopping to look what someone got.

Jackson is at the ultimate age for Christmas. A total blast. He got an entire dealership of cars and trucks. That’s all in the world he loves. Anything on wheels. If I ever end up in a wheel chair when I’m on up in years, I hope he’s still taken with them. His baby sister got so many things for her nursery. It’s going to be adorable! We can hardly wait for her to get here.

I really scored on Colin and Curtis’s presents. I got them remote control helicopters (really complicated ones with an instructional video by some dude that had the personality of a rocket scientist) and they spent the next two or three hours on them. Keith was so bitter I didn’t get him one. Blast. Why didn’t I think of that?

After we dug ourselves out from under six feet of wrapping paper, the family began straightening things up and setting tables and I started cooking like a wild woman. I’ve got to tell you, Siestas, I had the cooking anointing this year. I’m not even kidding. It was everything I could do not to stop every few bites and say, “Is this incredible or what?” (Actually, I first wrote that I wanted to stop every few bites and say, “I totally rock!” but I thought you’d think that sounded a tad boastful. So I didn’t write it. But now I have. You’ve got to give me this one cooking moment. Just one.) My cornbread dressing was killer. My mom would have had a fit. My broccoli and rice casserole was terrific, too, but I made enough for 68 people. It’s what we at our house call a “Moore-der.” (An “order” Moore-style.) If a little is good, a ton is better. I also could feed a football team the rest of my green bean casserole (they’d better eat it after a game, however) and I have two pies that weren’t even touched. (I know what you’re thinking. It wasn’t because they weren’t good. It’s because I made a Texas sheet cake and two other pies and cranberry oatmeal cookies. See what I’m saying? A Moore-der.)

I bet Colin and I peeled 14 potatoes to mash (I make really great mashed potatoes and gravy). I kept saying, “We’d better do just one more.” His eyes just kept getting bigger and bigger. How in heaven’s name are you supposed to gage how much food thirteen people will eat anyway? And two of Keith’s nephews are in college. Have you watched a college boy eat lately? It’s violent.

Colin and Melissa could only stay for a little while after we sat down to eat so that they could head to his house only a few subdivisions from here. She had a temperature when she left so I bet by the time she gets back late tonight, I have a sick girl on my hands. I got Strep throat the week of Converge and then got a chest cold then Amanda caught the cold and now Melissa’s got it. We’re usually a healthy bunch. I don’t know what’s gotten into us. I think it may be because one day it’s 35 degrees here in Houston and the next it’s 80. I had the heater on yesterday and I have the air conditioner on today. Star can’t decide whether to grow more hair or shed it. This climate is preposterous.

Oh, I forgot to tell you that Melissa left her laptop on the side of the stairs last night and while Keith and I were being Mr. and Mrs. Claus and hauling presents downstairs, he stepped on it. (We usually take the chimney but we were afraid Star and Geli would try to leap in behind us and it would take forever to get the soot off their fur.) You should see the laptop. I guess you know what she’s getting for a post-Christmas gift.

OK, I realize this post is really random but, among a dozen other things, Star keeps dropping her favorite ball right beside me so I’ll play fetch with her and I have to stop typing every couple of minutes and throw it. And boy is it spitty. I keep trying to throw the thing at an angle where it will bounce downstairs so she’ll take longer to get it but she’s the fastest thing on four legs.

The last random thing I’m going to tell you is that I got Keith one of those massagers you put in a chair and sit against and it does all sorts of fancy things to your neck, back and shoulders. It heats up and everything. I think he’s about to sit in it and I want to beat him to it so I’m going to have to go. You know how you tend to get people things you want for yourself?

Uh-oh. I hear Keith downstairs singing “Ebony and Ivory.” I bet anything he’s in that danged chair. Something’s chilled that boy out.

Merry Christmas, Siestas. I pray Jesus all over every single one of you this coming year. I want me a Jesus year. That’s what I want for Christmas.

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189 Responses to “Merry Christmas, You Merry Siestas!”

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  1. 51
    laura says:

    Merry Christmas sweet Beth. You made me smile after a long but wonderful day. thank you for your random postings…and I so want me a Jesus year, too! :o)

  2. 52
    donna says:

    i was so hoping that you would post something on here tonight! We are all stuffed and happy here too. I am upstairs listening to Chris Tomlin’s new CD “Hello Love”, my boys are all downstairs playing Guitar Hero, world tour complete band. IT is quite funny to watch. One on the drums, one on electric guitar and one singing ,seeing who can get the best score. oh, I won 4 tickets to see Chris Tomlin when he comes here in March! I am so excited!! 2nd row seats!! want to come join me???
    I have to tell you that the last week i have just been feeling defeated. I told my husband the other day i felt like throwing myself on the floor, kicking and screaming like a 2 year old saying i don’t wannna hafta do this anymore! The last few days i have been praying to God that he would give me a promise, a word to hold onto for the coming year. This morning i opened a present from my mother. It was a braclet that had a mustard seed attatched to it. It had a card with it with this verse on it… Matthew 17:20 “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed nothing will be impossible for you.” Your faith can move mountains! Reading that after your verse you sent the other day. Blessed is she who believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Luke 1:45 Believe him! Just Believe!I am claiming that for this coming year that God will move those mighty mountains! I want me a Jesus year too!!!! I want to see him , to feel him, to hear from him, to see him glorified in all things!

  3. 53
    Wendy says:

    My day was made up of little moments like that, too, Beth! It was crazy, but very nice. 2009, I pray that my entire family will have a Jesus year.

    Merry Christmas to all!

    Wendy

  4. 54
    Amy Ekis says:

    Merry Christmas, Beth. I was telling my mom yesterday somthing you had said in one of your blogs. Oh! Amanda said it. Somthing about not needing dance lessons if the dancing was to 80s praise arobics music. She said, “oh! we would so be best friends.” You remind me so much of my mom. haha. She makes good green bean casserole too ๐Ÿ˜‰

  5. 55
    Kali says:

    Merry Christmas to you and your family. I’m also praying for a Jesus year. That He will continue to reveal himself in new ways to me. Thank you for taking the time to share your life with us.

  6. 56
    HIS Child says:

    Merry Christmas to the Moore-der family. I love when you share your life with us, it’s sweet, funny, even hilarious. We had a great Christmas and it was very calm as my man is recovering from surgery. God is awesome and blessed us so that we could all celebrate together.
    I got my chef on and cooked as if we were expecting multiple families, however that was not the case, so leftovers for a week.
    Our tummys are full we have lounged all day, our weather was rainy and a bit stormy, and Jesus was celebrated.
    I so want a Jesus year, and I am looking forward to coming to one or more of LPM’s conferences this coming year, and if I am really blessed my man (future Miesta) may grace me with his presence.
    God bless you and your family as you wrap up this wonderful year.
    Love ya,
    Celeste

  7. 57
    justmyopinion12 says:

    Oh, man, I want me a Jesus year, too! What a tough year 2008 has been for me and mine. Certainly praying God’s got something great in store for 09! Loving me some Jesus!

  8. 58
    Worshipping One says:

    Merry Christmas to you and yours! I have to say Beth “you totally rock!” and it’s ok with us if you say it once in a while! I pray God’s richest blessings on you in the coming year. January 26th our small group starts Esther! I can’t wait!!! Thanks for blessing us so much and always encouraging us to draw nearer to that precious baby in a manger! Heres to a Jesus year!We love you!!!~ Debbie

  9. 59
    Anonymous says:

    Dear Beth,
    I so need me a Jesus year, but I need one now. We just experienced our first Thanksgiving and Christmas without one of our sons. Our middle son was 28 in September and was killed in an ATV accident in October. Sometimes I don’t think I will ever smile again. I’m so sad that this has happened and have asked why so many times. Some people tell me I will never know why. His wife and 2 year old son live next door to us and we have two other sons, their wives and two more baby granddaughters. I know I have much to be thankful for but I grieve so for our son. Please pray for me.

    Thanks for your bible studies!
    Connie

  10. 60
    Kim Safina says:

    The Journey Continues ~

    Precious DOG TIRED BETH,

    Thank you for being REAL and sharing your heart with so many of us this past year!

    READING ALL the blogs I have found that YOU truly are LOVED and NEEDED in this generation of women in the world!!!
    * Please tell "YOUR MAN" Keith how much I appreciate him standing at your side as you share the WORD and CARRY THE LIGHT of JESUS CHRIST in a world that is in need!

    I too, have a wonderful husband who uplifts, and brings me to reality ( sometimes I don't like the reality part) as we grow daily in our life journey together.

    I have to share my Christmas experience with you.
    Dave awakened me around 6:00 AM this morning and made me a cup of tea. He had turned ALL of the twinkle lights on in every room that was decorated. ๐Ÿ™‚ We visited for about 30 minutes and then he did the traditional "Ringing of the bells" down the hallway of our sons rooms. First stopping at our oldest son, then our youngest son ~ The jingle bells continued to ring as he bellowed
    HO HO HO !! Our sons came out of their rooms with blankets around them and sleepy eyes and Dave began reading from the Bible. Such a touching beginning to a busy Christmas day. We opened stockings and gifts and then bundled up in my husbands truck(Chevy Avalanche) and off we went to my mothers home
    45 minutes away. We were about 1/2 way when my oldest son said, " Dad, did you put the bed up on the back of the truck?" At that point, we pulled over the truck ( in the pouring rain) and David ( oldest son) jumped out and ran to the back of truck to say… Uhhh oooooooo quite loudly ~ as our gifts were hanging out the back of the flatbed of the truck. I was trying not to freak out too much since there were LOTS of gifts for family back there. After arriving at my mothers and after the "FREE FOR ALL" we found that only 1 gift was missing.
    I hope who ever found it on the road is enjoying the beautiful sweater and personal puzzle that was inside!
    Merry Christmas my dear Siesta & Covenant Friend!

    Looking forward to seeing Christmas memory photos and New Year Blessings from you, Amanda, Melissa and if your husbands want to share ..then them too!

    Be Still…
    With "Heaven Bound" Blessings,
    Kim Safina
    http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com

  11. 61
    Anonymous says:

    Hi dear sister Beth, you have been my lifeline back to Jesus. I was at the point that God did not love me anymore your wednesdays studies have been great and your 2 minutes word for today. The Lord bless you this Christmas and the New Year! I expect to know Jesus like I never have before no matter what the enemy throws my way. Again thank you very very much dear sister! Arizona Sister….Love you!!!

  12. 62
    Missy says:

    Merry Christmas Beth!
    I looked earlier on the blog hoping to get a little glimpse into the Moore household’s day, but there’s wasn’t a post at the time. Was SO happy to see it just now. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Thanks for giving us so many little details about your day. Sounds like you all had a wonderfully good time. And you GO woman for cooking an incredible dinner…and YES, you rock!! ๐Ÿ™‚
    Would have loved to have seen some pictures from today. I love pics!
    So sorry to hear that Melissa is sick..will say a prayer! I also have been battling a cold and allergies this week..everybody has! And it seems this particular bug lingers on and on for people. Hoping y’all will stay well for the rest of the winter. And ain’t it the truth about the weather! Here in SC it’s the same way…42 on Mon. and Tues. and 70’s the last two days! Daily I switch back and forth from heat to air! Brother.
    BTW..I had a wonderfully blessed day, too, spent with family at my parents’ house. Sounds similar to the day at your house. I thank God for His many blessings on me and my family. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Well girlie, get yourself a better night’s sleep tonight and take care of yourself.
    Look forward to the next post. Tell the fam HEY from a Sister! ๐Ÿ˜€

    Mucho love,
    Missy

  13. 63
    Donna Brewer-Cumming, GA says:

    I know it’s late but I hope some people are still out there this late night (or early morning depending on where you are I guess). Anyway, I want to ask for some prayers. I know prayers from here work from first hand experience for my daughter and her as of yet (but oh so close) unborn child.
    I was sick the night before Thanksgiving and ended up in the hospital. They never really figured out what was going on but after I went back for a checkup and some new medicine, I felt much better. Now I’m not feeling so hot again. I go to the doctor at 9 am (EST) on Friday and hopefully they will figure something out. I don’t like feeling like this and it scares me. I’m having trouble sleeping which just makes you feel worse of course. So anyway, dear ladies, please pray with and for me that we figure out what is going on and fix it! I have a beautiful 3 year old granddaughter and a new grandchild on the way and I so want to be enjoying this time with them and the family!
    Sorry for the rambling, I tend to do that sometimes!
    Thanks and God Bless….

    Donna

  14. 64
    roxanne worsham says:

    Praise be to God! I remember writing a Christmas letter when my son was about 5 years of age. He was in Pre-K. I asked him what He wanted to say in the Christmas letter and he said, “Jesus is God on earth and God is Jesus in Heaven.” Chew on that a few moments – I think the boy “got it” when he was quite young.

    What a glorious time with the Lord and with family this most holy of seasons. My heart is full and overflowing. So much love spilling out over everywhere.

    How I want to receive Him, the most precious Gift ever given, more and more.

    I had a very blessed and wonderful 2008. I lost 100 lbs this year and praise God for a “new” life. I asked Him to help me be on the outside what I felt like on the inside. I wanted to be a more effective witness for Him but I didn’t want my weight to be a turn off or a hindrance for others. He answered in HUGE ways and I thank Him and give Him all the praise, honor, and glory!!

    May 2009 be most DIVINE for all of my siestas!!

    I love you, Beth! Big God hugs to you and your beautiful family!!!!

    Merry Christmas and a most blessed and holy new year!!

    XOOXOXOXO!!
    Roxanne

  15. 65
    Connie says:

    I want a Jesus year, too, Beth…thanks for your prayers for me. You are very much loved and appreciated!

  16. 66
    Anonymous says:

    Merry Christmas to your family too, Miss Beth! I just knew you would take time to post today and share your fun with us, and so glad I logged on to enjoy it. I’ll take a heaping helping of that Jesus year along with all the other Siestas. I’m off to a good start. I received the prettiest gold cross with diamond accent necklace from my Main Man as well as a Jesus Day by Day book by my “favorite author”…and my little man got what “he has always wanted”, Guitar Praise…so we have had a Rockin’ Christmas night! Enjoy the rest of your Christmas week, and thanks again for sharing your day with us!

  17. 67
    Andreea says:

    Merry Christmas to all of you!!! Ms. Beth, you do rock! I giggled when I read your reference to that phrase because that’s what I always say about you to one of my friends. The said friend, went to a job interview once and then emailed me and said “The person who interviewed me rocks because she had a Beth Moore book on her desk. So She must rock because Beth totally rocks” ๐Ÿ˜€

    Thanks for your wonderful post!

  18. 68
    Anonymous says:

    So very glad it all was great for you.Mine was outstanding but very quite, for one grown child lives 9 hrs away & the orther grown child(with my grandkids)lives 4 hrs away.I my self got a laptop now I havent messed with it yet,but still cant have it.All so cant wait to I learn all about it & get to use it.I got so much more.I all so pray that all have the best year ever in 2009,if not rember he's with you all the time.God bless love siesta in Christ Victoria NC

  19. 69
    Toni says:

    What a wonderful word picture you painted. It sounds like you had a terrific Christmas. Though we lament the fact that we moved 6 hours away from family two years ago, we had a beautiful Christmas with our little bunch just the same. God is so good.

    New Year resolution: Read Beth Moore’s blog and read it regularly.
    Blessings,
    ~Toni~

  20. 70
    Anonymous says:

    Merry Christmas Beth , Keith , Amanda , Melissa , Curtis , Colin , and Jackson !

    Thank you for everything !

    Love ,
    Elizabeth

  21. 71
    Sharon says:

    Merry Christmas, Beth! So glad your Christmas was wonderful. You made my mouth water with all the delicious food you prepared! I'll happily eat any leftovers. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    My husband, ahem, Santa, got our 3 & 5 year old daughters remote control Hell-icopters, too. He insisted they fly them in our house! Yes, IN THE HOUSE — what was he thinking?!!! They weren't even trying to navigate the noisy things…just randomly pressing buttons, fly where it may! Needless to say, I had a fit but reluctantly submitted to my husband's suggestion to relax. Thankfully, nothing broke — not even the hell-icopters (darn). They are hardy little things! I managed to capture some of the nightmare on video and hope to post it before the year is up.

    Beth, your teachings on Jesus have been such a blessing and inspiration to me and many of my family and friends. We have participated in several of your bible studies and are so grateful to God for you! THANK YOU for all you do in pointing us to JESUS! He is the best thing that has ever happened to me/us. I want a JESUS all year long, too!

    May God Bless You and your entire family!

  22. 72
    tealovingmom says:

    MERRY CHRISTMAS, BETH!

    Well, it isn’t technically Christmas now in Texas, but it is here in Hawaii so I’m counting it as good!

    I want me some Jesus this year, too. Thanks for sharing some of your Christmas day and Christmas joy with us!! Our day was so great, too! I’m so thankful for my 3 children and my awesome man.

    Lots of love and Mele Kalikimaka!

    Love,
    Kristen

  23. 73
    Maria Cristina says:

    Sweet Siesta Mama Beth, thank you for the recap of your day!! ๐Ÿ™‚ have a blessed continuation of your Christmas and I send you, Keith, Amanda, Curt, Jackson and Baby Girlie, Melissa and Colin, and – of course! – Star and Geli truly *all* my love ! you guys absolutely rock!
    maria cristina

  24. 74
    Yolanda says:

    Beth and family,

    Merry Christmas and I’m right there with you, I want me a Jesus year also.

    By the way, in case you haven’t heard it, the coolest song by Big Tent Revival, What I want for Christmas….is for the world to know Jesus.

    YES AND AMEN!

    Love,
    Yolanda

  25. 75
    Susan B. says:

    I so want me a Jesus Year,too. Merry Christmas to you all!

  26. 76
    Michelle V says:

    It sounds like you all had a wonderful Christmas! Thank you for sharing with us!

    Blessings
    Michelle

  27. 77
    Gabby says:

    Thank you for the insider recap of the Moore Christmas! How fun!
    So glad you cooked like a pro, and everyone ate like one!
    I went to bed with a prayer of thanks on my lips and woke with one, too.
    As difficult as life can be at times, I take comfort in knowing that I make the journey with others who love Jesus. Can you imagine how we’ll celebrate in Heaven one day?
    Enjoy!

  28. 78
    Anonymous says:

    Merry Christmas Beth, Amanda and Melissa!

    THis WILL be a Jesus year! Hallelujah! No matter what he will be with us – – everyone!

    My Christmas hasn’t started yet. I got a husband out flying passengers around trying to get them all to their homes for Christmas. I’ve got a beautiful tree and all the presents sitting waiting for him. My 4 girls are plenty antsy I can tell you. But they went to Grandma’s yesterday and will have two more “christmas’s” with other relatives before its all over. We’re just spreading it all out a little bit more.

    Love,
    Heidi in Georgia

  29. 79
    Patty says:

    Merry Christmas the day after sweet Beth! I am so happy you all had a great Christmas. Our family had a special Christmas and this year we didn’t have any family here and that was weird but it was a fun a relaxing day. I cooked most of my stuff a day ahead and that allowed me to have a relaxing Christmas morning. We made a huge breakfast and ate a late dinner. I made a turkey breast in the crock pot for the first time, and it was sooooo good. I had a spiral ham and too many sides. ๐Ÿ™‚
    I hope Melissa is feeling better today. I am excited for all of you, for that sweet baby girl to arrive.
    Also, while you are out getting Melissa a new laptop you better pick up a helicopter. lol!
    Praying for a Jesus filled 2009 with you!
    Much love,
    Patty

  30. 80
    Nesha says:

    Thanks for sharing the recap of your day! I am so glad that everybody was together and able to rejoice in Jesus and family. My day started at early too so I could be ready before the boys at 7:00(the 7yr old woke the 11yr up and his words were ‘We have a lot to do today’). After our gift time and a bite to eat, their good friends were calling. My house was full of boys,coming and going, for most of the day! So Good.
    We will have Christmas dinner with my grandparents on Sat. in TN. We are leaving today to travel there. A short stop in Bristol,TN at the speedway were there are 1000’s of lights. It takes about an hour to drive through the path and then it dumps you out on the actual racetrack for one lap(going slow).
    The other awesome thing about going to TN is that I am meeting up with a siesta that was my roommate in San Antonio, TX! I can’t wait to hug her sweet, darling neck again and have our families meet.
    A sweet Jesus year! Yes, I am with you on that one too.

  31. 81
    Marc and Charity says:

    Merry Christmas from Wales, Beth! I loved reading your post, it made me smile.

    My sweet husband gave me your 90 Days with John book for Christmas, how thoughtful of him to have ordered it and shipped it overseas in time for Christmas! ๐Ÿ™‚ With 2 small kids and one due in 6 weeks, those are about all I can find time to do these days. ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m almost done with 90 Days with Jesus. Sigh. It’s taken me way longer than 90 days.

    Hope Melissa gets better soon, what a fun Christmas to have everyone home!

  32. 82
    fuzzytop says:

    Amen and Amen! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Jesus Year! This past year has been such an amazing year. My family has had some diffcult times, and I have had some hard issues I have struggled with, but Jesus has revealed himself to me like never before. This blog has been such a wonderful blessing to me, and this year I found a cherished new friend through this blog – Melana (Moose Mama). Truly blessed!

    Sorry to hear about the laptop… Praying you all stay healthy.

    Much love,
    Adrienne

  33. 83
    Heiress of God says:

    Mama Beth:

    Merry Christmas to you as well!!! I want me a Jesus year for you and me too! And you know what I think he will give it to us, because he loves us so!

    I am so thankful for the blessing s we had this year at our families for Christmas,but more importantly when I went to midnight service, I was blown away at just how much my Jesus loves me… I felt him all over me and at communion I cried. I just could feel his love. Thank you for helping me stay on the right track in 08 and I can’t wait to see what he does for us all in 09.

    Love to you and your family!
    Lichelle

  34. 84
    Nancy Douglas says:

    Merry Christmas to you as well dear one!

  35. 85
    Wrinkled Shirt Ministries says:

    Santa brought me “Esther.” He’s such a smart and thoughtful man!
    Paula G.
    Beaumont, TX

  36. 86
    Kimberly and Grace says:

    Merry Christmas to you as well! We have been traveling for the last week and are getting ready to leave my parents and head home. Grace has presents from Santa waiting under our tree at home so she’s pretty excited to get there. I’m frankly tuckered out! Christmas seems so crazy for us each year.

    I,too, want Jesus for Christmas…Mooredor style!

    Love to all you Siestas! Merry Christmas and a Wonderful, blessed New Year! ;o)

    Kimberly

  37. 87
    Melanie says:

    Merry Day-After-Christmas, Beth. I’m glad you all had such a wonderful day. And as great as Christmas day was for us, I think sleeping in the day after was almost a smidge better.

    Much love to you.
    Melanie

  38. 88
    Toknowhim says:

    Beautiful recap from one of my favorite families!!! Merry Christmas, and looking forward to 2009…more of Jesus!!!

  39. 89
    Ashton says:

    Merry Christmas, my friend. Sounds like you guys had such a sweet time…sigh

    It was pleasant at my sister’s (Clai’s) yesterday. It was Clai, Scott (her husband), Sophie (their daughter) Spencer (their son) Shanel (his wife) my mom and me. It has been more pleasant during this holiday time, more so than the years before. My brother-in-law who is a Christian prayed over the food. I don’t think my sister is a Christian. Their son Spencer is and so is his wife, Shanel. We held hands and prayed. Did this too at Thanksgiving at the eating time.

    As we sat at the table I was thinking of the movie I watched again, Passion of the Christ. I wanted to share my view of it, but I was not going to just start talking about it w/o content. Then, in the midst of our conversations Spencer said (like out of the blue), “in the Passion of the Christ, the actor that was playing the part was struck by lightening on the cross” ok…here is my que to share. So, I gingerly told them my thoughts of the movie and said, everything that any of us have ever been through in all of history, sad, anger, happy all the emotions and struggles we have was exhibited in that week when Christ went through the breaking of bread, the prayer, the arrest, the trial, the torture, the crucifixion and the resurrection…Wow. There is so much, so many answers and clues right there, right there. Then, I shared something I read, that the denomas power (Holy Spirit) to me is like taking the smallest bullet or explosive and in that, just that will destroy, desmantle darkness. Don’t need any more than that. It was stirring for me to share. Shanel told me later that she felt that, that was encouraging for me.

    So then the rest of the time was just simple chilling with Scott, Clai, Spencer, Shanel and Sophie. Nothing planned, it was a way to trust. Because with me when I am at someones home sometimes it feels like there has to be a plan, has to be a reason, and, not to just be. Not been like that at my brother-in-laws in when I don’t remember when! But a long time.
    Love, allison

  40. 90
    gg2002 says:

    Thanks so much for posting your day!!! Yes I want a Jesus year too!!! I’m in Texas too and yes we cook alot of food you are right how do we know how much food our family can eat????? Must have plenty!!!That’s part of the tradition!!! Jesus is the reason for the season and the reason for all 12 months of the year. I am listening to Travis’ Alive Forever Cd on my new MP3 player – what a blessing – the music – not not the MP3 player. I love you Jesus!! I want my whole family to experience God and Jesus the way I have through my studies with you, Beth, thank you so much for your teachings and can’t wait until next year – I’m studying Esther right now – what a blessing!!

    GG2002

  41. 91
    Teri~Facedown says:

    It sounds like your Christmas was filled with all the right things! And, congratulations on such a fine meal! I am SO proud of you. (By the way, you DO totally ROCK!)

  42. 92
    WOW says:

    It sounds like your husband got what I wanted for Christmas this year! Our Christmas was great also, my whole family came and it was wild chaos! I loved it. 6 children between 1 and 6! I am so grateful for my family. May God bless you, Beth, your family and all the siestas out there! I pray we all get some more Jesus in the New Year! Amen.
    Lisa

  43. 93
    Kristen says:

    Merry Christmas Mama Siesta and to all of my Siestas!

    Thank you Beth, for sharing your wonderful Christmas celebration with us.

    Joy to the World! The Lord is Come! Let earth receive her King!!!! Let EVERY heart, prepare Him room!!!!

  44. 94
    Jesusistheparty! says:

    Happy Jesus New Year to you and the fam!!!

  45. 95
    "Dove" says:

    What a fabulous post! Sounds like a wonderful celebration, and AMEN to a Jesus year. Let’s just love on Him like crazy for the rest of 2008, and usher in 2009 by falling in love with Him all over again. Shall we?? Thank you, Mama, for helping me to grow and mature in my faith. I love Him like crazy, because you teach me how.

    God Bless You!! And very, very merry!! Now, go get you a big plate of leftovers! ๐Ÿ™‚

  46. 96
    Tammy says:

    Merry Christmas Mama Beth, I want a Jesus year too. Our family enjoyed eating way too much, watching movies, and just being together. It was such sweet memories. Do you know that I had to help put my son’s race track together cause my sweet man refused to read the directions and then wondered why it wouldn’t go together. I have that in pictures…heheheh

    Love to you all and pray that Melissa feels better soon.

  47. 97
    Praying Paula says:

    Thanks for making this past year wonderful..even though we have our ups and downs, the Bible study sure does pull us out of ourselves and into Word of our Most High. Oh, thanks for setting my heart on fire for the Lord this past year and changing it forever. Prayers are with you and your entire family.

  48. 98
    Mary Watkins says:

    Merry Christmas, dear Beth and family! It sounds as if you had a wonderful time yesterday celebrating our Lord’s birth with your family. I am so glad. Thanks for sharing a glimpse with your Siestas.

    I am writing this morning with headphones on and Christmas music cranked up high. I am not ready for Christmas to be over quite yet.
    Christmas day in our home sounds pretty similar to yours. Family, food, and fun. Even the dogs received gifts. They got new toys and raw hide Christmas cards that read, “Merry Christmas from Santa Paws”.

    May Jesus fill our lives in he coming year.

    Hugs,
    Mary

  49. 99
    valerie says:

    Sounds like you did an excellent job of cooking….all my favorites! You do rock….no brag, just fact.

    I laughed out loud at the part about you being in a wheel chair.

    I'm so glad your whole family was able to be together.
    My family is so blessed too. I think one of my favorite pictures I got this year is of my dad (who has been a preacher for 50 years) saying the prayer before we had Christmas breakfast & my 27 yr. old son has his eyes closed in prayer beside him.

    God is good and I'm so thankful for His goodness to me and my family.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family & staff.
    Love,
    Valerie
    P.S. Our ladies….all 34 of us….will begin Esther Jan. 12. I can't wait!

  50. 100
    bunnyh says:

    Beth, you are so real, just like the rest of us who love you like a sister cause you’re so much fun to love! We can laugh and cry with you on a personal level yet get a Word from God through you that will knock us off our feet over and over again.
    Sounds like a complete and blessed friendship to me!
    Thank you for sharing your Christmas with all of us, sure warmed my heart to know you all could be together. I feel sure love abounded in the Moore home.
    A Jesus year, huh…I can sure go for that!!!
    much love to your family,bunny

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