Wish We Were On My Back Porch Together

I am not sure how a basically intelligent, sound-thinking un-isolated woman could miss a couple of thousand people she’s mostly never met face-to-face but, man, I wish we were having a Siesta-fest this afternoon. I’d pour the coffee and get Two Belles to send the pound cake. I have a yearning for you guys. Some of our most active and delightful Siestas were at the Laramie, Wyoming LPL this weekend but I didn’t get to talk to them one on one. I love that a number of you guys get to often meet up at the events but my hands are so full with the large group that I hardly ever get to connect. You’re always on my mind though and I surely do wish I could.

I’ve been hanging out with my man all day at church then here at home but, now that he’s caught up in the old classic “Bridge Over the River Kwai,” I thought I’d take the opportunity to catch up with my sisters. So, brace yourself. This will be random.

So, how did you like the men’s post on insecurity? Wasn’t it insightful? I loved it. It was just what I was looking for. There was only one that made me want to kick him in the shin with my pointy-toed cowboy boots on but, God-fearing woman that I am, I will refrain from identifying his anonymous, pompous self with an excerpt. And if you were in Laramie where I tanked him, shhhhhhhhhhh. Seriously, thank you so much for getting your guys on here. It was a huge help. I was raised in a home with two brothers and two sisters so I get as big a kick out of the guys as the girls, it’s just that girls are who I’m called to serve. Thank your guys for helping me serve you. I’ve got all their answers on one file and I’m going to print them out and put them in a notebook just like I catalogued all of yours. Then I’ll go through them carefully and see which ones I want to quote. When the book comes out, you’re going to see what a big part of it you are. Actually, what a big part of my ministry life you are.

I absolutely loved our group in Laramie! We met right there on the campus of the University of Wyoming. We were ecstatic to top off at over 2800 people. Our theme this weekend was pulled from Psalm 66 out of The Message: “He trained them first.” We talked about the priority of strict training to run our races effectively. Being willing to pay the price to be mighty in Christ. In the last session I knew we were going to bring up the Titus 2:4 concept of the older women training the younger women so God prompted me to have all the women and girls between 10 and 29 sit on the floor level for that session and everyone else sit in the upper level. It was such an incredible sight. Watching those young women worship before that last session built up my faith for what the church has ahead. I saw young women who truly have hearts and lives set apart to Christ. Later in the session after introducing the Titus concept, all of us 30 and over stood up and stretched out our hands to them as if to lay hands on them and told them that we pledged to be there for them. Don’t get freaky on me. We weren’t up to any hocus pocus or channeling. We were just doing something symbolic to represent a Biblical concept. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that sight. (P.S. to Laramie LPL girls: #8: He trains us to trust Him deeper. So sorry!! I taught it, just never said it! Ever a work in progress.)

I have loved these recent posts! I totally dug Melissa’s quote post. One of the things I like about working with Melissa is that she calls me on my cell phone to read me excerpts like the one she shared with you guys. I reminded her of Rabbi Heschel’s quote and that’s when we came up with the idea to ask for your favorites. I can’t even tell you how much I enjoyed having that child home for the better part of last week. She is a huge part of the Moore family dynamic. We miss her so much. And speaking of recent posts, I also thought Curtis Jones ought to danged-well start an Ask-Curtis column! I loved his answers! He is really the most incredible young man. Keith and I have often said that Curtis honestly cannot know what all he knows as young as he is. It is a God-given gift. I love him like my own flesh and blood.

Speaking of Curtis, the Jones’s left right after church today to go to a lake house with several other families. Since I’d been out of town four days, I was about to split in-two to see my grandbabies. I did get to smooch all over them after church and help them get to the car. I cannot express to you the joy I have when a certain little 3 year-old boy sees me down the church corridor and yells at the top of his lungs, “Bibby!!!!!!” Oh, I’m so drunk on them. AJ said she’d bring them to me at the first opportunity after they get home tomorrow afternoon so I bet I get to have them Tuesday evening. And, anyway, I miss their mommy, too. I’m so proud of her. Amanda will often say that she was not one of those little girls that played dolls all the time (she preferred stuffed animals) and was obsessed with having children but, once she did it, (my words now, not hers) she took to it like a duck to water. She is a darling mother and she and CJ are doing their best to raise children that love Jesus and love His Church.

Oh, I forgot to say that we are keeping Beckham, the Jones’s Golden Retriever, while they’re away. He is the sweetest guy. Huge and sweet. He does just fine with Geli, our birddog, but Star drives him to distraction. You know how OCD border collies are. Every time he sits down, she sits in front of him and dead-locks him in a stare. It makes him so nervous. She’s so in love with him, she can’t stand it. He’s a British blond and I think Star thinks he’s a sheep. She wants to herd him in the worst way.

We had the BEST EVER Memorial Day Service at our church today! Pastor Gregg invited Houston’s Mayor Bill White to address our congregation and I was amazed by his openness about Christ. I’d never had the pleasure to meet him. Pastor also issued a special invitation to every family on record in the Houston area that had lost a soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan. I could not believe how many responded to his invitation and, at one point, he had them stand so that we could honor them. In all my years at HFBC, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a longer standing ovation. It was tremendously moving. Pastor asked one of our ministers (Arthur Craig, head of our HFBC campus for the hearing impaired) to share the story of the loss of his son 7 years ago in Afghanistan. It was incredibly powerful. As God alone would have it, his son wrote him a letter only 7 days before he was killed and it arrived about 12 days after. In it, he shared how he was growing in Christ and he told his dad and mom how much he loved them and what good parents they were. Can you imagine having a treasure like that? We do not understand why such suffering comes but God goes out of His way to show those who are willing to see how much He cares for them. Pastor Gregg finished off the service with a wonderful sermon on the most appropriate Scripture: no greater love has a man than this: than that he lay down his life for his friends. It was a great day for this Army brat and for every single person in our congregation. I deeply appreciate Pastor Gregg for never one time coming before our church body without utmost preparation. I’ve come to love him and his wife, Kelly, so much. I’ve never had a pastor younger than me before and, in this case, substantially younger! It’s a new experience. And, as it turns out, a wonderful one.

I’ve got a new assistant! Don’t worry, my dear Susan that I’ve talked so much about and worked alongside for ten solid years is still with me at Living Proof. Are you kidding me? No one is loved more at this ministry than Susan Kirby. She does a wide variety of things but none more important than providing timely counsel to her own staff. She is my very trusted com padre and the only person on staff I’d have to have kidnapped and gagged if she turned on me. For a while she’s understandably wanted to go to a four-day work week. Once we moved to the new building, her drive lengthened to nearly an hour each way. We were able to arrange a shorter work-week for her here recently but with some alterations to her responsibilities, leaving the hyper administrative slot open. (Apparently I am a full-time job) About a month ago we welcomed a 29-year old young woman to LPM that I’ve loved and admired for several years. Her name is Michelle Parrozzo and she’s a good friend of Amanda’s from their days at Texas A&M. If you are familiar with Get Out of That Pit and remember anything about the story I told about the Kennedy Center symphony, perhaps you’d be amused to know that Michelle is the one that took AJ and me. I was in D.C. to speak and Michelle worked at the White House (yes, really, and for much of that administration) and, at her invitation and escort, we actually got to sit in the President’s box. It was one of the most exciting and ultimately most hilarious moments AJ and I have had together. Michelle is not only among the best executive assistants you could ever imagine. She is also hysterical. I have already gotten a huge kick out of her.

And perhaps, on occasion, she me. But not in the best way, since I seem to have no end to a knack for blunders. Hence, one final random story. Yesterday she and I were flying home from Denver where Rich (driver, photographer, and all-around LPL extraordinaire) and Ron (security – please hear that in proper Bon Qui Qui) had driven us after the Laramie event ended. The plane was packed and we were in seats 8D and 8E, aisle and middle. The dude behind us put his pillow in between our two seats the last hour where we could hardly see each other. It was so annoying. Then, when we began to make our final descent into the Houston area, we were told to bring our seat backs and tray tables into their upright and locked positions which I promptly began to obey since I’m a rule keeper. But my seat wouldn’t pop up because the pillow was stuck between our two chairs. So, instead of moving the pillow and risking the offense of a fellow passenger, I decided to do what I’ve seen flight attendants do a trillion times. I’d just push the button with my right hand while reaching behind the seat and pulling it forward with my left. So, I reached behind me and got a good, firm grip and jerked forward. Then something twitched.

And I realized that I had not grabbed the seat. I’d grabbed the dude’s knee. Right on the back fold of his knee, as a matter of fact, where I got a firm grip on his upper shin and pulled briskly forward. And with the force of a woman half my age. Is it my fault that the seats are so close together that his knee was practically impaled in my chair-back? Huh? Huh? Is it my fault that his pants felt like the same polyester as the airplane seat?? Huh? Huh? Is it my fault that the maneuver was even necessary since he’d stuck his pillow between our seats? Huh? Huh?

I was mortified. I was so undone that all I could do was slap Michelle on the knee like thirty times. Then, I was laughing so hard I couldn’t get out of my mouth what I had done. She got tickled before she even knew what had happened. Suffice it to say, I told Michelle that she’d have to get my brief case out of the overhead compartment (but to be careful when unloading it as bags may have a tendency to shift during flight) after we reached the gate because I was bolting off that plane without looking back. And that’s exactly what I did.

As Melissa sometimes says, “Mom, it’s hard to be you.” Heck yes, it is.

PS. Did one of you make the mistake of saying that it had been too long since you’ve seen a picture of the grandbabies? Alrighty then!

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200 Responses to “Wish We Were On My Back Porch Together”

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Comments:

  1. 151
    Melinda says:

    Beth,
    I am in the trenches of motherhood right now… especially with one certain adolescent that is just determined to do whatever she dang well pleases. It’s hard to believe things will ever be different. But I see your children and grandchildren and know that with God there is always abundant hope. There are no guarantees — we all have free will, but he can and does transform minds and hearts. He did mine. Blessed by you always.

    Melinda
    http://parentingconfessions.com

  2. 152
    PJ says:

    Beth, I so relate to how it is to be a Grandma! It just does my heart good to be near those babies. When my little 3 year old grandson see’s me he comes running with those little hands in the air yelling “Nannie”. What a gift from God. The other day I was feeding him lunch. I had set his little bowl down and when I turned around he had his little head bowed with his hands clasped together saying his prayers. I almost cried. I am so proud of my daughter and son-in-law for the Christian home they are providing. What a blessing. God is Great!! PJ

  3. 153
    Sheryl says:

    What a blessing sitting on your back porch and sharing. I was blessed. You made me smile!!!

  4. 154
    Tara G. says:

    Beth, I just cleaned my porch rockers off, and I’m officially inviting you over. I’ll even pull the coffee maker out for you that I keep for my mom’s visits.

  5. 155
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Good to hear from you Spiritual Mom Beth! Laramie went well, good to hear!! I have soo benefited from that Titus concept of the older women training the younger. My mentors are prayerful women! I am looking forward to that book on insecurity, my husband thinks it will be good for me too, he’s a sweetie like that:) I know I need help, and my sweetie does too, that’s comforting:) OOo, a Memorial Day service, that did sound like a blessing…your story about the airplane ride home made me laugh!! You poor thing! Awkward public moment! It’s all good:) I loved Annabeth’s tutu, she is such a cute baby, Gerber material, I’m tellin’ ya. Little Jackson is cuteness too:)

    Love ya Spiritual Mom Beth, In HIM

    katiegfromtennessee

  6. 156
    Gail says:

    Miss Beth, do you know how much we want to be on your back porch??? Or have you on ours??? But this is great to have this blog. Just GREAT! Thank you, thank you! I am getting ready to board a plane from Seattle to Chicago, and boy will I watch where I sit and what I grab! And I will be giggling to myself when I think about it and everyone around me will wonder if I have a personal problem… 😉

  7. 157
    IndyLindy says:

    Some days I honestly just can’t wait to spend time with my fellow siestas in the beauty and joy of our eternal home together. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!!

    The grandbabies are BEAUTIFUL, of course!!!

    Beth, you have ‘birthed’ more children than Amanda and Melissa. I absolutely consider myself a spiritual daughter of yours.. and God is now using me in ways to proclaim freedom in Christ that I could NEVER have imagined. You, BELOVED, are part of the reason that this child is now bearing much fruit.

    Praising Him always ~
    Linda

  8. 158
    Audrey says:

    Oh, Beth, I was reading in your prayer devotional (I guess it would be mine now 🙂 this morning of how we sometimes need to get away with our God and rest–have some recreation. I love serving my family and church and neighbors, but sometimes just spending a few minutes with you gals on this blog can be a little more restful! I am so looking forward to the day when the LORD brings us to live near friends that have the same passions and goals as us–being with like-minded friends is just so encouraging and refreshing. Until then I will continue to love the friends I have and pray for them to see what they are missing out on.
    I would definitely take you up on an afternoon visit!
    love,
    Audrey

  9. 159
    Beverly H says:

    Thank you Beth for your warm and oh so fun blogs! They truly are food for the soul. And this is to Susan K, well done, faithful servant. For all these years you have poured your life into another’s. I pray this new season for you will bring much reward in ways you never could imagine. May you truly reap a harvest of all you have sown. God bless you.
    Your friend and sister in Christ,
    Beverly H/Pearland

  10. 160
    Emmy says:

    I love your stories! You make us feel as if we are indeed right on your back porch! Thanks!

    I wish I had been in Laramie! I needed that message! I have a precious group of 12 girls all about 10-15 years younger we meet every Tuesday during the year to study (did Stepping Up and Esther this year) to share, pray and just walk through life together… it has been one of the biggest Joys in my life… but man does Satan get me on this one and I wrestle every week whether or not I am qualified… that they would be better off with someone more _____ (fill in the blank!) I get so insecure!

    So thanks I REALLY needed that encouragement! Emmy : )

  11. 161
    Anonymous says:

    What beautiful pictures! Thanks for the post. I know this doesn't belong here, but can you post about the summer Bible Study "Me, Myself, & Lies"? I've got my book but I'm not sure how it works or if it has started yet. Thanks!

  12. 162
    Joanne (The Simple Wife) says:

    Hey Siestas,

    I posted my notes from Laramie on my blog this morning for anyone who wants them: http://thesimplewife.typepad.com/the_simple_wife/2009/05/living-proof-live-laramie-notes.html

    Much love,
    Joanne

  13. 163
    Anonymous says:

    Dear Beth,

    Thank you for sharing. When I read it, I was transported to your back porch. It was like we were drinking iced tea together, sharing your airplane story and event in Laramie.

    Thank you for sharing the pictures of your grandbabies. They are so adorable and growing up so fast. Don’t they all!!

    My friend, Patty and I, are looking forward to the Siesta bible study this summer. When will you be publishing the details? We just ordered our member books yesterday.

    Blessings,
    Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN

  14. 164
    Melva Lee says:

    Dear Beth,
    I know exactly how it feels to have a child call your name in church. I have a niece who looks and acts like me. We are very close and her kids consider me a grandma instead of an Aunt. When we are at church, her daughter, I call Baby Girl, screams my name, Nanny, and runs all out toward me at full tilt. Look out if you are in her way. I bend over and grab her in a big hug and shower her with kisses. She has to see me first before her granpa or great-grandpa. My first and only grandchild, a girl is just a year old and does not live by me. I can’t wait till the next time I see her, which has been too long, 8 months. I know how if feels, the need to see and hug them. She quite cannot say Nanny, but we are working on that.
    I better get back to work. Have a great week and kiss your grandbabies!

  15. 165
    the sandbox says:

    beth-loved the post. infact i have #8 written on the palm of my hand. if you had not forgotten it you most likely would not have added it to the post and i would not have it written on my palm for the day. love it! love HIM! love you!
    lovin life in Him-lisa
    cloudy at the beach today.

  16. 166
    Melanie says:

    Dear Beth, We were so blessed by God and you in Laramie, but I have to share some Godincidences with you.
    First of all, I have done your studies for a couple of years now. I am born and raised from Wyoming. When I started your studies, I lived in Kennewick, Wa. Whenever you talked about the mountains in some of your lessons, I felt it in my heart that it had to be the Tetons. My husband was in the navy and we have been to almost every state and my favorite place in the US is in front of the Tetons. They take my breath away!! I was so proud for you to call Wyoming your second home! We are crazy there. Whenever I see Wyoming license plates, I always wave and hoop and holler. (Not now, because in Idaho falls, there are alot of Wyo license plates), but I used too.
    When I first got married, (20 years ago), my husband would tell me how to do things and my response was always “I was born-n-raised in Wyoming, I know how to do…” I would say born n raised like it was one word. We laugh about it now.
    Anyway, I now live in Idaho Falls, Id and am doing the Beliving God study. I told my group that I wanted to run into you in a gas station somewhere. Then you told the story of the guy in gas station in Lander Wy. That is where I was born!! And the day you traveled to Lamamie, I was traveling on the same road you were on the same day. One of these days I will run into you in one of those gas stations.
    Thanks Beth for you do and I am proud to call you a fellow WYOMINGITE!! Blessings to you and your staff and your family. Melanie

  17. 167
    Womack says:

    Hilarious and I love it that you know Bon Qui Qui!

  18. 168
    bluepanda says:

    **sits cross-legged on the porch with cup of coffee giggling and cooing over grand-baby pics and laughing hysterically at the ramdom stories**

    I heart you Beth!! Wish I was with you today! 🙂

    Siesta Manda

  19. 169
    Kristib says:

    Your grands are adorable! Just wanted to tell you my husband came home from the used video store yesterday with “Bridge over the River Kwai”! What is it about that movie?

    Much love!

  20. 170
    Tellina A says:

    You are an answer to a year long prayer. I was spoke to so much over the time in Laramie that I am still trying to process it all. But your words, were from God and now I need to get that focus and take off on the newest race before me (even if I do feel like Jonah). Thank you for coming to our area and please come again so I can fellowship with my sisters (especially those in Pine Bluffs-I have so missed you) Love you and thank you for being faithful.

  21. 171
    Michele says:

    Beth, I sure do wish I could hang out on your back porch with you for a while. To sit and chat with you would be amazing I’m sure.
    And I could use a friend right now. I’ve been out of work since last summer and circumstances have left me mostly disconnected from the ones I love. While God has been doing a lot of work in me, some days the loneliness is excruciating.
    Thanks for sharing with us.

  22. 172
    Anonymous says:

    Beth,
    Thanks for your chat on the porch. Needed a little light refreshment on a cloudy Monday morning in the east.
    I have been so encouraged by this blog and so into scripture memorization for the first time in my redeemed life (I’m 50)! Thank you! I prayed in January’09 for a supportive Christian friend and found this blog shortly after. Praise God! I have never been to a LPL , but know I’d love it.
    Thanks and Praises to God for you , Amanda and Melissa… plus all the other ladies out there.
    Jen in Exton

  23. 173
    Shannon says:

    Beth – I recently read something & thought of it when you mentioned Titus 2:4…here it is:
    “Ecologists tell us that a young tree grows better when it's planted in an area with older trees. The reason, it seems, is that the roots of the young tree are able to follow the pathways created by former trees and implant themselves more deeply. Over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an intricate, interdependent foundation hidden under the ground. In this way, stronger trees share resources with weaker ones so that the whole forest becomes healthier. That's legacy: an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us.” – by Susan Bosak from her article “What is Legacy?”

  24. 174
    drea says:

    Security!!! LOL, YOU CRACK ME UP. We are best friends seperated by a couple hundred miles and a few other best friends.
    Thanks for the laughs on the plane with the knee. Too Funny! I just told your hair brush story this weekend with the old man in the airport.
    My day is uplifted.

  25. 175
    Vicki Sandifer says:

    That is so fun – good post. I like it when you go random!! By the way the grands are the cutiest! My babies – my 4 and my oldest child and her husband – arrive in Atlanta Ga after being in the Middle East for two years this FRIDAY!!! I am beyond excited. We went to see them in September but I have not had my hands on them since. I long to hold them. Please you all pray they get here safe. They will be home for 14 weeks! BEYOND excited – that is me. Well enjoy your Tues night and you all think of us on Friday. I will be at the air port way to early I am sure. But for others to come to Christ is so fantastic, so well worth giving them up for others to know Him. Ok, love you all, Vicki

  26. 176
    Michelle says:

    Beth-
    thank you, thank you from the bottom of this pastor’s wife’s broken heart for your coming to Laramie May 22-23. I am from the Denver area but knew that I knew I had to get there that weekend. God is healing me and has given me a Word and has called me to Strict Training…a life of ministry is so hard, but God IS faithful- Praise Him! Beth your gift for teaching and discernment is a blessing on my life. Thank you! Psalm 66 is now my chapter for the year.

  27. 177
    twinkle says:

    I just love your random thoughts!
    Have a blessed day, Siesta Beth.

  28. 178
    BeBe says:

    Beth, you are a treasure!!! I loved the random stories! I love sitting on my back porch, with a cup of coffee, good conversation and great friends!!!

    We were down in your area over the weekend – almost came to HFBC on Sunday morning! I have several friends who go there, but it just didn’t work out with our trip home. It sounds like a blessed morning and message. Next time, I’m going to make sure there is time to come!

    Blessings,
    BeBe

  29. 179
    Sara says:

    Laramie was my 5th or 6th conference…I think…I lauged at the post from today because I have mommy brain BAD. So whatever number it was…it was. That being said, I was in KS when you went 4 years ago and it hit me or should I say He hit me hard. Took me behind the shed with a 2×4 and had His way with me and my out of control, hypocritical, silly ego. Needless to say we did Believing God right after that…ugh…just slay me now. Anyway…what I wanted to tell you is on my way home from Kansas City I looked at my best friend and started crying saying I don’t want to go home because I knew way down (in my knower) that God was up to something HUGE and it was going to be hard. So I thought running away would be better…but I didn’t. I went home and lived and breathed and cried and lived some more all in the arms of the Father. Tough times and it wasn’t just a month here…week there…it was 3 years of HARD life. So Laramie came along and so did conferences in between but Laramie…oh Beth…God is good. He tagged me and said this: ‘The time is coming and if you don’t get up and learn from this right here…I might just not even bother with the 2×4 this time.’ So as I sit here in the great land of Starbucks, sipping my coffee with the music blaring in the background…what is really going on in my head is ‘O How I love Jesus, O How I love Jesus, O How I love Jesus Because He first loved me’ and ‘I will train to be mightier…humbling myself under His mighty hand so in due time He WILL lift me up’ and ‘I will train to follow through’ so that when the time comes I can say I listened and answered His call.

    Thank you Beth. You are loved beyond measure.

  30. 180
    Gayle @ thewestiecrew says:

    Bon Qui Qui… no you dih-ent. LOLOLOLOL!!!

  31. 181
    Kelli Erickson says:

    Dearest Beth,
    My name is Kelli and I was at LPL in good ole’ Laramie, my home:)Down on the floor with my under 30 sisters:) So nice to hear how much you appreciate Wyoming! I thank the Lord everyday for the sunshine, wide open spaces, and never ending sky here in this beautiful state. I wanted to let you know how much God used you to impact my life in our time together! My family had literally got home from Denver International at noon on Friday. my cousin, Lisa, went to be with Jesus on 5/16 and we put her physical body to rest on Wednesday 5/20. The grief and pain are still so deep, and I thank you for the fantastic belly laughing. Lisa was 32 years old and died from complications from leukemia. She has 2 sons, Aiden(3) and Logan(9 months). I cry out to the Lord everyday for his watchful hand over her babies! Questions still rise about this tragedy~ but I will trust the Lord through the storm. Because of him, I had the pleasure of having that beautiful woman as my family and friend. How lucky I am!I Praise God for all he does through you daily!

  32. 182
    Peggy C says:

    That WAS the best Memorial Day service ever. Arthur Craig is an amazing man of God. My hubby and I went to HFBC yesterday to support him. I’ve gone on mission trips to the Ukraine w/ Arthur and heard many stories of Brian and cried together over the loss. I’ve seen Arthur witness to people in airports with the letter that Brian wrote. What an incredible gift that is. I bawled through the whole service! Arthur and Barbara are a living testimony of turning a huge loss around to minister to others. They are the real deal and a huge blessing to me and my family. God is so amazing how He orchestrates every moment of our lives. Great is His faithfulness!

  33. 183
    Jamie says:

    Hey Beth,

    I know this is late notice but I’m writing in response to your March 2nd blog where you were talking about books.
    With it being summertime I’d like to hear from you about some good reads you and the others might have for these summer months!

  34. 184
    KRN2007K says:

    Beth,
    Thank you so very very much for making it out to Laramie, WY. If I must be honest here, I know at different times I have felt like our little state gets left out. I just want to thank you for obeying God in the call to come here. I know we weren’t a very big group but it was such an honor having you. I was very touched and blessed. Not sure if you really know the whole story about Matthew Shepherd who was killed in Laramie back in 1998. It was a brutal event that took place. He was found tied to a fence on the edge of Laramie just barely clinging to life. I have to say on the part of Psalm 66 where it talked about God pulling me out of the ‘ditch’, I couldn’t help but think of him, his story, and the pain that covered the town of Laramie, and the state of Wyoming. I was actually living in Laramie @ that time and knew several people that knew him. Later on you mentioned the grief of the women in the room. I know the grief was so much deeper than we realize. But I just wanted to share this with you. Thank you again. You are God’s vessel that I am so thankful for. Bless you!

    Kapri

  35. 185
    Megan says:

    Oh my sweet Beth,

    Girl you make me laugh so hard. My friend Alane and I were in Laramie with you this last weekend.

    God is so very faithful. He spoke to both of us thru you. We are both going to be in strict training and living livelier and doing what he has placed on our hearts to do for him. We both practiced our NO’S on the way home to Colorado Springs, and we now have each other as accountability partners.

    You and Travis are a great duo. I love that you take your love for God on the road and share with us.

    Oh to have been on that plane. I would have done just what you did. am-scray as fast as I could. =)

    Have a blessed week. See you in His word again soon.

    Megan

  36. 186
    Lara Harris says:

    My 14 year old daughter (one of them–I have twins) can perfectly mimic the ENTIRE bon qui qui routine. I roar everytime she does it. I am so tickled that you know who she is. What a hoot.

  37. 187
    screamofcontinuousness says:

    bless your sweet heart.
    It may be blasphemy but when I finally understood the concept of Eternity was when I tried to wrap my brain around YOU getting one on one time to really develop a deep friendship with each and every person you have ever ministered to.

    I blogged about it and it STILL gets more hits per day than anything else on my blog.

    it’s here if you are interested:
    http://screamofcontinuousness.wordpress.com/2008/06/09/im-going-to-get-to-meet-beth-moore/

    hugs,
    Deirdre

  38. 188
    Isaac's Mom says:

    It is so funny that you brought up mentoring young women. I had just asked a couple of young ladies in our church if they thought it would be helpful to get some mentoring from the older women in the church and…..they about jumped me with a “YES”. I’m working on trying to get a program started and if you have any words of wisdom on how to do this I would be forever grateful to you!! I remember being a young wife and not knowing a thing!!! I had 2 beautiful older women who took me under their wing and I am happy to say…it helped temendously.

    As for Curtis’ post…brilliant, simply brilliant. He’s wise for sure and I for one would love to hear more from him.

    Off the subject…I have to tell you Beth that I lost my dog “Baby Girl” who was my constant companion for almost 15 years not long ago. Well…while the children and I were mourning and trying to decide if we could ever love another dog the way we loved her, my husband took us to the animal shelter. We now have a “Chiweenie” named of all things, “Queen Esther”. It was during the study when all of this took place and my children said “Mom, you have been working on Esther for so long it would only be appropriate to give her the name of “Queen Esther”. I loved that study and so did my children. I take them along for the adventure with me!! 10 and 8 years old. I lead the Thursday night group of women (there are about 80 of us and growing) and I take the preparation very seriously so….I did work on it for a while. Well…unknown at the time we picked her up, Esther was in the family way. We now have the “Royal Family”. All 6 of them. God has a sense of humor!!

    Royana

  39. 189
    Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend says:

    Beth,

    Oh how I wish I could spend an afternoon on your back porch…Wonder how many of us would put that in our top five “Dream List”!

    Thank you for sharing your life with us. A post from you makes my day….I feel like we are old friends…and love you dearly.

  40. 190
    JW and Susy says:

    Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us Beth- you are so precious!

    And now for some business, Susan Kirby is actually if we are being Spanishly correctually your ‘comadre’ not compadre…! Ha! There is your Spanish lesson for the day 🙂 Love ya!

  41. 191
    Anonymous says:

    What a great post. Loved the pic’s of your adorable grandkids and also got on the web and found out who or what on earth is “Bon Qui Qui?” I can’t tell you how much I have learned on LPM Blog! Laughed my head off, especially your airplane story. Thanks for the grin.

  42. 192
    Bridgette says:

    Beth, you are absolutely a trip! actually as someone said to me once, a “vacation”!
    Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I don’t comment as much anymore, but I come on here and read all the time. I do the ladies ministry at my church, and when I get bogged down with “stuff”, I can come on here and read the post by you and your girls and the comments from all the siestas, and it just calms me and helps me get motivated again!
    Thanks for your heart!

  43. 193
    Missy says:

    Oh my dear Beth…I’m just now getting to read this and you’ve had me laughing so hard about your stunt on the plane that my very contented Yorkie jumped down from my lap onto the floor and turn and gave me a disgusted sigh because I disturbed his nap! 😀 I can always count on you to make me laugh my head off. You truly are a glorious hoot!!
    I can’t believe I haven’t been able to read your blogs much lately…what laugh therapy I missed! I kept up with Melissa’s blogs during her trip…loved every bit of that! And I keep up with AJ’s awesome mommy stories and pictures of those precious babies! But I have missed YOU lately! Thanks for that post. 🙂

    Love ya~
    Missy in SC

  44. 194
    Kristen says:

    Isn’t it strange, I’ve felt lonesome for you and all the other siestas too! Wish we could talk in person! It’s funny to think of our husbands watching the same old war movies on Memorial Day weekend. Such a guy thing. But this is our thing and I love it so much. My computer time has been so sporadic lately, but I’m getting my fix now!
    Love to all the Siestas,
    Kristen in TN

  45. 195
    Barbara says:

    This post had me crying (Memorial Day Service) and laughing (BonQuiQui! and harrassing fellow passengers). I’ll have to remember not to read the silly posts late at night to keep from disturbing my sleeping family!

  46. 196
    Anonymous says:

    Beth and LP Team:

    Last week you had the men answer a question on their insecurities and then get their reactions on how we react to our insecurities. In a word…Thank You for asking those questions! Over the last month I’ve been teaching a Wednesday night series on women and their roles in the family and the church. I began in Genesis, with the creation of man and woman, and I’m moving slowing through the Bible. Last week I taught on the Fall and Curse in Genesis 3, and I had a “light bulb” moment while preparing. I began to “wonder” if I was right in thinking that satan attacks men and women on the very roles/responsibilities/desires that God ordained at creation (Women-Helper and Men-Provider and Protector). I will admit that I am not normally a “blog reader,” but that week I felt the Holy Spirit’s prompt to read your blog. The very day of my “light bulb” moment was the day after you asked the men to respond. I was blown away to find that, in a sense, my assumptions where true. God put within men this “natural” desire to lead, protect, and to provide, and it seems like these were the themes of the men’s response to their primary area of insecurity. I had privately been asking that question to the men I know and work with in ministry, but you asked it on a broader level to a broader group that I do not have access to asking. Just so you know…your question to the men and the “themes” I saw in the response to those questions was used and quoted in my teaching that Wednesday night. (And your name was attached to it.)

    I am always amazed at how God uses people to speak into another’s life and to encourage them. That day God used your blog to help provide a “nugget” of insight into my teaching and to help me to minister to the women God has called me to serve. I love how, though you don’t know about my ministry and my teaching, God knew I was going to teach on that subject that specific night. HE definitely used you (in a very usual way) to shed some light and insight into the subject HE has called me to teach at this season. So thank you! I have and will continue to pray for your ministry. I look forward to reading the insights God gives you as you put together this new book. Blessing over you, your team, and your ministry!

  47. 197
    Tara D. says:

    Beth – I am so impressed that you know who Bon Qui Qui is. Ha ha. 🙂

  48. 198
    Anonymous says:

    Beth, I just shared your leg grabbing airplane story with my husband and he laughed. Then he said “It’s a good thing he didn’t have a wooden leg.”

    Thought I would share a laugh with you for a change.

    Kathy in Corinth, TX

  49. 199
    Pray for BJ says:

    so encouraging and entertaining to read your posts. love it! thank you for your ministry and incredible stories. It’s wonderful to have time to peruse through your blog and commit to the inspired verses shared. I have gone through many of your bible studies (all annointed) and Daniel was my favorite so far. May God continue to bless you and your family
    Deanna

  50. 200
    Susannah says:

    My friend and "Bible lady"… you are wonderful. I love the fact that I laugh and cry while reading a single post. You have a way with words girl!! I love it! BTW, I am heading out the door and had my makeup done very nicely (notice the past tense).
    Those grandbabies are darlin'. Sure wish my mom was closer… she gets to see my 2 little ones every 6 months or so. Can you even imagine?? God has provided pseudo grandparents in our community, but it's just not the same =(
    Thanks for your randomness. Love ya Siesta!!

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