(Please note: this is NOT the Scripture memory post. That will be tomorrow!)
Any of you Siestas just hanging out by yourself tonight like I am? Any good ideas? I got my spiral index cards about an hour ago at the Walgreens and I’m going to write my Scripture in it but that will take about five minutes. (I got me a really good pen, too. I love good pens.) I’m also on Week Four/Day Five of Priscilla’s “Discerning the Voice of God” study so I’ll probably wrap up that week. Any ideas for the rest of the evening? One thing for danged sure. We are NOT going to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves. Every single one of us could have found all sorts of things to do tonight. For most of us, we probably just decided to stay in. We just might wish we were popping corn with somebody, huh? Anyway, God has been so faithful to us, hasn’t He? Let’s rejoice in that as we close out this important year in each of our lives.
I started 2008 with Deuteronomy 11:11,12. It’s written in the front of my prayer journal. Listen to it describe the land of promise: “the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy is one of hills and valleys (sure was that for me), a land that drinks water from the rains (thank You, Lord), a land the Lord your God looks after.” The next part is my favorite: “He is constantly attentive to it from the beginning to the end of the year.” We’re not the Old Testament Israelites with literal territory to occupy. Our earthly equivalent to a Land of Promise is a place we’ve crossed the river of fear to arrive in obedience to the will and joy of God. A place where lives rather than lands bear healthy fruit and where we bring Him glory to the best of our frail understanding, showing ourselves to be His disciples. I love the thought that God is attentive to us, no matter where we are, from the very first day of the year to the last. Wherever you are right now, no matter how you’re feeling (I keep thinking about our siesta that told us recently her husband of 26 years was asking for a divorce), your God is right there with you. He is ATTENTIVE to you. TENDING to you. I pray you sense that tonight. That you might even pop a little corn with Him. He won’t hog the bag. And maybe the occasion calls for a little melted butter.
So, what are we going to do to finish out 2008, young ladies? Throw out a few ideas and we’ll keep each other company for a little while tonight.
PS. It’s now 11:00 PM and I’m closing the post. What a blast tonight, Siestas! Thanks for climbing on! God’s richest blessings to you in 2009.
ps last year I went out to eat with my 2 year old at the time and everyone kept asking if someone was going to join me. I enjoyed my chicken sandwich and fries and J Alexanders with Jesus, Morgan and me.
Lynn, I always love hearing from you! Please give the sisters in the convent my love. I think of you guys so often and am so honored to be your servant.
Leah! You have my mouth watering over those collard greens! You ought not dangle those kinds of things in front of an Arkansas girl! I’m going to get out the cookbook right this second!
Well, I’m not technically alone right now, but my husband is playing Tiger Woods Golf so it’s like I’m alone – ha! But, the sweet thing just made me dinner so I can’t complain if he zones out for awhile 🙂
The agenda for tonight is a movie night (which I probably won’t even stay awake until midnight) and I’m hoping to get a few days done in Esther – I’m loving it!
Happy New Year!
How did you know I needed to see this post tonight??
My husband is out of town spending New Year’s Eve with his old college roommates. Rather than be a third- or fifth-wheel with some of my friends, I decided to hang it solo tonight with my precious dog.
Fixed myself a delightful slow-cooker dinner, watching re-runs of “The Office,” reflecting on the past year and the one upcoming, and spending some time in the Word!
Blessings to you in 2009. Can’t wait for the Inheritance to start in Jan.!
I am not truly solo tonight but it is a quiet night at home with the folks and HRH Etta my 18 year old cat!) I will get my calendars (8-I LOVE pretty calendars) ready to hang , catch up on my journal, list goals for the new year. Was a busy day as Dad had to pick up a mobile heart monitor to wear for two days. Will ring the bell in the front yard at midnight and listen to it echo across the mountain. And thank Jesus for his love and obedience.
I’m not alone, but will be staying home. That is how I like it–quiet, subdued, a little contemplative. I am on call for Rape Crisis tonight, so I am also praying that God will provide His protection for women who may not make good decisions, or who may be in dangerous situations. Beth, I,too, would love to meet you–but the funny thing is that I already feel like you are my very close friend! Happy, blessed New Year to all of you.
Thank you for caring. I am not alone but yet I am. Hubby is in front of the TV watching football and will be in a coma like state long before the new year. So glad you care, Beth!
I’m flying solo tonight practically. My 11 month old is here with me but she’s already asleep. I’ve enjoyed a quiet evening working on lessons plans for the beginning of term 2 next week (we homeschool). I’ve done a little laundry and just now finished a pretty yummy protein shake. I plan to go lie in the bed and read some of a historical christian fiction novel here shortly.
This year my theme verse has been Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (NIV)
Wow – was that the perfect verse for my year! We had our precious baby girl on February 6th. She had to remain in the hospital for two weeks. The Lord brought healing to our little girl and we are ever so thankful to Him! This year we also made a major move to a completely different state. We also switched homeschool curriculum. And this is the first year this routine gal is learning to homeschool with a baby. Routine has been hard to find and many days have seemed like a rollercoaster. I’d remind myself of my theme verse for the year that this is a season. And at times, I feel the Lord reminded of my theme verse for the year – this is only a season. 🙂
I’m not for sure what my theme verse will be for 2009. I certainly like the passage you started 2008 with. That may just be the one.
I’ll close with wishing you and your entire family a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! I’ll be snoozing away when the new year arrives (at least I hope I am!). My little one gets up really early. She’s been known to get up between 4:00am and 4:30am!
Blessings,
Karen
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/salt
I am spending the night loving our God of hope and looking forward to a new day and a new year filled with Jesus!!
Nichole’s Mom, congratulations on reading the whole Bible through in 2008! That is HUGE! What a tremendous accomplishment.
Little Steps of Faith, you hang with it, young lady. And hang with Jesus. I have a feeling you may think He’s forgotten about that plan. He hasn’t. The wait is a test. Hold tight to Him. He’s got you. And, yes, you will get an answer to that question.
Sue, I’ll be listening for that glorious echo over the mountains as you ring that bell at midnight. That’s about the coolest thing I’ve ever heard.
Yep, I’m solo tonight and no plans. I bought my spiral index cards at Wal-mart after work and I worked on my Esther homework and now I’m curled up with a good Christian ficion novel and relaxing.
Blessings
Michelle
I am solo! Well, my husband is sleeping on the couch, so technically I’m not.
I bought “Stepping Up” today. It’s my first time doing one of your studies. This is my first time on your blog also, so I will be reading some of your previous posts to catch up!
Happy New Year!
I had to work until 8:30. Still recovering from the blasted stomach flu. My entire family has had it. I’m on my laptop, watching tv and waiting to ring in the new year.
Just hanging out with my family tonight. We have been watching I Love Lucy viewer favorites. The episode of Lucy and Ethel at the candy factory is the number one pick.
My son got an ice cream attachment to his Kitchen Aid mixer for Christmas. We just enjoyed homemade lemon-strawberry sherbet. Wow, it was so good.
May the Lord’s joy bless your heart tonight.
Happy New Year, Siestas!
Mary
I am sitting on the couch, with a movie on TV and the cutest two puppies you’ve ever dreamed of asleep on the couch beside me — Snuggles and Cuddles (they’re boys, despite their names).
I am alone tonight, but actually happily! I mean, I could be with someone tonight but there’s nobody who has been with me through this year’s experiences like He has. I think it’s fitting that He and I ride out the final few hours of the year together, right here on this couch. I’ve never been alone on this night before, but I’ve also never been with anyone I’d rather be with tonight. To be able to write that and truly mean it — I mean really, REALLY mean it — is such a gift.
I actually wrote a post about this tonight. I’m not sure if links are okay, so if they aren’t, feel free to delete this part of my comment. But if they ARE allowed, here’s the post! Maybe it’ll help someone else remember that the best really is yet to come if we believe His word to be true (and we do!).
http://ministrysofabulous.com/2008/12/31/because-the-best-is-yet-to-come/
Ummm…well I went to see Valkyrie, came home to find my electric bill 2x more than last month and that was very very depressing so I am down right now. We have had extreme cold this month.
After the matinee I came home and painted my vanity to stain tomorrow. I just remodeled a bathroom and this should be the last step.
Talked to my sister who lives 135 miles away for almost an hour.
Now I am enjoying Sugar Plum Spice Tea with a bit of White Chocolate Syrup poured in it.
Picked up Esther today and may look at it and just do nothing. Feeling a bit down not because of New Years just looking at finances and seeing how hard it is and getting harder. Wishing I had family that lived here but all in all I am good by myself.
Going to enjoy having the day off tomorrow to work in my house. Why do we collect so much junk? Anybody have the answer to that? I am still cleaning out my parent’s belongings and it has been about 18 mo. since their death. Will I ever get it all sorted?
Happy New Year to all my siesta’s. I love you all even though few of us have ever met.
Hi, Beth! I actually just finished typing up a letter to go along with bible study invitations for Esther, which I plan to facilitate at home on 1/24/09. I can hardly wait to get started!!! Our bible study group has been looking forward to the Esther study for along time! Please know that your bible studies have been LIFE SAVING, LIFE CHANGING — Glory to God!!! The Lord used The Patriarchs to give me new life. I am so grateful to God for you!
Have a blessed and wonderful New Year! I’ll be back tomorrow with my scripture.
Love You!
mama Beth what a great post! I am home with my man and youngin’s, a heavy heart over my sister’s baby which looks to be born early with severe brain complications. The year is ending and starting so differently than we expected. I’m resting in the knowledge that God is always the same regardless of the year and that He is the ONE who raises people from the dead. I’m Believing Him for a miracle, which ever kind he has in store for me and my family! I love you and am exciting about starting our scripture memory tomorrow – I got me a word in 1 Cor 1:28!!
As a mama of young boys, we are ‘partying’ with Charlie Brown’s New Year (recorded from last night) and some egg nog and popcorn! Nothing could be sweeter!
My boys are more excited than I am, though! They are bouncing around singing “Happy New Year To You” (to the tune of Happy Birthday) heehee! sweet memories…
Happy Anniversary and Happy New Year, Beth!!
I am sitting in tonight mulling over the past year while my husband of 25 years( as of Jan.6th) prepares his Sunday sermon. I have had and still have some uphill battles but God has never once let me down. I am truly a blessed girl! I hope that everyone has a happy, happy New Year filled with much joy!
Love you all, Selina
Happy New Year!
I am spending the evening alone (except with my two cats and my dog). I have three children who are with their father this week. (We are divorced and share 50/50 custody.) I have decided to tour with my band this evening! We just got a Wii for Christmas and I love it! Being a personal trainer I didn’t really like the other game consoles, but I really love the Wii! This next year will bring challenges, heartaches, sorry, happiness, joy, triumphs, and more knowledge about who I am in the Lord and I can’t wait!
You fixed it Miss B! I was just sitting here having a pity party…husband went to bed with a cold….baby sleeping. Much to be grateful for just getting caught up in how it “should” be. Vain imaginations of a romantic evening at a snowy resort somewhere. Thanks to your post, I am reframing the whole deal. Jesus wants me to enjoy the night with him…and so I will. I am honored to be among those who know the King of Kings and can call on him . Thank you Miss B. May God’s blessing pour out on you, your family and LPM in 09.
I’m home tonight with my husband and 17-year old daughter and her boyfriend. I praise God that they have no desire to be out partying and am thankful they are content to just hang out here with mom and dad. I’ve shared your Scripture idea with several of my friends and we have all purchased our notecard spirals! I think I’ll go select my first verse tonight! Happy 2009!
I have my loving hubby in the family room watching early bowl games….I am in my office with my computer and our Lord. I look forward to 2009 with apprehension and excitement. Thankfully, no matter what the year brings, I will have my Christian siestas, my faith and my Lord to see me through all the joys and any sorrows that may occur.
I look forward to the our scripture accountability and to 2009.
Happy New Year to all the Moore
family!
Nancy
Not sure if this is a duplicate post because I don’t know if the other went through or not. I got a strange message, so I tried to “remember” what I had typed! Anyway…
Beth: I am solo too – and it is so peaceful and quiet here. I walked across the pasture right before dark to my parent’s house, to taste test the collard greens my Dad is cooking for tomorrow – and boy were they some more good! I love collards and cornbread!
When I was walking back home, I noticed how bright the planet Venus is right below the crescent moon – so so beautiful – go take a peek.
Earlier tonight I loaded a lot of pictures from my digital camera to my laptop and organized them in folders – I felt so blessed to get that task done.
I found the neatest pink notecards and already began working on my scripture too. Proverbs 3:3-8 “Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” I love the analogy of our heart being a tablet – it is so neat and I dearly love office supplies!!!
I’m also dog-sitting my oldest son’s GIGANTIC Black Lab – his name is Spurgeon after Charles Haddon Spurgeon (great name for my preacher-boy’s dog!). I keep checking on him because he is definitely sleeping in the garage tonight –
Much love to you and thank you for ALL you do for us siestas. I am looking forward to 2009 and all our Father has in store of LPM.
Georgia Jan
PS: Note to Little Steps of Faith!
I think of you often and pray for you – email me again soon. You hang in there and know you are loved.
I’m not really doing much, I plan on reading from my new Bible that I got for my birthday (wear it in a bit). I’m going to go spend sometime in prayer. My heart, is in a place where I’m longing for His direction. I’m having a hard time picking a verse that I want to start off with in the year 2009.
I think I will also set down and write a poem.
Hope you have a wonderful night Beth. May God Bless you and your family.
Happy New Year!
I am snuggled on the couch with my family so thankful for my many blessings! I hope you all have a wonderful 2009 and that God blesses each of the Siestas!
Happy New Year, Beth!
I just joined your blog! I am a new Siesta!
I am joining you tomorrow memorizing scripture! I am so excited! I already have my spiral note cards.
I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing me through 2008. Our 21 yr old daughter has walked away from us and the Lord.
My husband has been healed of lymphoma, Praise the Lord!
Yehaw! I am ready for 2009! I believe it will be a year of healing and restoration!
Oh, yes, you asked what I was doing tonight! Making snack food especially–popcorn, watch AFV & dvds with family members and pray for more to come to saving knowledge of God.
Blessings to you, sweet Beth!
Miriam
You guys have all been such a treat for me tonight! Hi, Georgia Jan! So glad you posted! I would love to have walked over to your dad’s with you tonight just before dark and tested the collard greens. I am looking very forward to seeing you soon! I know I’d love you so much.
Hi Beth,
Thank you. I am alone tonight and thinking back on how Jesus has changed my life this year. How he sets you free from one sin, and continues to reveal his freedom to us in every area if we let him.
Crying thinking about it.
Happy New Year,
Love You,
Laura
This is wonderful, I'm a solo siesta tonight too. It's so nice to know there are other ladies out there celebrating just like me. I've cleaned my desk drawers and some of my closet, which made me feel productive and next I plan on making dinner and watching a little P&P (Pride and Prejudice). It's time to relax! Oh…my small group is starting the Esther Bible Study in 2 weeks, soooo excited about that. Thanks for all the encouragement and laughs during 2008. Here's to 2009!
I’m sitting in my fuzzy pants watching “The Hiding Place” the story of Corrie Ten Boom. It’s my all time favorite book. We’ll see if the movie stands up to the book
Happy New Year! thank you for checking in with us tonight. I am one of those single ladies hoping for an answer from God , I will be 46, so it seems I have been waiting for a long time. But I am blessed, not alone. God has filled me with lots of love from nephew and nieces. TOnight, I wish I could stay alone and just curl on my couch and watch the fourth video of Stepping Up. I will have to wait till tomorrow. Oh, I have to buy my spiral index cards – I hope I remember. NEU
Watching college bowl games with my hubby. Will do my best to stay up long enough to see the ball drop. Sometimes I cheat and watch it drop in Eastern time zone. Gotta love cable for that. Have my verses ready for tomorrow.
I am amazed at Kathryn’s mom who has been fasting since Dec. 2. My husband and I fast the first day of every month and it is not an easy thing for me to do. Wow. May God be mighty in that family. For New Year’s we are at home with 2 sick children. I have my index card, and have my bible verse picked out and written out. I am so excited for 2009.
Happy New Year and thankyou for all you do.
Well in our neck of the woods (and that’s a far stretch…), we’ve been invited to the annual possum drop at one of our church member’s homes. I’m not kidding. Now, lest you think a possum is going to be dropped to his death at midnight, have no fear. Apparently, they caught him a couple of weeks ago, been taking good care of him, and come midnight, will lower him slowly in his cage and let him go.
I know. I can’t imagine the thrill of such a moment. I think I’ll pass and simply enjoy the next video in your Esther series. Hubby is watching the Carolina game.
One of the privileges of age is not having to possess the bells and whistles of younger expectations! I am quite content to ease into the New Year with some popcorn, my family, God’s Word, and yes…
a little more of Mrs. Moore. I can’t wait to bring your study to the women of my church…
minus the possums!
peace~elaine
Beth,you’re so sweet to reach out to those of us single Siestas. I am at home tonight just enjoying the relaxation. Watching movies, reading through magazines I haven’t had a chance to look at. I have been having discussions with God about having another chance at a relationship and possible marraige. Something I haven’t brought up to Him in a very long time. It has been pulling at my heartstrings. But of course I want what He wants for me in his own time. Looking forward to the scripture memorization. Now where did I put my index cards?!! Love you and happy new year!
Single girl here — all alone and was totally feeling sorry for myself. Thanks for your post, Beth. You always, ALWAYS, have a word from God for me. Even though I despise the loneliness I feel most of the time, God is attentive to me. Thanks so much for that. I should have it tattooed on my hand. Many blessings to you, dear one.
Happy New Year Beth!!!
It is a cold night here in Nebraska, but my heart is warm as I think on all the great things God has done for me in the past year.
I just got home from Bible Study a little bit ago and now I am going to spend some time thinking on the past year and how I have seen God’s Hand at work in my life. I also am going to write down a couple things that I deeply desire for God to do in my life. I also am going to be choosing a verse for tomorrow!
I am single so I am home alone tonight. One of my heart’s desires for the New Year is that God (if it is His will) will bring the man into my life that He has for me. I so desire to share my life and love and faith in Christ with a Christian man whom God would have me to be with. It brings tears to my eyes to even type this because I so desire marriage to a man of God, chosen for me by God. I get so lonely for that.
So with a rich cup of hot chocolate and my Bible and a heart open to God’s will, I am spending the rest of the night with My Father, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth and the Lifter of My Head!
I appreciate all that I have learned from you this year Beth! I have done two studies of yours…Psalms of Ascent and Fully Alive. Thank you for being a servant of God and being used by Him to teach the Gospel. You bless my life!
Happy New Year!
Joanie
And many blessings to you, “Single Girl Here.” Oh, man, Jesus loves you so much. So much so that right this season He just wants all your attention on Him. I pray He will cause you to feel His Presence tonight and will also answer a long standing question you’ve had. Listen carefully to the deepest part of your heart.
Our little family of 5 is at home tonight celebrating our first New Years Eve living in NYC. We have 7 week old twins and a two year old. We decided to stay in and pull out our couch sofa bed, let Jack jump around on it and then we ate ice cream together. Jack is in bed now and the twins are getting a little fussy for another meal. It’s a sweet time together tonight. Happy New Year everyone!
Blessings to all of us in the New Year.. May God reign in our hearts and our lives no matter what my come our way in 2009!
Hello all-not exactly solo but my husband had to go to bed early in order to get to work at 3:30 AM! I am however planning to stay up to greet 2009.
I'm all by myself this evening, but it was my choice. I could have gone to a small party. But it's been a long & busy month, and I wanted to spend the evening relaxing. Earlier today I looked back on the last year, and I'm excited to see what God does with 2009. I have no idea what to expect, but I know He will be there to walk through the journey with me.
So, pjs are on, Pride and Prejudice is on TV, and I'm considering making a smoothie later on. Last year (or even last month), it would have been a pity party over being single, but tonight I'm thankful for the time and looking forward to a quiet evening.
Siesta Beth, my family and I went to some friend’s house for awhile. Of course, just as we were leaving our phone rang and yup one of our guys needed help. He was stuck in the snow. We tried to pull him out with our pick up truck and that did not work so we had to call in the tow truck. Well we got to our friends house late and now we are home with our two younger boys and enjoying chinese food and hoping that I won’t fall asleep before the new year. I have not been able to stay awake for a few years now.
Looking forward to growing in the Lord this next year. Not sure what study to do next, any suggestions? A few friends and I are doing the memory verses together.
Love you much,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Joanie, I prayed in agreement with you, Darling One. I pray for all you single siestas that desire for God to bring a fine man into your life that 2009 will be the year of the BOAZ. Let it be, Lord. And for a few others that need encouragement to stay IN the marriage you have, I am praying for you, too! Life is hard on both sides of the altar but God is so gracious and good.
I’m home thinking back over how wonderful God has been to my family this year. We had our bumps in the road, but we never get through a year completely unscathed. 😉 We had our oldest graduate high school in 2008 on the same day we finalized an adoption of our youngest unexpected blessing. What a privilege!!
That makes her our fourth and final and believe me, we’re going to enjoy every second! 🙂
Looking forward to memorizing some scripture with you all this year and being led further still…
Best wishes for a wonderful 2009 to all my fellow siestas! 🙂
Laurie from foggy central Cali
from Single Girl here — Thank you, Beth. (through tears.)
Hi Beth and all the siestas out there. I am solo tonight also. My 2 teenagers are at church for an all nighter.
Beth I think we must have met some time in my life, because last night as I was listening to Session 9 of Living Beyond Yourself I would have bet my right arm you were speaking directly to me.
So tonight in the quietness of my house, I am going to do my homework and spend some knee time. I need to give up some things so I don’t have to carry old stuff into a new year.
Then I will fix my memory card so I will be ready for the new year.
Thanks for sharing your life and faith with me. It has made such a difference!
Jan
You’re welcome, Darling.