Yesterday a really nice dude delivered the most beautiful red box to my door (looked like new shoes, was hoping it was new shoes) with the words “Edible Arrangements” on the outside of the card. The inside had a fun note from Travis and Angela saying how happy they were that I was coming to the taping of his new worship CD this weekend. I can hardly wait. I am so anxious to get back with my team and I also get to see my baby girl – and, by the way, Georgia Jan! I opened the box to behold the most beautiful array of big, fat strawberries and quarters of green apples you’ve ever seen and each dipped (maybe even double-dipped) in dark chocolate.
It’s sort of a joke between us. You see, I hate fruit. I don’t know why. I just never developed a taste for it. For one thing, it was expensive to buy for a family of eight and my family growing up not only didn’t have an extra dime. We could have used somebody else’s. We mostly ate Twinkies and Ding Dongs because they came in a family pack. I think I started the chocolate-covered fruit thing with the Cottrells several years ago when I sent a package for Travis’s birthday. I thought it kinda cleverly described our two families. They love fruit. We love chocolate.
Anyway, the only reason Travis Cottrell eats remotely healthy is because of his wife. I have long said that the greatest proof of God’s love for Travis beyond his salvation is Angela Cottrell. She is Wonder Woman. Years ago when she may have been at the summit of her culinary health-consciousness, I got to stay in their very sanguine home. Jackson, their oldest (middle schooler now, and, yes, where we came to love that name), was really young. Maybe five. Levi wasn’t even a twinkle in his parents’ eye yet. Jack and I were sitting in our pj’s at their breakfast table and Angela announced, “Beth, since we have company this morning, I’ll fix pancakes!” I was elated. I adore Angela Cottrell and would eat anything just to sit at the same table with her. She is one of my favorite women in the world to muse over God’s Word with. But, we weren’t having Bible study that morning. We were having breakfast. And, to be honest, I’d anticipated that we might have something like granola and soy milk and we’d chug it down with barley green. (I’ve witnessed this very phenomenon at their house a number of times.) I think I’ve told you somewhere along the way that I was raised on Jimmy Dean sausage, burned to a crisp, and cheap canned biscuits for breakfast. (Still love it. Had that very fare within last 48 hours.) Pancakes. I couldn’t have been happier. Then out came the whole wheat flour from the cupboard. Hope deferred.
Oh, but the company was good. Jack and I talked a million miles an hour. When he was little, he thought my first name was “Bethmoore.” He called me the whole thing like it was just one word. It was terribly endearing and made me smile every time he said it. (I still love Jack. He was my handsome, very polite and engaging date to a wedding in Nashville not very long ago.) We talked it up while Angela flipped whole wheat pancakes and I got hungrier and hungrier. Finally, she put a plate down right in front of me, stacked three-high. They looked a little odd. Kinda like someone had spilled the Quaker Oats in the frying pan and she forgot to wash it before she poured the batter. I was raised with too many manners not to eat what my host set in front of me and, anyway, my stomach was growling so loud that their wiener dog was practically growling back. I took my first bite.
And they were incredible. I couldn’t believe it. Listen, this is a woman who feels pious when she eats wheat bread and if I drink a bottle of water, I tell everyone all day long that I did. They don’t care but I tell them anyway. I mean, stinking incredible. My plate was empty long before Jack’s pancakes were even on the table. I looked at him while I was eating them and said, “Jack, these pancakes will change your life.”
“No, they won’t.”
“Yes, Jack, they really will. I’ve never tasted a pancake this good. Your mother is the best cook in the whole wide world. I’m serious. These pancakes will change your life.”
“No, they won’t, Bethmoore.”
“Yes, Jack Cottrell, they really will. They will change your life.”
About the time I swallowed my last bite, Travis hollered at me from the other room and told me that if I didn’t get with it, we were going to be late. (Don’t even remember now where we were going. I think I had a flight home.) I hopped up, thanked Angela, probably kissed Jackson on the head and shot upstairs before he even got his pancakes. Angela said the kitchen was silent for a couple of seconds. Then that precocious boy said, “Bethmoore makes me hungry.” We’ve howled about it ever since.
I know that’s random. I don’t even know why I wrote it. I think because I have HONESTLY eaten more fruit in the last 12 hours than I have ever eaten in my life. And I feel high. Do you think it was the fruit?
Or the chocolate?
Gotta go. Sausage and biscuits almost done.
I love y’all today.
Such a profound truth from such a little person…..you’ve certainly made me hungry.
This reminds me of the story of you getting a salad because you couldn’t say no. God love ya……you’re eating the fruit!
Have a great time tonight!
Fabulous! Thanks for sharing this hilarious story.
Also, can’t wait for the CD! The girls in our Bible study are Travis groupies! We love when a new CD comes out!
Forever His,
Lawan Rivera
Phil 4:8
Bethmoore I’m gonna have to drive to east Texas and get some of my aunt’s cheese grits, slab bacon, and homemade (not whole wheat) biscuits covered in the gravy made from the bacon drippin’s…
Bethmoore YOU KNOW WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ABOUT…
Please pass along to Curtis… I ordered the devotional CD and have for a couple of days been contemplating how I might “gift” it to my man. I received the notice from the delivery company that it was on the way…”expect delivery tomorrow”… Well today we arrived home after a difficult meeting we had to attend that didn’t go the way we had prayed and hoped for. Well, the package was on the door step. He asked what the package was and before I could “do an end around” and defer the topic until I was better prepared, I just said “I ordered a devotional series put together by Beth Moore’s son-in-law”. He replied “for who”? I couldn’t very well dodge the ball now…so I responded “You, but you may not be interested right now, I don’t know anything about the CD but Curtis’ blog message was very cute?!?!” (can you just hear the hesitation and trepidation in my voice).
So, blessings of all blessings he took the box, opened it, and after looking at it said “Is this a DVD series? Where is the workbook?”
After I recovered from hearing the tone of acceptance and interest in my man’s voice, I explained that it was a cd to play in the car during his commute. He said “Great!”, kissed me, grabbed his things and headed out the door…CD IN HAND!
Is that not the greatest?! I know the Lord was helping me out with this one. I know, that left to my own devices, I would have either “gifted” it in a way to totally put him off, or never gotten the nerve to give it at all. My God is always listening and won’t miss an opportunity to get involved. Halleluiah!
Gotta go call my aunt about some grits!
Thanks for the laugh.
Lauri
Your whimsical comments always brighten my day. I could literally smell the whole wheat pancakes and savor the dark chocolate covered fruit. I praise God for you Bethmoore!!
I love your ramdomness! It makes me smile 🙂
Mmmm that makes me hungry!
Can’t wait till Sunday! Emmy : )
Bethmoore!
I love you and your stories. I’ll be thinking about and praying for y’all this weekend while I am at a retreat with a bunch of Jr. Highers. Bless us all! 😉
Give that sweet Melissa and Georgia Jan a hug for me.
Love, love!
Lindsee
I praise God for you so often Bethmoore. Thanks for the laugh. I’m in agreement with the others. You make me hungry for the Word of God.
OHMYGOSH!! I LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE anything and on Strawberries–haven’t tried it on apples-but sounds yummy!! Love your stories bethmoore!!
That was HILARIOUS! I don’t know whether to take this as a sign from the Lord to stay away from it or permission to go out and eat me some CHOCOLATE COVERED SOMETHING! You see, I just started my new life of trying to eat better and have less sugar intake. I love loving you Bethmoore, Carla Lee
Now I want pancakes, fruit and chocolate!! Thanks for the laugh:)
I send those to a friend every Christmas and she says they’re divine. I have yet to share in the greatness! I love you, too, Bethmoore!
Amy in OK
Oh Bethmoore!
We love you so!
Thanks for the laughs, the love, the lessons in life.
Blessings from your sisters in the convent!
I ALWAYS LOVE YOUR STORIES!
THANK YOU so much for that post this morning!!
Bethmoore makes me hungry to be closer to Jesus! Thank you,Beth! You will never fully know the extent of your power and purpose until heaven greets you; you have helped me through some very dark days. I truly love you.
Lisa, Maine
I will never bore of your stories!
Luvin you and and SOOO excited to see you for the first time(in person) this weekend.
Charlotte
Hey there ladies – We are starting the Esther Bible study for a group of 18-25er’s. So I was wondering if y’all would be willing to pray that as we young girls meet, that the Lord would begin to teach us and raise us up as a God fearing generation in today’s world. And that we would trully know what it means to be a woman of God. Thank you for you love and prayers!
Blessings!
Sarah
My husband brought home a flyer the other day that had all that chocolate covered fruit in it. Looked good but I’m like you….I’d just rather eat the chocolate!
I have been asked to facilatate your “Esther” Bible study for all our volunteers at the pregnancy center where I work one day a week. Last night I watched the intro and first lesson DVDs and was so helped and excited! You see, this was the first time I had ever seen you teach! My internet is dial-up so have not even been able to watch the little videos you put up sometimes. You are a very gifted teacher and speaker. Hmmmm….that sounded pretty lame I guess because…duh!….of COURSE you are! I am very excited about the new Bible study. You see, I have done a couple of your studies but with the workbook only and by myself at home. I have NEVER done a Bible study with a group of women, much less led one, so please remember me in prayer.
And….I want to add that I LOVE it when you write random things so we can get a picture of your normal everyday life! 🙂
May God bless you as you stay SO busy for Him!
A sister in Mississippi,
Marilyn
That is a funny story Bethmoore. Thanks for sharing. I am also enjoying very much your study of Esther and I am blown away with its timeliness. My VVPG daughter and I are taking it together, our fifth study together. Your week 2 video readings from the Red Book on motherhood kicked her pregnancy emotions into high gear tears. 🙂 It was sweet. And you can count us as two who think you are not only precious, but beautiful!!
I feel so much better now. Fruit is expensive and I rarely buy it. You can stop by the day old rack and get an entire cake for $2.00 or a huge box of donuts for .99 cents! I was the same way growing up… How funny huh? Love you all!
Judy
I love you back, Bethmoore!! That was a hoot!
It’s my sweet hubby’s birthday today and it is a tradition to set the table the night before (in secret) for the birthday “child” to wake up to. All sorts of decorations, pictures, figurines and favorite foods are placed around the plate and a special birthday poster. I’m just thinking how funny it is that all Carl’s favorites are chocolate related! Last night I almost stuck a banana in the mix to make him smile. Yes, Bethmoore, you would fit right into this family! Big hugs! Jax
I love it! And I love you, BethMoore. 🙂 You help the Lord to create a hunger in ME, for the Word. Even pancakes and chocolate covered strawberries can’t beat that! 🙂
I’ll be there Sunday also!!! Can’t wait to worship with y’all! 🙂
I make whole wheat pancakes for my kiddos sometimes and they LOVE them! (I should add that I put chocolate chips in them — really, it’s the best of both worlds)
love the story bethmoore!
see you Sunday at my home church!
ps…
my daughter Emily watches you on Wednesdays with me, and has seen some of your videos here at home, and she says it like Jackson “I like that Bethmoore, Mama”!
She has been begging me for all of last year to take her to a LPM conference. “Mama, you love going to them so much, why can’t I go with you?”
And here y’all are, coming to our church this Sunday, and she gets to go with me. This little 8 year old is SOOO happy!
xoxo
I am glad I read this post in the privacy of my own home because lately Beth’s humor has an embarrassing effect on me… I am nearly 8 months pregnant with Baby #2 and bladder control has become a real issue. Case in point: Last Tuesday, I attended the introductory session for Beth’s “Esther” study. I was sitting at a table with eight new ladies whom I’d never met before (we’ve just joined a new church), and Beth was reading some quotes (which I assume she got off of this blog that have to do with the three hardest things about being a woman). We were all laughing out loud – and in agreement – at the person who wrote “#1. Hormones. #2. Hormones. #3. Hormones.” And then she delievered this one: “The hardest thing about being a woman is wearing panties and trying to hide the fact that I do.” Eruptions of laughter sprang forth all over the room. I joined in with it all and then…you guessed it! I was still laughing about the quote as I planned my exit route to the nearest bathroom with my coat tied securely around my waist. But – it was all worth it. That was one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard. Thanks for sharing God’s Word with us with such a beautiful mixture of humor, Beth.
Bethmoore,
You are hilarious! I would eat EVERYTHING dipped in chocolate if I had your figure- you sweet thing.
And please tell VVPG that she looks absolutely radiant!!
I know ya’all are ready to get through the next 3 weeks quickly for the arrival of Baby Girl Jones. We Siestas are excited, too, and praying for her safe and healthy arrival.
love,
Houston Ann
This cracked me up. And… yes, bethmoore makes me hungry too… for the HIM and HIS WORD.
And I am with you… chocolate on anything improves the taste.
Lynn
Yum. Tomorrow is Saturday and my hubby hasn’t made us Saturday pancakes in a while. Hmmm…
Chocolate covered strawberries. Double Yum!!! We were at a relative’s wedding last summer when my 4 year old fell in love with chocolate covered strawberries. Those babies were huge! My little Emily ate the entire thing in 3 bites. Stem and all! LOL!
On a side note, we are loving Esther here in Aggieland. Your member books are flying off the shelf. We had 25 and needed 15 more. Both Christian stores in town were out as were their distributors. Thankfully we had them sent 2 day from Lifeway so our ladies wouldn’t be behind. You are well represented and love in Aggieland Beth!
Hello. I am a new comer to the LPM blog–or any blog for that matter. I first discovered your beautiful words, Beth, on election day when I was searching for some comfort during my heartbreak. I have not been able to read many other blogs since due to my beautiful and very active 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 year old children. However, today I decided I was going to check in. Your stories are so hilarious, and after doing several of your bible studies, I can absolutely picture you saying every word–which makes me laugh even louder. I just adore you and your honesty.
I completely empathize with you and your love for the sausage and biscuit menu. I was raised in the midwest (MO) where that was a staple breakfast–inexpensive and very filling. Ding-Dong's wrapped in foil were also a love of mine–not the same flavor today in the plastic seal. Although I do love fruit, it certainly was not then, and has not been, in the forefront of my menu selection until just recently. Most of the fruit we received growing up was either given to us from a friend or from the small amount that we grew ourselves. However, now that i am a mother, and understand the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, I have made a conscious effort to change my lifestyle and plant a seed for my children (and hopefully my husband) to follow. So, long story short, I am with Crissy T. and would enjoy a copy of that pancake recipe if Angela is willing to share.
Thank you, Beth, for sharing your life with all of us.
In His Love~
~Stephanie
<><
Ok bethmoore…you don’t eat fruit but you do eat chocolate and you don’t like water…hmmmm and you look ‘jus darlin’ in your ‘darlin’ clothes…how ever do you do it? I never get to have chocolate?!
Hugs
Momma Siesta, or now, Bethmoore,
I was so sad to have missed you and everyone else at the Siesta Fiesta this summer. There just wasn’t the money in this stay at home mommy’s budget. BUT Sunday night I get to see you and Travis in my very own home town!! I am OVER THE MOON!!! I keep trying to win meet and greet tickets on our local radio station, The Fish, but so far get “all circuits are busy, please try your call later.” Oh well, just know that I will be meeting you in spirit and am SOOOOO incredibly delighted that I will be there listening to you and Travis (and Cindy, don’t want to forget Cindy!!) SOOOO very excited…. Here’s to hoping I win tickets to meet you in the flesh, this side of heaven!!
I LOVED that and I so needed that laugh! 😀
Thank you!
Thank you for the humor. You will never know how much these random blogs mean to me. Chocolate fruit is the way to go!!! But wait don’t LEMON bars count as a fruit?? My friend sells them at her bakery and I KNOW they came straight from heaven.
Bethmoore – you make me hungry too! For the Word of God and something mexican!
Love to you
Kim . . .who is
Grafted by Grace
I second the request for the pancake recipe from Angela! It’s always nice when something healthy and something tasty are one in the same…
The chocolate definitely! :o)
Kimberly
Edible Arrangements are the best things ever! Eat your flowers ?- how cool is that?!!!
Georgia Jan is a siesta, y’all!
Well I call you Bethmoore too….that’s just who you are to us and nothing else would fit….
You’re making me hungry…last weekend I had a craving for Ding Dongs….hand’t had one in years!! I looked at box and it was $3! No way! I did not buy them. I still wont’ a Ding Dong and now more than ever….maybe you’ll send me just one….
It has been a very very wild day at work. I even forgot to do payroll this morning….every Friday I do payroll….it’s embedded in me but not this week….until an employee came in wanting her check..I think I need chocolate!
Back to work, just taking a short break
Bethmoore you make me hungry too – in the spiritual ways for God’s holy word. Thank you so much. And, seriously your post was hilarious! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t been able to completely get on the eat healthy train! 🙂
There’s Mandisa, Cher, Prince and now Bethmoore – you are a one name phenom! And I just adore you! Was blessed to be with you in New Orleans and now will get the chance to see you in Atl!
Everything is better dipped in chocolate! That’s my motto!
Praying for you as you travel.
Love the story, Bethmoore! Gotta go get a snack now!
(We’re starting Esther Monday and I am SO excited! I’ve been previewing and studying ahead of my girls and I can’t WAIT!)
thank you again for keeping it real, beth! and a lotta fun.
Please be RANDOM with us any time you like. I’ve been intentionally trying to laugh more… which is why I came to check out your blog.. and wouldn’t ya know – you posted something just plain FUNNY. The kids and I also just finished watching Tim Hawkins new trailer – I’m Not a Rockstar. If ya’ll aren’t familiar with Tim, you need to be!! He’s a Christian comedian and friend of the fam. Check him out here (if you don’t mind me posting a link, Bethmoore):
http://www.timhawkins.net/video-audio.php
Or just go to youtube and type in Tim Hawkins. You’ll get ALL KINDS of funny stuff to watch.. and it’s FAMILY FRIENDLY. Check out – Things You Don’t Say To Your Wife.
Love ya’ll!!! Oh ~ and I vote that it’s the chocolate AND the fruit. YUM!!
you are too funny Bethmoore
In Him,
Beth (not moore)
Today when I went to lunch, I noticed next door a brand new Edible Arrangements store. Due to the power of suggestion from reading your blog earlier today, I popped in and looked around. Then I thought, what a nice treat those strawberries would make for my husband’s administrative assistant on Valentine’s Day! I hope they make her as happy as they made you, Miss Beth!
What a great story! I can’t possibly read all 205 comments in front of me but I’m hoping I can’t possibly be the only person who wants Angela’s recipe for life-changing whole wheat oatmeal pancakes! Or can I?
And I’m going to go with the chocolate making you high. Or maybe somehow Travis was able to infuse a preview of Friday night into that box if fruit! I for one CAN.NOT.WAIT for the CD to come out!
Love you ‘Bethmoore”!!!
Thanks for the story. Something funny amidst a yucky day of headlines proclaiming that the ban on abortion funds will be lifted…Oh Father please forgive those who go against your will. Please Father, teach them your ways and make them search for you.
Happy Friday Mama Beth!
Kate in Charlottesville
Bethmoore! I think you have a new moniker! Isn’t it amazing what God does with our food habits??
Blessings,
Mare