(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.
Life is definately hard on ‘both sides of the alter’, Beth! Why is it that after walking closely with Jesus for several years, just the other day, I get into an arguement with my man over my in-laws. A TOUGH issue for us, but one we have not fought over in YEARS! I just sat and cried out to the Lord the next morning about how very little I have really grown!
Do you have any verse suggestions for me?? I have sought the Lord and can’t seem to find the first memory verse I need for 09…I am sure it would be regarding this issue!
Love, M
(That “You’re welcome, Darling” was to “Single Girl here”! I suddenly realized it would have sounded so nauseating if you paired it with the wrong comment!)
I’m such a nerd.
OK, I’m going to take a bubble bath and I’ll check back with y’all in a few minutes. Y’all are so fun.
Ack! I need to get my index cards. Walgreens is only two blocks from me, but am I looking for index cards already attached to a ring? I don’t think I’ve ever seen that?…Please tell me there is not something creative involved to put this thing together! haha
Can somebody give me some direction here? :0)
Hugs!
Laurie from increasingly foggy central Cali.
My 11 year old son just asked me to watch a movie with him. I’m such a homebody, that I DREAD going out on NYE. Too loud, too busy, too DANGEROUS!!!
I’ve been so blessed this past year. My family is happy and healthy.My DH any myself have secure jobs. And most importantly, I continue to fall more and more in love with GOD…what could be better??!! I also purchased my notecards and even decorated the cover , using my fave color PURPLE. Beth, thank you for sharing your love of God with me. Your energy and knowledge have helped me to grow as a Christian and strengthen my faith. Here is to a GLORIOUS new year filled with love, peace and Christian fellowship with the Siestas!!
Oh Beth, I just “missed you”. I checked in earlier and then feeling very unsettled have not found anything on tv and while surfing I seen the last two minutes of you talking on “When Life Has You Paralyzed” I feel that way and wished I would have seen the entire segment.
To NEU…I will be 47 next week and am very single! That I dont’ mind at all! I just sometimes feel out of sync with the rest of the world because our society caters to marrieds, family. I too keep forgetting to buy my index cards and do not plan on leaving my house tomorrow.
I’m struggling with coming up with scriputres. When I first turned to James Robinson and seen you talking I thought I was going to find my verse but I missed it.
I’m freezing and am trying to just stay warm with throws to keep the electric bill down. So I’ll just cover up and check back later to see what everyone else is doing.
Thanks for keeping me company everyone
Hi Beth! I'm not solo tonight. Our nest will never be "empty" as my husband and I care for our severely disabled 25 year old son. Tonight we took him out to Red Robin for dinner and he is now fascinated w/ the balloon he got there. We are watching college football. Will probably be in bed long before midnight! Just finished Priscilla's Bible Study w/ our women's Bible Study group at church!! Awesome! Happy New Year! Love & appreciate you so much!!
ooh, a bubble bath…great idea! I may even wax my eyebrows afterwards! heehee!
Beth, you are so loving and caring. That is why we love you so and feel so close to you even though we’ve never met you.
My hubby and I entertained our 3 year old granddaughter for a while to give her Mommy a break. Her 11 month old sister has RSV and 2 ear infections so Mommy needed that break!! Now we are just being quiet and waiting for 2009. I am so glad that I checked the blog tonight!
Off and on all day I have been contemplating what my memory verse will be and I think I have it. I am also planning a couple of projects for the coming year which will combine scrapbooking and Bible study. I’m excited about those. Also asking God to show me which Beth Moore study to do with my women’s group starting in January. This past year I have had the time of my life with Him and am looking forward to an even greater 2009!!
Happy New Year, Siestas!!
Dana
Happy New Year Beth and Siestas! I am sitting in Florida (visiting with my in~laws, the boys about to head to the Orange Bowl tomorrow & the girls about to do some shopping). But tonight it's quiet and I'm catching up on my sweet little computer I've missed! 🙂
I am truly looking forward to 2009 in a way like no other year…. I truly feel an overwhelming sense that Jesus has great plans. What a blessing to be able to prioritize drawing nearer to Him & knowing Him more this coming year. Beth, thanks so much for leading us in Scripture Memorization…. So super excited to where that will lead us!!!
Happy New Year!!! In love, Kim
Hey, Beth, and all the Moore’s and LPM precious ones and hard workers. A very Happy New Year to you all! God provided me with a special verse in Isaiah this year. Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.” Is that not just the best there is!?? God’s faithful promises!?? Let’s keep our minds meditating on Him and His promises to be able to make it through another year focusing on God and His will for us each day. Love you lots!!!
Beth,
It just blesses me to tears that you have prayed in agreement with me for a husband.
Thank you for praying for me, you dont know how much that means.
How I would love to meet you in person and talk to you or even here you teach!
Beth,
I saw that you were watching “The Hiding Place”– I was in Amsterdam this time last year on a mission trip and we toured Corrie’s home in Haarlem. It was amazing to be able to see where they lived and what they did to help so many people. I haven’t seen the movie, so you’ll have to let us know how it compares.
Thank you for your post– New Year’s can be tough for single folks, and I was on the verge of an annual pity party. It’s tough being away from friends and family during the holidays, but it is so good to be reminded that we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother, that he will never leave us nor forsake us!
2008 has definitely been a year of ups and downs, but He is so faithful! I can’t wait to see what He has in store for 2009.
Thanks for thinking of all of us.
We had pizza as a family and now my husband and I are getting ready to play board games (with some sparkling grape juice). I love to spend New Year’s Eve at home. At midnight we kiss each other then go pray over our children. I love starting a new year and I’ve got my new prayer journal all ready to go.
Beth, hope you and the pups are having a restful time as I’m sure they are few and far between. I’m enjoying a couple of bowl games on TV. I’m also hoping that this is the year God heals a festering wound in our family and empowers us to break free of a bond that has lingered for almost 15 years. Thanks for keeping our eyes on Him. Hoping to see you Jan 25th at FBC Woodstock and looking forward to the Scripture accountability!
Well, today was kinda scary. I was on my way to work and my mobility (handicapped accessible)driving equipment broke on me. I was able to coast and brake but I couldn’t accelerate. Of course I didn’t have my cell phone with me and even with lights blinking, no one stopped to help. I had to coast a little further and Praise God, our mailman was able to go back to my house and have my mom come.
Well, long story short, the police along with a tow truck came and I got home. Thankfully, the van can be driven by someone else to take it to get fixed.
Now I’m home, stayin’ warm and gonna watch movies with my sister to ring in the new year. Happy New Year Everyone!
Thank you Beth for always bringing us a word of encouragement. I am so excited about our JESUS YEAR..so desperate for His promises to be wallpapered on my brain and to break free from some strongholds. You are much loved and much prayed for. Thanks to all you Siestas!!
Happy New Year,
Stacy
Dearest Beth,
Thank you for being such an encouraging sister in Christ and for keeping it all real. On Sunday our sweet Bible study leader who also cares for my 20month old and 4 year old in the nursery, surprised me with your book, “Jesus, Day by Day”. She knows how much I admire you. What a treat that book has been to me the last few days. Anyways, I look forward in participating in the scripture memory challenge. I’m at home tonight with the family, eating junk food and playing Wii. 🙂
I just love how our God has a sense of humor AND sees us at the same time. I am ringing in the New Year alone this year. People at work kept giving me the pity look today as they realized I had no special plans for this evening. (Sometimes I get so tired of that pity look! I have struggled this year with being single, but I continue to pray that God has the man out there for me and that He’s using the time until we meet to prepare him for me, and me for him. Still…getting tired of that pity look!
I was determined to come home and not settle into a pity party. As I walked in the door, though, I of course had the “daggone it, it’s really just me tonight???” tape playing in my head. I SO needed this post tonight. What a gentle reminder to me that not only am I not at all alone, but that I now have some quiet time carved out to ring in the New Year with God (though instead of popcorn, I’m enjoying a not-so-figure-friendly-buttermilk spice muffin with melted butter).
Happy New Year, Siestas! Thanks for the company tonight!!!
I started writing the Gospels in November, but put it aside for an Advent study. Tonight, I started writing again. I have missed it.
I bought my cards this afternoon. Getting ready to memorize!!!!!
Happy New Year, jl
I am so excited to be finally posting comments. I feel like I’ve been watching from the sidelines for the last couple of years reading the blog, but having no idea how to comment. I’m finally coming out of my time warp!!
Anyway, just sitting here listening to Avalon’s “Everything to Me’….I love that song!!
This has been a very difficult year in many ways. Looking forward to the new year and the scripture memory starting tomorrow.
Happy New Year!
Popcorn – great idea!
Hey Beth!
I am doing exactly what I wanted to do tonight…nothing. We had a couple of invites from people at church for parties, but we are so dern tired from the past few weeks a night at home is the perfect party for us.
I made a big pot of chili for supper and have been hanging out with my favorite guys since I cleaned up the dishes (we are so boring, but I love it!) The hubs is on the couch in the living room snoring to high heaven and my boys (4 & 7) are on the couch behind me here in the den sleeping soundly in their Christmas pajamas (they wanted to stay awake til midnight, bless their little worn out hearts).
I am getting ready to write my first scripture verse in the little index card notebook thingie that I bought at the Wal-Mart today (here in TN – we call it "THE" Wal-Mart even though we know there is more than one ;-).
I am excited to see what the Lord is going to do in 2009…..this may be our year to meet Him face to face!! WOOHOO!!! That thought should make us all get up and dance!
Happy New Year!
For entertainment tonight….There is some crazy guy going to do motorcycle stunts…CRAZY ones!!!…on ESPN tonight..I am going to watch it because I would rather do that than fold my laundry!
Blair
Beth… You are incredible! Thank you for spending the evening online and so in tune to all the many siesta voices. I’ve rang in a few new years alone and have been totally content doing so; however, this New Year’s Eve, I have been restless. I’ve been cranky all day and on the verge of throwing a pity party. When I did my usual checking in to your blog, I was thrilled! My restless heart became more than settled with your encouraging words sent by Jesus. Thank you for all you do for the King. You are such a blessing to me and so many. Much love and Happy 2009.
I have decided to turn off the tv and listen to one of your bible lessons 😀
I am agreeing with Beth and others of you who are asking the Lord to bring a Boaz into your life. I am thinking of my dear, dear friend, too, who has now been divorced for two years and has bravely gone to a singles party tonight with friends – all dolled up I might add in a fantastic new outfit. She is an amazing woman and we are praying for God to bring an amazing man into her life, if that is His will for her.
I am married to an incredible man of God – who is currently pouting in the other room because Georgia Tech is loosing – and I give thanks for him tonight. I take him for granted far too often, but your desire to find a good and godly man makes me realize what a treasure He is!
Many blessings to all of you in 2009! Beth, thank you for calling us to be ever kneeling before the Throne of Grace. Can’t wait to begin our scripture memorization tomorrow! 2 Tim 1:7 and Titus 2:5, 12-13 are among those I posted around my house just a day ago to work on hiding in my heart this year. I’m praying I will be transformed by them!
Much love,
Amy
P.S. Keith must be hunting! If so I’m wondering what in the world you can hunt this time of year???
Beth,thank you so much for taking the time to mention us single siestas out here !! Your post was inspiring to me.I’ve been journaling more lately and tonight has insipired me to start a fresh journal for 2009.I usually take some time of reflection at the end of the year.But I believe a journal specifically for the year 2009 will be a great way to read back and reflect next New Year’s.
Also,thank you VERY MUCH for the call to scripture memory.I am bad about this personally and can quote some but never the reference.So,i’m excited to join in with all of you and “study to show theyself approved!”
HAPPY NEW YEAR SIESTAS !!!!
I have spent the night with my sons and brother playing board games and watching movies and eating appetizers. Now I am a single mom and I used to light a candle and have a “date” with Jesus. We would eat dinner or dessert or just talk. Talking with Jesus is the best. We might even go for a walk. Just depends. Everyone is in their rooms right now and I am getting ready to get my Bible and read it again. I bought my index cards and I am ready to memorize the Word.
I just want to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for serving me in 2008. You have taught me so much and you hold a special place in my heart!
Love you,
Patty
I am alone now while my 5 kids and husband watch a movie. I need to go get the food ready for the chocolate fountain, but got online instead. I am so looking forward to memorizing my verses in 2009 and I also have decided to read the bible through for the first time ever. I am so excited! Now I need to focus on being more consistant on prayer too. I really hope this is the year to get closer to God and know HIM more!
Just prayed for my Jesus year and picked out my scripture for tomorrow. 2008 was a hard year…but looking back, I can see how He was ATTENTIVE and tending to me.
I am not solo tonight…but my hubby and son and I are all just hanging out in our pj’s…no big excitement here except knowing that God is in control of all our days…past, present, and future!
Thanks for the post!
I am a widow and alone tonight. It’s pretty quiet here after spending time with my kids and grandkids for a week at Christmas. I’m looking forward to the start of a new year and the challenge of memorizing scripture. Thank you Beth for posting tonight it cheered me up and I am excited to see what God will do in my life and the lives of my family in 2009!
Lynn in AB
Thanks SO much for posting this tonight. I have to say there were some tears as I drove back to the house this evening – wishing I had somewhere to go, or someone to hang out with, but the Lord has turned the evening around for me. Your post, and the responses from the other siestas have encouraged me – then the Lord brought a new friend for me to spend part of the evening chatting with. I still have many hard circumstances in front of me, and I have a hard time seeing the Lord in my life, but I’m hoping I can recognize more of his blessings in the new year. I know He’s here, I just can’t see it all the time. Thanks for being so real, and for your faithfulness in teaching God’s Word.
I am solo tonight. Didn’t really feel like going out with friends and their dates! I am in my PJ’s watching Elf!!!
Fav. Quote: “Saaaannnnttttaaaa…I know him!!!”
I am hoping this time next year I’ll know my God better and be that excited to scream His name!
Awe, you are so sweet. This year has been especially nice, as I just finished watching Shrek 2 with my husband and college kids. Those of you with teenagers; hang in there. They come back to normal in college and actually WANT to hang out with you.
May God Bless you all, my special friends, and may He give us all more of Himself in 2009.
We love you, Beth.
Hugs!!
I am not solo tonight….I hear my hubby snoring. LOL
I am ready for tomorrow!
I have my card ready…but I ain’t tellin’! (Ok that is a lie…I already told on my blog….I won’t tell on here ’til tomorrow)
Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve wrapped in the arms of Jesus…no matter if your in a room full of people or home alone!
Gettin’ ready for a Jesus Year!!!!
Hi, Beth
Today is my grandmother’s ninety-second birthday, so I spent some time with her before I went to church. My pastor used the Scripture in Num. 14:1-10, stating we could either fear the future or embrace the future. My plan, with God’s help, is to embrace it.
Each New Year’s Eve, I spend time reflecting on God’s faithfulness over the past year and thanking Him for it. This time last year, I was recovering from a mastectomy due to breast cancer and did not know at that time whether or not I’d need treatments (I didn’t). But along with that there were emotional issues that I had to face, and many other things going on. I do not understand how people without Jesus face life. I’ll also decide which Scripture I need to memorize (got my index cards yesterday). I’m looking so forward to it.
Thank you, Beth, for your ministry.
You are such a blessing to me.
A note to Little Steps of Faith–I understand where you are. As a single woman, I used to dread holidays like New Years Eve, because there was no ‘special someone’ in my life. I realized that God is the most Special Someone and that if it is meant to be, He will put someone in my life. So far that has not happened, and if it doesn’t that only means that there is something better for us.
Happy New Year to you, Beth and to all the wonderful siestas. I’m so glad I’m a part of this group.
Beth,
Thank you for the post. I am single and God has used events in this past year to show me that He will “supply all my needs according to His glorious riches.” 2008 was not easy but I am grateful that God was with me every second of everyday. Happy New Year!
Julie in Texas
My man is in the chair across the room reading, my girls have made a warm place on the floor and we have played the Wii until we are just to pooped to play anymore! It’s only 10:30 and we are all trying to stay awake..but I believe we’ll be saying welcome 2009 a little before midnight!!
My wonderful case of bronchitis has kept us from being with friends this year…but you know what..I kind of like having my family to myself! I know we are fixing to hit those teen years and all the fun that comes with it!!
Happy and Blessed New Year my Siesta’s!
stephanie
I fixed “finger food” for dinner. It’s what we do for big football games and the New Year. Sausage balls, guacamole, spinach artichoke dip, fresh pineapple, little smokies. Lots of junk basically, but it’s oh so good. We played Clue and the kids are out shooting off fireworks now. We’re heading to church around 11pm to watch them shoot off fireworks.
Not much on ideas, but hot chocolate is always a cozy favorite around here. You can reread your Christmas cards. I love to do that.
I just want God to be bigger in my life this year.
Blessings to you and your sweet family this year Ms. Beth!
We are all just home tonight -as a family – watching the fireworks around the neighborhood. I can’t help it Beth, but I feel a little sad thinking of this coming year – a little scared. Our littlest one was recently diagnosed with some kidney problems, and needs further testing in January. I need to find a scripture to combat this fear and worry I feel.
I don’t actually have anything planned tonight because I have to be on standby call for the animal clinic that I work at. I actually just sat down turned on the computer and t.v. to watch you (Beth) on Life Today. I usually bring in the new with my eyes closed lol.
I am looking foward to the new year with the scripture memorization starting tomorrow. I already have my scripture book and ready to rock and roll!
Happy New Year Beth!!!!!!
OK, I’m back. I should have mentioned that my darling little companion is here faithfully beside me. My Star will be 8 months old tomorrow. I have thrown the ball to her at least 100 times today. The whole time I took my bath, she hung her paws and head over the side of the tub and smiled really wide with her tongue out. Girls, till you find that man, get you a dog!! They are a ton of company!
Patty, I love you, too. (I love all of you, for that matter.) What a neat idea about lighting the candle. Really often when I’m eating a meal at a restaurant by myself, when I bless the food, I always tell Jesus how happy I am to be out to eat with Him.
Kara, your experience today was terrifying. I am so sorry that happened to you and very thankful you are okay. God sure was with you, young lady. You really could have been hurt.
With two young ones (1 and 2 1/2) I am stying in with my hubby, watching a rented movie and probably going to bed well before midnight! Good times!
you are my joy, you are my joy, you are my joy (a little david crowder) cant think of a better way to end the year than to be praising our Lord
Miss Beth – How great it is to share New Year’s Eve with you, Jesus,the Siestas, and my little grandson!! He is almost 1, and has definitely been the icing on the cake from God this year!! There have been so many sad days of loss this year – but at the same time there have been days to numerous to count of blessings!! Collin’s birth, Robert’s(Collin’s Daddy)safe return home from Iraq, San Antonio Fiesta weekend, health of my Mama, blessings on my younger daughter, Kelly, safe and fruitful mission trip to Uganda, – this list could go on and on because of the love and grace of our God. Now -it’s time to start another year and to run forward without looking behind!! That lesson from Jacksonville rocks and has to be the lesson of the year!! Enjoy your evening – the ice cream is melting!! love ya like a Siesta, Kathy
Beth,
I’m enjoying a night at home. I’ve been conversing with Abba Father all day about His goodness and kindness toward me in 2008….pouring out His love toward me in so many ways…not because of anything I have done or not done….but simply blessing me because HE loves me. HE truly is the kindest Person I have ever known.
I love you sister!
Donna Hazelwood
Sometimes we can be very alone even with a good hubby near by. I am so determined to see God’s Word hidden in my heart for 2009. I have my index cards which I bought for myself and three daughters for stocking stuffers before Christmas.I will not survive the year without it being a JESUS year. Happy New Year and Thank You, Aunt Suz
Hi Siestas and Mama Siesta! Tonight, I have a 16 year old on a double date (frown), a 14 year old at my neighbor’s house, a 11 year old at a friend’s house, and a 5 year old in bed- thankfully! All girls, so I am emotionally drained and though I am excited about having a Jesus year with memory verses, I am sitting here with the thought that I am a bit of a disappointment to Him. Thank you Beth for reminding us of His love- I am one who does not deserve it, but am so glad I have it! Love you all! And looking forward to a Jesus 2009!
So glad I can share a minute with you, Beth! 🙂 This 25 yr old just got off work (at the wonderful Westglow Spa…oh you would love it!! If you ever come back to Boone, NC you will have to come!!) and am spending New Years Eve home alone. I am having a date night with the Colonel (KFC) haha and Dick Clark, and maybe digging into Esther (I got the Bible study book and CDs to do on my own-im so excited!)
I heard a neat idea today on a Christian radio station. An older couple shared of how each New Years Eve, they write a letter to the Lord-not to be shared with anyone. They write of their prayers and hopes and desires for the New Year…prayers for family/friends…and reflect on the previous year with thanks…and write about struggles/areas of their life from the past year that they want to surrender for the new year. Pretty much, they begin the new year talking to the Lord-so I think I am going to pull out my pen and paper and write a letter to my Lord. 🙂
Excited about Scripture memory-and sorry this is long. Love to all! Have a blessed New Years Day-each day is a gift!…(keep the Traylor family from CHarlotte, NC in your prayers-they buried their 23 yr old son Jordan today! :-/)
Lynn, our dear siesta who is a widow and kinda lonely after being around so much family for the last week, I invite all our other siestas to join me in praying for SUCH a Jesus-year for you! We pray that He will reveal a whole new part of His plan for you – and I am feeling led to pray for that to happen within 90 days. We also ask Him to cause you to recognize Him and delight in Him in ways you didn’t know were possible in 2009. We love you, Sister! Stay active on here this year and memorize some Scripture with us!
And, yes, Siestas, I will always post my memory-Scripture each time in case you haven’t figured one out. Listen for your own from God first but if you don’t discern one, join me with mine!