Just Taking A Little Walk

OK, so yesterday Melissa and I didn’t get to take our traditional daily long-walk when she’s home that always includes all manner of theological banter until way late in the afternoon. Big mistake. Border Collie’s can’t wait to get their daily exercise until 5:00 PM. By that time their obsessive compulsive disorder has overrun their people-pleasing demeanors and they are like walking a forty-pound squirrel on a leash while it’s raining acorns. Star does just fine on a walk…unless there is one iota of external stimuli. Like a person walking by. Or a car passing. Or a bird tweeting. At which point, she begins her raw rendition of the canine spastic zigzag. I have never once said, “Heel!” to Star without prefacing it with, “Oh, no.”

Just about the time the theological pot thickened and Melissa and I were perhaps taking ourselves a tad too seriously, Star needed to…well…you know. Not number one. “Hold up,” I said to Melissa while I waited until Star made a deposit in at least four different spots including the sidewalk. So, I held tight to the leash while pulling the black plastic bag out of my back pocket with one hand. Yes, I am a rule keeper. Keith always has all sorts of ideas what to do with it besides bag it but I refuse to act like I’m listening to whose porch he wants to put it on and only on rarest occasion fail to stifle a grin. He’s awful.

“OK, Honey, go ahead.” So Melissa picked up the doctrinal treatment where she’d left off and we got back in step. Only it was admittedly a bit more awkward with the heavy black bag dangling in my right hand. And it was an eternity to the next trash bin. Then she saw it. Star, that is. A bald dude with kind of a paunchy stomach (I’m visual. I need you to picture it) who looked to be in his late thirties and like he may not have had a girlfriend since ’73, walking some variety of a bull dog. No, not just walking. Training. He’d take about four steps then halt the dog and give it a treat. For crying out loud, man! Get on with it!

Then they got about five feet from us. It was more than Star could take. Off she went. Me behind her. Legs flying. Not hers. Bag now swinging. Jostling. Smacking me on right shoulder. Left shoulder. Upper arm. Lower arm. Trying to hit Star with bag. Miss dog. Spill part of bag.

By the time we recovered, Melissa could no longer remember what she was talking about. All she knew was that “something stinks.”

I think it was me.

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200 Responses to “Just Taking A Little Walk”

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Comments:

  1. 151
    bethany says:

    Thank you for the laugh Beth (and I am supposed to be quiet here in Barnes and Noble but could not resist!)
    I needed that laugh as I just opened an email previous to checking the blog and found that I’ve yet again brought hurt on myself in a Christian relationship. I don’t know who to trust anymore! I’m beginning to believe that no one is trustworthy ….don’t mean to be a downer just grateful for you and your ministry…thanks for the laugh…I can always trust truth from you and a good chuckle now and again!

  2. 152
    bethany says:

    Heather in CA…you can get the spiral notecards at Rite Aid…that is where I found mine…nothing cute, just regular “mead” brand notecards but does the job!
    As for the OCD with the notecards…the pack I’m using I originally wrote the verses for the Daniel study and took them out (luckily my notecards are on a clasp ring so I can remove them w/o ripping them off!)to start the verses for this year. Another idea sisestas…I am memorizing my verse as well as Beth’s verse…then you get 48 verses for the year!

  3. 153
    SBL says:

    Now THAT is absolutely hysterical, and I so love your stories, Beth! Thanks so much for sharing them with us. ๐Ÿ™‚ Which reminds me — It was, in fact, one of your stories that completely captured my attention just a couple years ago. They say that “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Well, a couple years ago, I was reading Zig Ziglar’s book BETTER THAN GOOD, and I came across a story of yours in there, and as I read it, I was laughing myself silly in the beginning, but by the end of the story, I literally had goosebumps and tears were rolling down my face. I thought to myself, “Who IS this woman?” So . . . off I went in search of more information about some lady named Beth Moore, and my life has not been the same since. I have read BELIEVING GOD and BREAKING FREE and several of your other books. I have also participated in several of your Bible studies, and I love having the audio CDs in the car with me on the way to work. And needless to say, I love being a “siesta”! I have been reading the blog on a regular basis for some time now but haven’t taken the time to post very much. You should know, however, that what you do here and what you share with us all makes a huge difference, and it nurtures our souls just as well as yours. I am flat-out amazed at what God is up to in all of our lives and how he sometimes uses the smallest of things — like your story in Zig Ziglar’s book — to completely change our lives. You see, up until that point, I had always felt so terribly self-conscious about my own lack of Bible knowledge, and when other people started talking about it, I often felt just a bit intimidated and quite unworthy to even join the discussion. One time, I even decided to buy myself a brand new Bible and show up for Wednesday night Bible study at one of the larger churches here in town, and guess what??? I was the ONLY one who showed up that night. I thought, “Lord, what are you trying to tell me now?” Little did I know that I would soon discover not only a phenomenal Bible study teacher but also a truly amazing woman who has somehow become a treasured friend to so many of us here who have yet to even meet you in person. Maybe one Tuesday night I’ll just grab my Bible and show up for Bible study in Houston! Until then, I’ll look forward to seeing you in New Orleans in April. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks again just for being who you are, Beth!

    Suzanne — Baton Rouge, LA

  4. 154
    Hearingw/myheart says:

    Gosh! You had me laughing hard! My son is playing on his Wii – and was wondering what I was laughing about! You hit the perfect spot – laughing hard that my stomach hurts!
    **********
    Beth,

    I am also sorry that your inner soul was hurt by a comment that was provided through the enemy. Through 2008, I had my tremendous share of fighting the enemy with negative talk – which turned into my own negative self-talk. I read a scripture 1 Peter 1:22 “Love one another DEEPLY.” That is a tough one. Even though I had been crushed, I learned to love the person deeply through Christ – that I simply turned my own hurt …..to hurting for that person. May He heal the pain, and replace the pain with grace.

    Much love to you, my Sister in Christ!
    Lea

  5. 155
    Wendy says:

    Beth,

    At least you used the right sized bag..While walking my sister’s Aussie, I mistakenly brought a little sandwich baggie (thinking I was walking a chihuahua) and when I bent over to pick up the large pile, she took off–at which time the VERY FULL baggie launched INTO THE AIR! As I made a grab for it, its contents squeezed over into my hand.

    So there I was running back for the house–crazy dog on a leash in one hand and YUK!!! in the other. Needless to say, wrangling the dog and a trash can lid with one hand didn’t help. I think I washed my hands about 14 times trying to get the smell off me.

    Note to dog walkers–herders need pinch collars (sorry Victoria Stillwell!!!) and trash bags when walked!

    BTW–I had to turn down teaching your Bible study Esther this spring at church, b/c my 2nd Welsh Corgi is going through therapy dog training. I figured you would understand–especially if I promise to do my Scripture memory. ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. 156
    Sherry says:

    Don’t ya just love doggie doodoo, we live in the country and usually I find it on the bottom of my shoe. They have many areas to go poo at and usually they pick my flower bed. Gotta love um’.

    I do have funny about the memory scripture…I walked by mine on the kitchen counter looked at my 14year old and I said I have to get busy memorizing this…she looked at me in the way 14 year olds do …and said “mom what do you think they are going to do to you if you don’t.” I laughed until I cried….but now I know you have stored black baggies of smelly doggie doodoo.

  7. 157
    Fran says:

    Hi Beth,
    I will be in New Orleans April 3-4 to see you! Can’t wait- haven’t seen you since the last time you were there!
    Will you and all the Siestas please pray for my son Sam, 22, as he and his mission team from Jackson, MS go to Honduras Sun. Jan. 4-Sun. Jan.11? This is his first out-of-the-country mission trip. He is a college senior “on the brink” of where God is taking him in his adult life!
    Thank you so much!!
    Love you,
    Fran

  8. 158
    thouartloosed says:

    Oh. My. Word. You are hilarious!

  9. 159
    Anonymous says:

    I too am pretty OCD when it comes to these neat things so I am typing my scriptures out on the computer and printing them out then gluing them into my spiral notebook. Just in case somone else might like to look at them and can’t read my writing. After reading through all of the responses I am pretty sure that I have enough scriptures that I want to memorize I will have them picked out at least until June! Thanks ladies, this is so much fun.

    Trying to be more like HIM!
    Angie B. in Platte, SD

  10. 160
    Abby says:

    mama beth its alright…i’m a full time nanny (often to twin 1 year olds) and have gotten used to smelling like p*op. ๐Ÿ™‚ i never know if it’s actually ON me, or if the smell is just stuck in my nose

    i guess it’s better to smell like it than feel like it ๐Ÿ™‚
    so i guess for part of the day we both have cr*p jobs. literally. ๐Ÿ˜€ hehe. ew.

  11. 161
    Anonymous says:

    Oh my dear Beth,

    How awful !!!

    We Love You, no matter what, dearie.
    ———————————-

    I have a question for you… being the great Bible teacher you are… =) What is the method that you use to memorize Scripture? I am in your
    “Scripture Memory Team”, and need some godly advice, as to some of the best ways to memorize God’s Word, please !!!

    I NEED to have a “Jesus year” in 2009; as 2008 was one of the most difficult years of my entire lifetime.

    In Christ’s Love,

    Jennifer Olmstead

    Janesville, Wisconsin

  12. 162
    Technonana says:

    Too funny!!! I loved it all the way to the end!!
    I’m with Keith!!! but my neighbors are very nice people, pretty much!!

  13. 163
    Phyllis says:

    Beth,
    You are too funny!

    Thanks for the laugh~

    You are the funniest God fearing author/teacher/friend!

    May God bless you richly this year.

    PT

  14. 164
    Casey says:

    Beth,

    I am sorry to hear you got your feelings hurt and for some reason your Fruit of the Sprirt Study came to mind. The skit where she offers the fruit but, it isn’t wanted or even returned. That has helped me in many of the friend and family issues I have. Believe me I have a HUGELY dysfunctional family. I am declaring God has his hands in breaking the generational cycle of sin. This isn’t necessarily for the blog, but just wanted you to know I am sorry for whatever frustrations you are having to deal with. I think so many of us look up to you and think you are untouchable. So wrong of us! I laughed so hard over your story of Star’s walk. You are one stinking funny woman ( pardon the pun.) I have attempted to come and hear you teach twice and both times they have fallen through. Can’t wait to see what the Lord will let me hear when I eventually get there. Much Love to you Beth. don’t feel like you need to post this!

  15. 165
    Technonana says:

    Hi Beth.. I see that you have commented on babies.. I just have to tell you about a miracle that God has worked in My Youngest daughter’s life…
    If you would like to read about some real joy, go to http://www.sweetsouthernpearl and read her story.
    She gave me “90days with The One and Only” last year for Christmas, and this year “90 days with the Beloved disciple”. Loved the first one, just began the John.
    On Jan. 8 starting Ester with my Ladies Bible Study Group.
    Thanks for all the wisdom!!
    Love you Girl!!

  16. 166
    julie says:

    Too funny! Been there, done that! Beth, you gotta watch the show “It’s Me or the Dog”…we have three active dogs and this show is fast becoming my favorite.

    julie

  17. 167
    Groovewoman รขโ„ขยซ says:

    Hahahahahaha – OH MY STARS THAT IS HILARIOUS!

    And can i just say… EWWW!!!

  18. 168
    Pamela (His maidservant) says:

    Precious! I could visualize this. Too funny!!

    In his Graces~Pamela

  19. 169
    Room for Grace says:

    Thanks for the giggle!
    Had such a similar experience yesterday, but with my 2 yr old daughter. She’d made a big mess in her diaper, the kind that doesn’t clean up real easily. So while I’m attempting the diaper/clothes change with a difficulty level of at least 9.2, she scrunches up her face and says, “I SMELL SUMPIN!”
    Well, yes you do, darlin, and it’s all over you.
    I’m sure there’s a bible study illustration sometwhere in there.

  20. 170
    Heiress of God says:

    Beth:

    Good Morning… I was laughing so hard my sides were just aching and I could so picture this happening and wondering … just what Melissa was thinking as she saw her mother being dragged down the street with legs and arms flying? What a sight that was I bet.

    Two things I would like to comment on then it is off to church..

    1.. I rang in the new year doing something I have never done before. New Years has always been a depressing time for me and usually I am in bed just watching the ball drop alone and then off to sleep. Never been one to make too many resolutions either… Didn’t seem to make them last long. Anyway this year a very dear friend of mine said.. we are not starting you out this way for 2009. So starting about 11 we made a list of things I wanted to see happen in 09 and then we prayed in the New Year … One item at a time. It was 12:30 before we stopped praying and praising him.. We even prayed for your year too!!! yippee!!! I got off that phone just jumping up and down singing and praising.. him… It was a Jesus night for sure.

    2. I went to Murdels yesterday…whoa… what a store! Anyway I went and got my spiral notecards for memory scripture becuase my daughter is tired of seeing yellow stickys everywhere with my memory verse on it..(she is a 16 year old going on 25 and just says MOMMMMM can’t you do something about this?) and I was looking for a pretty pen to write with. Purple is my color usually. Anyhow.. I was going to go and write it in the car right away but my ocd kicked in and said.. just wait until you get home so it will look just right. I don’t want it to be messy or anything… the things this brain thinks.

    Well Miss Beth, thankyou for sharing your stories with all of us. It is so inspiring and makes me want to just keep on going and seeking our Father. I start Esther this week and I just can’t wait. It is surely going to be a Jesus year in Austin.

    Love you bunches!
    Lichelle

  21. 171
    Hiker Mama says:

    Funny1

  22. 172
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Oh, No!!!:) Spiritual Mom Beth, that’s not good!:) I am laughing. Sorry, can’t help it. Your story makes me laugh! I guess life would be even more interesting for me if I had a pet…funny!:) I do like the idea of a long theological exchange of info; that’s got to be a blessing for you and Melissa.

    Love ya’ll in CHRIST,

    katiegfromtennessee

  23. 173
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Hearing w/ My Heart,

    I had to do that too, with two of my related family members…It all changes when you see them in that way. In need of Him, in need of some healing…

    Blessings to you,

    katiegfromtennessee

  24. 174
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Jackie,

    Don not let the enemy win! Pray very hard for your grand daughter! I pray that she knows the Lord! She will need healing, but He can heal her. Just keep praying. Very hard…My heart breaks for her. I have had abuse too, but I am not going to be damaged…I am being healed, and I will continue to be healed….Why Lord, such pain?? I love You, Lord…In Him is light, and there is no darkness at all…be encouraged Jackie, He is what she needs and He loves her. He does and He can, I am praying for you.

    katiegfromtennessee

  25. 175
    Anonymous says:

    Had to share:

    Those of you who have/had animals will probably appreciate this more. It is a story that is hilarious in itself and the person that wrote it is a good writer and made the story even better. ~

    We have a fox terrier by the name of Jasper. He came to us in the summer of 2001 from the fox terrier rescue program. For those of you, who are unfamiliar with this type of adoption, imagine taking in a 10-year-old child about whom you know nothing and committing to doing your best to be a good parent.

    Like a child, the dog came with his own idiosyncrasies. He will only sleep on the bed, on top of the covers, nuzzled as close to my face as he can get without actually performing a French kiss on me.

    Lest you think this is a bad case of ‘no discipline,’ I should tell you that Perry and I tried every means to break him of this habit including locking him in a separate bedroom for several nights. The new door cost over $200. But I digress…

    Five weeks ago we began remodeling our house. Although the cost of the project is downright obnoxious, it was 20 years overdue AND it got me out of cooking Thanksgiving for family, extended family, and a lot of friends that I like more than family most of the time.

    I was assigned the task of preparing 124 of my famous yeast dinner rolls for the two Thanksgiving feasts we did attend. I am still cursing the electrician for getting the new oven hooked up so quickly. It was the only appliance in the whole darn house that worked, thus the assignment. I made the decision to cook the rolls on Wed evening to reheat Thurs am. Since the kitchen was freshly painted, you can imagine the odor. Not wanting the rolls to smell like Sherwin Williams #586, I put the rolls on baking sheets and set them in the living room to rise hours..

    Perry and I decided to go out to eat, returning in about an hour. The rolls were ready to go in the oven. It was 8:30 PM. When I went to the living room to retrieve the pans, much to my shock one whole pan of 12 rolls was empty. I called out to Jasper and my worst nightmare became a reality. He literally wobbled over to me. He looked like a combination of the Pillsbury dough boy and the Michelin Tire man wrapped up in fur. He groaned when he walked. I swear even his cheeks were bloated. I ran to the phone and called our vet. After a few seconds of uproarious laughter, he told me the dog would probably be OK, however, I needed to give him Pepto Bismol every 2 hours for the rest of the night. God only knows why I thought a dog would like Pepto Bismol any more than my kids did when they were sick. Suffice it to say that by the time we went to bed the dog was black, white and pink. He was so bloated we had to lift him onto the bed for the night.

    We arose at 7:30 and as we always do first thing; put the dog out to relieve himself. Well, the dog was as drunk as a sailor on his first leave. He was running into walls, falling flat on his butt, and most of the time when he was walking his front half was going one direction and the other half was either dragging the grass or headed 90 degrees in another direction.

    He couldn’t lift his leg to pee, so he would just walk and pee at the same time. When he ran down the small incline in our backyard, he couldn’t stop himself and nearly ended up running into the fence. His pupils were dilated and he was as dizzy as a loon. I endured another few seconds of laughter from the vet (second call within 12 hours) before he explained that the yeast had fermented in his belly and that he was indeed drunk. He assured me that, not unlike most binges we humans go through, it would wear off after about 4 or 5 hours and to keep giving him Pepto Bismol.

    Afraid to leave him by himself in the house, Perry and I loaded him up and took him with us to my sister’s house for the first Thanksgiving meal of the day. My sister lives outside of Muskogee on a ranch, (10 to 15 minute drive). Rolls firmly secured in the trunk (124 less 12) and drunk dog leaning from the back seat onto the console of the car between Perry and me, we took off.

    Now I know you probably don’t believe that dogs burp, but believe me when I say that after eating a tray of risen unbaked yeast rolls, DOGS WILL BURP . These burps were pure Old Charter. They would have matched or beat any smell in a drunk tank at the police station. But that’s not the worst of it.

    Now he was beginning to let off gas and it smelled like baked rolls. God strike me dead if I am not telling the truth! We endured this for the entire trip to Karen’s, thankful she didn’t live any further away than she did. Once Jasper was firmly placed in my sister’s garage with the door locked, we finally sat down to enjoy our first Thanksgiving meal of the day. The dog was the topic of conversation all morning long and everyone made trips to the garage to witness my drunken dog, each returning with a tale of Jasper’s latest endeavor to walk without running into something.

    Of course, as the old adage goes, ‘what goes in, must come out’ and Jasper was no exception. Granted, if it had been me that had eaten 12 risen, unbaked yeast rolls, you might as well have put a concrete block up my behind, but alas a dog’s digestive system is quite different from yours or mine. I discovered this was a mixed blessing when we prepared to leave Karen’s house. Having discovered his ‘packages’ on the garage floor, we loaded him up in the car so we could hose down the floor. This was another naive decision on our part. The blast of water from the hose hit the poop on the floor and the poop on the floor withstood the blast from the hose. It was like Portland cement beginning to set up and cure. We finally tried to remove it with a shovel. I (obviously no one else was going to offer their services) had to get on my hands and knees with a coarse brush to get the remnants off of the floor. And as if this wasn’t degrading enough, the darn dog in his drunken state had walked through the poop and left paw prints all over the garage floor that had to be brushed, too.

    Well, by this time the dog was sobering up nicely so we took him home and dropped him off before we left for our second Thanksgiving dinner at Perry’s sister’s house. I am happy to report that as of today (Monday) the dog is back to normal both in size and temperament. He has had a bath and is no longer tricolor. None the worse for wear … I presume.

    I am also happy to report that just this evening I found 2 risen unbaked yeast rolls hidden inside my closet door. It appears he must have come to his senses after eating 10 of them but decided hiding 2 of them for later would not be a bad idea. Now, I’m doing research on the computer as to: ‘How to clean unbaked dough from the carpet.’

    And how was your day????

  26. 176
    Anonymous says:

    To the Anonymous Dog Owner of Jasper —
    Your story is hilarious! Makes me glad I don’t have a dog!

    I never knew so many people liked talking about dog ____(fill in the blank). I guess this is a very versatile group!

  27. 177
    Anonymous says:

    Oh – For Lisa: Sweetie they are a blessing from the Lord – HE says so! So hallalujah, I’m prasing Him already for you – I know you’ll be joining me in praise soon. My third just turned 8 on 12/27 he has been a joy and a blessing from the moment we knew he was coming. God’s boy, born at God’s time – not our idea ๐Ÿ˜‰ God has a great many blessings and surprises for you. I can’t wait to see how you grow and are blessed in the coming 9 months ๐Ÿ™‚ Please post so we can see ๐Ÿ™‚

    AR in IN

  28. 178
    cspann says:

    Ephesians 3:20 The Message
    God can do anything you know, far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams.

  29. 179
    Julie Reid says:

    You are a riot!! I some times wonder if you have a camera in my neighborhood. My husband is alot like Keith. He will move to the side oppisite the black bag when it comes out and trys to do everything he can to convince me to leave it on the ground. Thank you for the laugh. Today has been a day of happy tears but alot of them and I needed a good laugh!

  30. 180
    Michelle Bentham says:

    Oh Man! Makes my weekend smell really rosy! Though rather than physical stink… We are dealing with emotional and spiritual stink… FUMIGATING the new house to get rid of an old stinch! Good news… It’s working! ;o) Thanks Bethie, The picture of you and star makes me giggle just a little. Potty Training!

    Blessings.

  31. 181
    tps1 says:

    I am so excited about memorizing God’s word with everyone. It has already been a great blessing to my soul. I’ve already memorized the verse I chose and oh how it has fueled me each day. Thank you for doing this for us. I’ve already signed up two of my bff’s. They are also super excited. Blessings to everyone.

  32. 182
    Charlene says:

    Oh my goodness Beth, that wasn’t just a chuckle, I have tears running from laughter. The bag of goodies on somebodies front porch got me, sounds a lot like my husband. Anything but dull.

  33. 183
    Gayle says:

    Hi Beth,
    Just got through reading your blog here at work, and almost started crying. My family and I spent New Year’s Day helping my adult son Chris, get through his grief at losing his beloved Shitzu Tasha, who went to be with the Lord that morning.
    Thank You for giving me such a funny timely story, to give me a good laugh!!
    Please siestas, help me pray for Chris for healing!!!

    Thanks!
    Love,
    Gayle in Ventura,CA

  34. 184
    Jackie says:

    Oh dear Beth. This is a hoot! FYI, I think Keith and Carl (my politically incorrect darling) are twins!

  35. 185
    cheryl says:

    Its been a while since Ive been here. Ive been to DC to visit my daughter and her husband for christmas. I got a wonderful present, she is pregnant !!! We have had family here ever since I got home and finally my life looks like it may be back to some kindof normalness. ( ya right ! ) Anyway, I loved this post.:0 I can just see it! and unfortunatly, can smell it too. As my little sweet Trixie just went in the bathroom , next to the potty and pooped! If she wasnt just 6 inches off the ground I would train her to poop in the toilet. Her legs are only about 1 1/2 inches high though the rest of her is all fat belly with 2 large brown eyes. ( dachshund ) Anyway, thanks for the laugh!

  36. 186
  37. 187
    Debbie says:

    Hey Beth,
    I love this story. I, too, pick up after our Beagle and it is just an awkward situation when you are walking and carrying a bag full much less when you are running and carrying a bag full!! Praise the Lord we can all laugh at ourselves.
    I pray many, many blessings for you and your family in 2009.

  38. 188
    Anonymous says:

    Jackie I’m praying for your Granddaughter It makes my heart greive for that sweet innoccent little girl . Beth is right Satan will be sorry !

  39. 189
    Jackie says:

    Dear Siestas,

    (This post is from Jackie who has the granddaughter that was molested.)

    It is 5:00 in the morning and I couldn’t sleep, so decided to bring up the blog and lift my spirits (and try to get sleepy and go back to bed!).

    As I read over the posts of prayer and concern for my family, I sat here and just had a wonderful, uplifting cry. I don’t really know how to thank you all for your prayers—I couldn’t believe it when I read them.

    Please know that God has listened and soothed this aching family over the past week. The man who did this was a substitute teacher in two schools! We KNOW that God used our sweet little one to halt what he was doing to other children as well.

    Yes…SATAN IS CERTAINLY SORRY—we are all turned to God even more now than before this happened.

    By the way, when my daughter asked my granddaughter why she came forward with this information, she said “I felt it in my heart to do it.” God spoke, she listened.

    Thank you again, siestas, I love you greatly–and also thank you Beth and LP for letting us use this blog as a tool for healing and reaching out to our precious Lord.

    Jackie

  40. 190
    Anonymous says:

    Thank you to all that read my mothers post about my daughter being molested. Just wanted to say things are going good just been busy trying to make all the appointments. He is still in custody and will go back to court January 27th where her dad and I have to get on the stand with him present which will be a hard day. So if you remember please pray on that day at 9am. Thank you to everyone. I took the opportunity of telling my daughter that that was God talking to her when she stated her heart told her to tell. She is very spiritual even at five years old so I know she will take this experience and use it when she is older to speak to other children and minister to them.

    Thanks again for all the prayers!
    Jennifer
    Bremerton, Washington

  41. 191
    Donna in Amarillo, TX says:

    GROCERY SHOPPING! I love it! Call me wierd, but I could spend hours in the grocery store with or without my three small children. Here’s what has helped my budget more than anything…whole foods. I get the weekly ads from my two favorite stores each week online. I usually only look at produce, grains, meat, dairy, and frozen items. Like most families, my children only eat 10 or so meals with pleasure. It is easy to plan five meals from the items that are on sale. When you shop the perimeter of the store (mostly whole foods) it has helped the budget and the waistline more than I would have ever thought. I pray this helps just a bit.
    I am also inspired by what my family calls the “Daniel” diet. If he was able to do so well on those food items, why can’t I?
    Love,
    Donna in Amarillo, TX

  42. 192
    Damaris says:

    Hi dear siesta Beth,this made me remember my dog. He passed away 4 years ago… Oh those warm black bags…
    Beth, I’m from Brazil and I lived in Texas (Irving) for 7 years where you touched my heart with your love for the Word. My first study was “A Heart like His”. Since that I couldn’t stop studying His Word. I just started Esther. I’m loving it. I love the way Jesus uses you in my life to talk to me. I love you. Please come to Brazil! Damaris

  43. 193
    Healed By His Grace says:

    Don’t we love our canine family members??? They keep us on our toes and love us unconditionally. Happy New Year, dear one! This was a story that could have been me and our daughter and dog, Moses.

    Sweet blessings to you!

  44. 194
    Gracedone says:

    We have a 6 month old Golden and I KNOW what were the thinking????? He is so full of “life” and nothing makes his day like taking mom for a walk!!!!!

  45. 195
    Anonymous says:

    Similar situation with my Corgi yesterday. The 15 inches of snow and ice in my yard mean that he cannot have his daily run/herd/roll in the grass exercise, so when we do finally take his adorable, usually well-behaved self out on the lead, he goes nuts, drags me up the icy street (now, just picture that, folks: this is a Corgi, like the queen has. He weighs 27 lbs. I don’t.), and acts like a big, goofy puppy instead of a small, well-heeled adult dog! So yesterday he was mad that I wouldn’t race him down a steep, icy hill and expressed this by running circles around me so that I had to sling the leash up over my head (or else spin around and risk falling down on said icy hill). Unfortunately for me, I had the “doggie bag” in the same hand as the leash. Also unfortunately for me, the “doggie bag” had a tiny hole in it. I’d rather not go into detail; suffice it to say that I had to wash my gloves, my parka, and the leash extensively when we got home, at which point, incidentally, he did NOT get a treat.

    Just needed to vent. Love the dog stories, Beth, and so happy for you that you have new doggie babies in your life after losing Sunny and Beanie. To me, even when the plastic baggies are flying–and failing–dogs are proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy (and occasionally humbled)!

  46. 196
    6 Bottles of Water says:

    Finally logging in my verses. Hope Jan 2nd is okay because I can’t find Jan 1st. –“It is written, man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matt 4:4

  47. 197
    Anonymous says:

    Paula Sweet
    Magnolia, AR

    I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man according to his actions, according to what his deeds deserve. Jeremiah 17:10

    You know, I sure am glad He knows my heart and mind, because sometimes I wonder where they both are.

  48. 198
    Beth says:

    Jeremiah 29:11
    For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.

  49. 199
    Beth says:

    John 6:68
    Simon Peter answered, "Lord to whom shall we go?" you have the words of eternal life.

    Beth Rottrup

  50. 200
    Beth says:

    Hebrews 13 :8
    Jesus Chirs is the same yesterday and today and forever.

    Beth Rottrup
    Liberty lake WA

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