Hey, Siestas! Thank you so much for all those wonderful birthday greetings! I am blessed beyond words! You’ll never know a soul on the face of the earth God has graced more than me. Truly “God’s love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost. Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite Your love, O God!” (Ps. 36:5-7 The Msg) Yep, that was one of my memory verses. They sure come in handy, don’t they?
I had such a fun day! Around here, we all say that there’s no birthday like a birthday at LPM but, actually, anywhere you have some best girlfriends that make you laugh your head off and love Jesus twice as much is a birthday just like the ones we have here. Girlfriends are one of the dearest gifts of God in all of life. Besides the great fellowship and intercession, I got the neatest gifts! Keith gave me a very delicate necklace and a leg press. (How do you like that combo? That says it right there.) My staff gave me all sorts of things for my battered back yard. It used to be so gorgeous B.P. (Before Puppies). BUT, it’s slowly bouncing back with all my beautiful new birthday accessories. I had so much fun arranging all of them when I got home from work. I bet I didn’t make it in the house for half an hour and it was HOT. For once, I was too happy to care.
In addition to all my yard and porch gifts, I got the cutest note cards from one of my beloved correspondence assistants. Isn’t that perfect? I also got three gorgeous frames because my dear friend, Nancy, knew that my family is growing so fast, I haven’t been able to keep up with the framing. I promised her that I would not put dog pictures in them but she said I could if I wanted to. Michelle got me a really fun pink flat-iron cover for traveling (she got tired of waiting for it to cool off before I could pack it, I think) and Joel Rosenberg’s new book signed by the author! I was so pumped! I’m a huge fan of his and got to meet him when we were in Washington D.C. I also got a pair of summer sandals that are unbearably cute. Jenn, I changed into an outfit that matched them when I got home and put them right on my feet.
So much stuff, y’all. So much stuff. It was a grace extravaganza and I am so grateful for these fellow sojourners that I’d have to bawl to describe how I feel about them to you. You and all your greetings were icing on the Living Proof cake.
Then, we had family birthday last night at our house. Keith asked where I wanted to go out to eat and I requested something entirely different this year: carry-out Italian so we could just eat here at home and let the babies play. What’s a birthday without Jackson and Annabeth? This year I let Houston keep its fancy restaurants. I’d rather have the kids. I had a first yesterday: Jackson sang “Happy Birthday” to me on the telephone. It’s on tape and I’ll try to keep it forever…along with the one from nine months ago where he told me, “Bibby, I poo-poo on da potty! Got a race cah!”
Melissa and Amanda conspired on my gift this year and it was supposed to arrive Monday but never made it. I would have been plenty happy to receive it today but Melissa was beside herself about it getting here right on time. The package finally arrived at the Joneses at 6:45 this evening and they headed straight over with it. Then I knew why they were so excited! IT WAS A KINDLE!! This book nerd’s joy knew no bounds! I cannot wait to get some great stuff on that bad boy. I’m almost in a frenzy. I’ve probably told you before that I feel like a whole cheerleading squad lives in my head most of the time and at moments like these they act up the worst. Each girl immediately wanted to read something different so I’m not sure where we’ll start.
OK, THAT’S ENTIRELY ENOUGH ABOUT BIRTHDAYS. I don’t want to hear another word about it! I promise you I’ll give it 12 months before I bring that subject up again.
Now, for the main reason I got on here today. I thought, since I went on and on about Sunny and Beanie here recently with the anniversary of their sweet passings, I better update you on our darling and mischievous one year-olds. They are a scream. Sometimes literally. (“GIRLS, GET YOUR TAILS OUT OF THAT…!!! Fill in the blank with absolutely ANYTHING: pot roast, plants, toilets, diapers, mail, watermelon, etc. They even chewed some holes in my Slanket. I don’t care. I just have more places to put my arms through. Or my feet if I’m getting a tad warm.)
These are recent pictures of Geli (soft “g”, short for Angelina) and Star (real name, Queen Esther). They are so much fun. We would not trade them for anything on this earth. We just might not necessarily recommend getting two puppies at once but, then again, they are such BFF’s! Inseparable! They insist on eating and drinking out of the same bowl and often…how shall I say…potty at exactly the same time right beside one another. As in love with Beanie as we were and as special a place as she will always hold in our hearts, Geli just may be the most beautiful German Shorthaired Pointer we have ever seen in our lives. Well, Keith won’t admit that but, pressed for truth, I will. Star is absolutely adorable, too, and, honestly, so smart you can’t even believe it. She has an IQ higher than most humans. She is my constant shadow, just like her predecessor. I tell Star and Geli all the time that they have very big paws to fill. Just wanted you to know how in love with them we are and how you can picture them these days.
PS. Btw, watching Marley and Me was a big mistake. I put my face in a big red beach towel and wailed my head off. Didn’t sleep a single wink and that’s the shape I went to Pittsburgh in. Y’all tried to warn me but NO! I just had to do it! But, now that a few days have passed, I’m so glad I did. Not doing it again.
wonderful pictures of the doggie princesses—wow can they strike a pose!
so glad you day was great and it was fun to hear all about it so thanks for sharing.
have a great rest of the week!
Good, you were blessed by the birthday wishes! And, you got to celebrate the way you wanted-doubly good:) Aw, sorry the movie made you upset. Yeah, maybe not watch it next yr…Star and Geli are beautiful dogs. They do bring you joy:)
Blessed evening to you,
katiegfromtennessee
Beth,
Awesome, f-u-n, post!
Can I just tell ya, you are gonna love, L.O.V.E. that Kindle!
I've had mine over a year now and shew, it is just the coolest! The girls did swell on your birthday gift, cause I can see you usin' tha thang! 🙂
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Miss Beth….
I am so blessed by you and I am so blessed that YOU were blessed on your special day!
You have made such a huge impact on my life and my relationship with the Lord would not be what it is today (200% improved with room for yet more improvement…but fear not — He's not finished with me yet!) without your amazing teachings. Thank you for all you do for all of us who love you from afar!!
Have an awesome evening….
Staci
Family, dogs and Kindle…time to get away and enjoy them all.
The Kindle … post a comment on how much you like/love it! It is the greatest…so easy, so immediate-books in hand, so perfect.
You know there are some very good Beth Moore books available for the Kindle.
Then the Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson for enjoyment–prayer warriors in the making.
Happy Birthday, Beth! You are God's special creation and a very special gift to all of us.
Happy belated birthday, Beth! I was busy preparing for a birthday sleepover for my own birthday girl.
I loved the pics of your dogs. Star reminds me of Bonnie, our first Border Collie. Bonnie had more white on her, but her ears stood straight up just like Star's. It looks like Star may even have the same unruly fur. I loved that dog! She was my first "child," and she was spoiled. She wasn't with us as long as we would have liked.
Our new Border Collie is a total nut. She is the most energetic dog I have ever seen. But we love her, too.
Enjoy the dog days of summer.
I feel so badly about you watching Marley and Me I won't even say "I told you so." 🙂
Your birthday sounds wonderful! So glad you had a great day. Family and friends…can't go wrong with that.
The dogs are gorgeous. I love German shorthaired pointers!
BETH!!!!
You must check this out! Rachael Barkey is a 37 year old Christian wife and mother of 2 who is dying of terminal cancer. She addressed 600 women in Vancouver in March about situation. Amazing! Her testimony is so very sweet. This is a must see. Please take a look and then if you feel led, post the link for the siestas.
Thank you for sharing your life, dogs and all! Aren't dogs just the best thing in the world?
I am always encouraged by your energy and enthusiasm. When my day is in the ditch, the LPM blog has me smiling in no time!
Susan in San Antonio
It sounds like your birthday was so lovingly perfect! YAY! And, a Kindle??? What a great and appropriate gift! I love it! (A big happy belated birthday, I didn't comment on the last post…sorry!)
The dogs are remarkable. Truly, Geli is so beautiful. I love her ears! Of course, fluffy Star is a beauty too!
We made the mistake of taking our three children to see Marley and Me on Christmas Day. The previews made it seem like a comedy and I had not read the book, so we thought it would be a great thing to see on our very first Christmas without extended family obligations. We all left the theater in tears and the kids were very irritated with me for insisting we see THAT movie! I will never live it down! 🙂
I love this blog so much. The community it has brought to my life is so dear…I love my blog siestas so much! (I was at the Siesta Fiesta and met many of them in real life.) I just wanted to say thanks!
Many blessings and much love,
Teri
Happy Birthday! You are going to love your Kindle. Every time you turn it off the coolest picture comes up of a famous author. I would turn mine off and on when I first got it just to see who was next.
Pictures of the dogs are great. I am pondering if I should get another dog after the loss of my beloved 17 year old. Geli and Star make me miss that sweet companionship and fun……..
Best,
Mary
Beth,
It sounds like a wonderful and eventful day for you. Just the way birthdays should be.
Your dogs are beautiful. Didn't you get Geli when you visited Mpls. last summer?
God bless you with many more wonderful days with your family,
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
I'm so glad you had a special birthday! Family time is the best! I feel blessed that I knew your family when you were growing up. Great memories of good times! I sure am proud of you and I'm so glad we have a blog to keep up with you and your inspired work!
Those are some good looking dogs! Haven't watched Marley and Me yet.
Kathie
I am glad you had a wonderful birthday.
I love your dog stories! I have not watched Marley and Me. Just can do it. We had two labs live until 13, and now we have two replacement labs 7 and 8 years old. Our kids say we do more for the dogs, then we do for them! My answer back is, and what is wrong than that! LOL!
Happy birthday!
Thank you for sharing the photos of your puppies. We adopted a GSP rescue over the weekend. She is five months old, and a bundle of energy, to put it nicely. Lots of love to Geli and Star from our Birdie.
Beth, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I am a June birthday, too! (have you ever noticed how most people born in June are a little more weird than the other months? Its just a theory. :0)
I am so glad you had a great day! We here at the Lenhart house are so thankful for you! (this includes my hubby, Brian and the short~haired Border Collie/pound puppy, Myra Anne, too!) God has used you to bless us a ton! We love you!!
P.S. So glad to see how the "babies" have grown over a year!
Hey hey,
Thanks for the new pics of the pups.
They do look fun.
Becky
So glad you had a great birthday!
Loved the update on the pups!! I have recently rekindled a love I had for dogs as a kid. We got a puppy a couple of months ago and he's quickly winning my heart and becoming quite a bud of mine. I hope he will be a part of our family for many years!
Am so glad our Lord blessed your socks off on your special day, Beth. You pour your life out on so many — it's good to know that it gets poured right back on you! We love you so much.
Blessings and more blessings to you, sweet sister,
Gretchen
Thousand Oaks, CA
P.S. German Shorthair Pointers are the best dogs ever!
I bawled my eyes out watching Marley & Me too!!How can a movie be SO sad! I felt like the biggest baby. 🙂
Hi, Beth
I am glad that your birthday was so wonderful! I was unable to get on the computer last night to wish you a Happy Birthday, so I'll wish you a Happy Belated Birthday. Right now I've got some health issues going on (gotta have an ultrasound on my liver tomorrow). When I read your post, I asked the same question that many others did–"What's a kindle?". I've never heard of it. When I found out what it was, I want one!
The pictures of Geli and Star are absolutely fantastic! They are so precious. My beagle, Killer, is seven years old and would kill you with kindness. She is such a sweet, loving dog…When I saw "Marley and Me" (in the theatre, and cried like a baby especially at the end) Killer was sick, so it made it worse.
God bless you in your ministry. You will never know just how much God has used your teaching in my life.
To Fran, who's puppy ate her Bible, the poor baby just wanted to get in the Word the only way she knew how–she did not know it was wrong.
Blessings to all of my wonderful siestas!
Sharon
Pontotoc, MS
They are beautiful and so grown up!
Beth, I loved, loved hearing about your birthday festivities!! God fills our heart on some days with so much joy we think we will burst, and then there are days when our hearts are so heavy we think they will be broken in two. Nevertheless, God is constant and loves us like crazy on both kinds of days.
I just had to tell you that my husband gave me a Slanket in March for my birthday, and my puppy chewed several small holes in it just in the short time I've had it. I'll think of you now as I am wrapped up in my holey Slanket. Hey, have you driven with your Slanket yet? My husband keeps the car so cool when we drive a long distance. The Slanket is great because I stay warm and still have my hands for reading, etc. One late night when we were traveling and I offered to take the wheel for awhile, I came to the driver's side donned in my Slanket to drive. Yes, the Slanket is drive-wearable. I told my husband if only Beth Moore could see me now. We had a great laugh and then pondered just what I would say if a police officer pulled me over. Ha!
Love to you and yours!
I've just heard about the kindle! How special and fun for you. Glad you had a wonderful birthday, Beth.
Happy Belated Birthday! I loved the pictures of your dogs they are adorable! I love dogs and cats they are so sweet! God Bless you!
That pic of Geli is ADORABLE!!!!! It should be in a photo contest.
Nights of no sleep and heart wrenching anguish tend to make me a little more perceptive…from what I hear, Pittsburgh went off without a hitch (I think that's how they say it down south).
Love you bunches…glad you had a wonderful birthday!
I thought our family had to be the only family with a German Short Hair in the entire Houston area! 🙂 We looked everywhere for one a year ago and found 1 family selling puppies. They had one male left and had just moved here from Kentucky. So, we felt even more special that we had actually acquired a transfer from another state! We love ours – his name is Dash. So good natured especially around our 3 year old triplets. He lets them roll all over him!
Happy birthday!
I am so glad you had a wonderful birthday! Love ya!
I know this is a little late in the ball game, but Happy Birthday anyway!! It sounds like it was wonderful, and if anyone should have a wonderful one it should be you. It's amazing to think the day you were born God knew He was going to impact so many through you. I am blessed to be one of those impacted! Thank you!
Love,
Amber
Beth,
you are such a doll. And that is what I appreciate about you, you are unpretentious. Even when I watch those clips from the places you travel to and teach, you keep your eyes on Him and heart always humbled. And I just know you want to touch every woman in every place you go to give some of the realness of God to those who need a drink of water.
Little moments I get to see you, give you a hug say a few things are for me little gifts I get to keep in my treasure chest. There are a few long time friends in my life that are dear and will always be, they are in my treasure chest. They are real, love me for me, faithful and encourage me to seek Him, pray, and read the Word.
I just appreciate you! You have never, ever been a phony. Thank you for that.
Love, Allison
P.S. I knew that about Marley & Me. Just too hard to watch once you lose a dog!
Kindle! What will they think of next. And I don't even text…
cut backs
So happy you had a great birthday, it sounds like it was a FUN day!
The dogs are really pretty, Geli looks like she's 'velvety' soft! Love her shade of brown!
Have a fun week!
Love and blessings, Bobbie
Beth, I haven't watched that movie for that exact reason, I cry enough don't need any help!
I am glad you enjoyed your birthday, what a blessing and pure joy to hear your sweet baby sing happy birthday.
Your dogs SO…cute. I think a beautiful Irish Setter named Jake would set that beautiful duo off to an even more beautiful trio!! You let me know…and I'll send Jake right over!
My husband and i have A LOT of pets. We have inherited them. Long story, but we started with just one dog. Then grandma came to live with us and we got another dog. Then mom came to live with us and yet another dog. THEN if that were not enough, a single friend came to live with us..guess what TWO cats.
New rule if you come to live with the Thiele's YOU COME ALONE!! Ha Ha
Love you so….much!!
Yay for a happy birthday! The dogs look adorable and ALERT – like, "Where's the next bit of mischief we can get into?" What's the book thing-y you got? And I loved the image of an entire cheerleading squad in your head. I just hope the pom poms don't mess with your hair too much~ I know you like to protect your hair and cheerleaders in the brain could do some damage it would seem ~
Laughing at the thought,
Warm in Alaska.
They are sooo cute!! I have to say my child (she will be 4 in a few days) was amen-ing you on Life today!! CRACKED ME UP!!
She has already caught on to the fact that you want us to engage and respond to the Lord!!
I don't know how the other siestas feel (of course) but at our bible study last night (of Esther – WOW) I felt like the biggest Beth Moore (& family) stalker when I could recite all this information about you to the group…I mean, it doesn't seem odd when I'm talking with a group of fellow siestas but to a group who doesn't even know what a blog is…shew.
We're on week 3 and you were sharing a story about Beanie going into full point when she sees a squirrel and how Keith will have to pick her up and move her around to get her to move (much like God does with us – how you turn moments like that into a God thing is amazing, by the way) and after the video I shared with the group that it was the one year anniversary of your family being without Beanie and how you had 2 new dogs. SO, all this ramble to say (and wow it's rambly and obviously continuing on) I'm glad you have pictures of your two babies because I'm HOPING some of my group will come to the blog and become Siestas and then they'll see your babies!
I'm looking forward to seeing how you like the Kindle. I just got my daughter's hand me down iPod and have been listening to audiobooks (I loved hearing you read A Heart Like His). I just wonder how I'd do with a reader like Kindle. There's something so satisfying about holding a book in your hands.
I bawled watching Marley & Me but I'm really glad I saw it. My Marley was named Murphy (golden retriever) but he wasn't as well behaved as Marley (can you imagine) and he died of an aneurysm way too young.
Ok, seriously, I must need to talk to people because this is possibly the longest comment I've ever typed. It's like a post all its own.
Belated birthday Bible Lady,
I often feel I sooo know you and you are a part of my family.
I had no clue what a "kindle" was never having heard that word before . The first thought that went through my mind was maybe it is something like a "spindle". And I thought to myself, does BethMoore's talents and time have no limit to them? Till I googled the word and found out!
Anna.
Canada.
Your girls are beautiful (and I'm referring to your four legged girls here….we all know your HUMAN girls are drop dead gorgeous!)
I may be showing my ignorance here, but what's a kindle?
So cute! Thrilled you had a great birthday! I was thinking of getting my husband a Kindle for his birthday in August… let us know how you like it! I heard Andy Stanley preach a sermon on them and they sound really cool!
Would like to see some of your yard and porch gifts.
I am redoing my quiet place in my yard and need some ideas. Can you post some pics? Happy late birthday.
So glad God poured down grace on your precious head for your birthday. And such beautiful baby-dogs! Thank you for sharing the pictures. Keep sharing!
Joy in Mansfield, TX
Glad you had such a delightful birthday Beth!
Please though – what is a KINDLE?
I have to look that up!
I LOVE German Shorthairs – so beautiful!
Haven't watched Marley and Me yet – my daughter wanted to because she loves dogs so much, but I warned her that I had heard it was way too sad – so I've been able to avoid it so far!
Love how you keep all your taped messages of Jackson!I keep all of my Grandaugher Elaine it always makes me smile when I hear her voice. I love being a grandma I also agree about Marley and me once is enough.
I cried as well, our pets sure can do a number on our hearts!
I really appreciated your lesson in Pitt. (The Perfect Storm)! It held a lot of food for thought and I have been meditating on it all week.
As a pastor's wife I must answer the church phone 24/7, and on the other end of the line have been increasingly more raging storms to council and deal with. That is why I commented at the seminar that we need to be "constant in the Word and in prayer", so that we can be a source of wisdom to those around us who are going through storms and as a reserve for ourselves in times of troubled waters!
Thank you for the sacrifices you make to do these seminars, your hare work for the Lord is greatly appreciated!
your puppies are adorable!!!!! Im a huge dog fan with 7 of my own. In addition to those someone just dumped a german sherperd mix pup in my yard . I found her swimming in my pond. After I nurse her to good health ( she has mange) I will need to find her a good home. We are calling her Gabby because she barks at my other dogs like she rules them. They are so much bigger than she is though, its cute, they just sit there starring at her. 🙂 anyone want her? she is sweet as she can be!!!
Happy Belated Birthday Beth.
I sent you a letter prior to going to the Pittsburgh event stating how much your teaching has meant to me and changed my life. 2009 has been especially difficult and in fact I have been using the words "Perfect Storm" over and over again all year. So when you introduced your topic I was so blown away that God was speaking to me through you once again. One of my scripture memory verses very early on in the year and the first one that I say aloud every morning in my speech therapy room is Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." When you used that scripture Friday night, you could have knocked me over with a feather!! God is so good to keep encouraging me through you Beth. I was half waiting for you to use the Psalm 36:5-7a as well. I memorized it too!
Siestas, could you please pray for my 19 year old daughter Jackie who went to Spain on Sunday to study for 6 weeks, her luggage is still lost. She has nothing and is now very ill.
I thought I was in the eye of the storm (calm) but if I am, it was a very tiny eye.
With love,
Ramona
Beth –
I watched Marley and Me after I found out that my baby girl (12 year old yorkie) has a stage 3 heart murmur…not the movie to watch at all in that moment! Needless to say, I sobbed!
Your Star and Geli are precious!! 🙂
Thanks for always opening up your heart and life to us…it sure helps this single gal!
Have a great day!
Crystal
Beth,
I sent "home" my 15 year old Dalmation Harley in September..what a rough road that was.
Now my sweet 6yr.old Catahoula has contracted a life threatening illness and we are nursing her through it, not really knowing if she can make it through.
I could FEEL your heartache in your post.
I am in the middle of the Esther bible study and when you talked about being in the middle of a seemingly never ending crisis.."Georgia Blue's" sickness has been that for me.
It was hard trying to get some of the girls in my group to understand or empathize with the heartache I have endured over this "furry daughter" of mine.
Thankyou for sharing your feelings and validating mine.
You have been a blessing in my life in many ways..
Because of HIM,
Aimee
Beth,
Thanks for the review of your birthday celebration. It sounds like a blast as usual. I love the pictures of Geli and Star and have been thinking of them since you spoke of Beanie and Sunny's passing.
I sit here with tears streaming as I lost my beloved chihuahua Rosie on Monday. She was 11 and died in my arms from heart failure. I miss her so much.
Praying for LPL Stockton and anxiously waiting to see you at Deeper Still Greensboro.
Carolyn
Oceanside,Ca
Your doggies are just beautiful. Glad you had a wonderful Birtday.
Oh I didn't tell ya My Poodle was allegic to the over the counter flea Meds cost me 100.00 at the vets with steroids and Him crying and Toby Keith's still got fleas. I got four dogs and they are spoiled.
Have a Blessed and wonderful Day!
Love Ya'll Sue