Good Monday morning, my beloved Siestas!
I am at the Houston Airport (IAH) with my man and we are waiting to get on a flight to Denver where we’ll then connect to Wyoming and join the Jones. We’ve got a slight maintenance delay and I’m a bit concerned about our layover. One thing I can tell you for sure. A life of airports will remind you over and over just how little control a folk has over most circumstances!
I am hoping some of you guys from North Dakota get on here today because I have to tell you something. Not only did I totally LOVE you and LOVE studying God’s Word with you, you guys gave $10,000 dollars to the poor through Samaritan’s Purse. Did you hear what I said???? $10,000! They were absolutely FLOORED. For crying out loud, WE were absolutely floored. I’ve never posted the charitable giving before but I had to this time. You need to know that you 4200 women outgave groups over twice your size. Please don’t misunderstand me to imply the least negative thing about a single one of our wonderful groups. We don’t ever measure our groups like that. People can only give what they can give and some areas of the country are suffering financially much more than others. At the same time, I just had to let you know how generous you were. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse really get hit by financial crises like the one we’re experiencing so this was a huge help to them. They’ll turn that money into provision for the poor as soon as possible. Thank you so much, ladies! Thank you so much!
I love all you guys like crazy. You won’t waste a prayer on our family right now. At the top of our needs is a loved one with a health issue. That’s all I feel free to say right now but I cannot express how much we’d appreciate your prayers for healing. As much as I know it would be in love, please try not to get into conjecture in your comments on who or what it might be because it will inevitably lead to rumors. If about 5000 of you would say just one general prayer each, we’d feel blessed beyond measure. We would know that, no matter what, the heart of God was moved by the copious prayers of the saints. Thank you, Sisters. We pray for you, too.
Talk to you soon! And I will give you a general update on that situation before long, too.
Honored to be your servant,
Beth
UPDATE: Our flight was cancelled so we had to go down to baggage claim, reclaim our bags, go back through ticketing, get new seats and get booked on another flight five hours later. And we don’t have a car at the airport so we, two equally hyperactive adults, are just sitting tight. Yes, Michelle offered to come get us but I’m not letting her go to that much trouble. Just so happens we’re in IAH’s only small terminal and the lone one that doesn’t allow you to take the train to any of the hopping ones. Thankfully, a sparrow is loose in the terminal and is perched about five feet from Keith and me so we’re momentarily spared from perishing of unmitigated boredom. Because of the economy, most of the kiosks are closed so shopping is out of the question but there is a Rosetta Stone vending machine that keeps calling our names. Keith and I are thinking of learning Swahili while we’re here. I’ll keep you posted.
FURTHER UPDATE:
Nilikula – I ate
Nimekula – I have eaten
Ninakula – I am eating
Nitakula – I will eat
Bethie, I was driving thru Fargo the weekend before you went – and boy were those radio stations excited about your visit. I amost wrote you last week. What a blessing that they gave so much. They are truly NICE folks up there.
Enjoy your week in God's Country.
Wyo Native (displaced)
Your Airport Woes sound like my husband's a week ago.
We were waiting at our relatives for him to get to Maryland. Flights were so messed up when we went to sleep that night that we woke having NO IDEA where he was!
Thankfully, he made it to MD and got to join us for a 15-hour drive home.
Chocolate and a good Bible Study always help me in these situations ; )
Dear Beth,
You bet I prayed!
What a sweet gift from God this blog is! He's listening to our prayers for:
Beth… your sweet loved one (God is busy with right now!)
Leah… for the kidnapped gal (God sees her!)
Sue… your son (God loves you both and is moving!)
No doubt other prayer requests by now – spoken and unspoken.
Jesus, thank you! Thank you! You see, hear, and You have provided a way for us to come together in Your name – and here You are! We love you!!!
Just said a prayer for your family. Dont need to know who or what- our great and powerful God knows all!
Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am praying. 🙂 And LOL at your choice of verb! Haha. Have a great day!
Oh bless your sweet heart you are bored! Just think in only a few short hours you will be with your family on a vacation! I am praying for your family member and their healing. Thank you for all the hard work you do. My life has been so touched by the Lord through you. It was a treat getting to hear you speak at church on sunday! I will be coming your simulcast! I am praying that Jesus will bring it! He always does 🙂
Beth,
Prayers have been lifted for your loved one. May God bless as only He can.
Lee Ann
Hi Beth:
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend your event in Fargo this past weekend. I was so spiritually blessed and refreshed. I can't wait to share with my women's bible study group the wonderful lessons we learned. We are studying Esther now.
Prayers for your family member and for your ministry.
Thank you for allowing God to direct you to Fargo.
Jeannie
Love the updates, especially the language lesson!! I just love your sense of humor!! I am so looking forward to the Simulcast at the end of the month. We are so blessed to have it available in our church. God bless you bunches!!
Hi Beth:
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend your event in Fargo this past weekend. I was so spiritually blessed and refreshed. I can't wait to share the lessons we learned with my women's bible study group.
Prayers for your family member and for your ministry.
Thank you for allowing God to direct you to come to Fargo, ND. Hope you can come back and just enjoy our state.
Jeannie
Hi Beth,
Praying for you and your family today!
Are there any moonpies in that vending machine?
Are you serious? You and Keith are in the airport learning Swahili?? I hope you get here (Denver) before the weather turns. Have a wonderful time in WY with your loved ones! Being such a public person, you don't ever have to say more than you feel led. God knows; I will pray. 🙂
P.S. Way to go Fargo women! I pray that God would make the hearts of us all brimming with generosity at all times on all occasions.
You are a riot and I love and appreciate you so much! I had the pleasure of being in Fargo at LPL this past weekend with my two young adult daughters. At the end of the weekend, I felt my heart had been worked over by a meat tenderizer. Thank you for helping me grow in my love for Jesus. Prayers for your family-
Kim
Dickinson, ND
Hey Beth,
The church I attend loves your Bible Studies! My best friend tells of me of different things she is learning through your studies. Thanks for being a vessel for Christ.
I wanted to share a poem the Lord inspired me to write. I love writing and reading poetry.
Here it is:
The days pass by, I wonder why
Why am I here another day
My life’s a mess I have nothing to say
Lord how did your Son face mankind
People bound his hands, and now the truth they bind
Friends they fall, they need you
I call out loud Lord I need you
How do you love us all today
How do you listen to us all pray
These questions are from my brain
I am weak but Lord you reign
I cannot walk Lord be my cane
I need you to help me bear the pain
The suffering hurts but your Son understands
For he took my place, nails through his hands
He stayed on the cross I don’t know how
With a crown of thorns on his brows
His blood poured out and he cried out
Lord forgive them please he never had doubt
Lord strengthen me as I crumble each day
You’re all I have as I face today
You’re with me every step of the way!
Laura Stonitsch
Written: August 15, 2009
Oh, Beth, I do love your stories. You keep me in stitches which is exactly where I like to be. I will surely be praying for your family member and will pass your request along to my group of ladies when we meet tomorrow in our study of When Godly People Do Ungodly Things. BTW, I just want to thank you for being faithful to the Lord in writing this study. It has been such a blessing to all of us and God has used it mightily.
I just love that you are so real and I thank you for your service to Him and to us.
Love you,
Esabelle
Ah, that's a sign! You're supposed to go to Kenya again… 🙂 We'll have to pray for a miraculous multiplication of your four phrases, though! 🙂
You crack me up, time and again.
Here's a much more handy phrase to use in airports:
Unatoka wapi? (Where are you coming from?)
Ninatoka Houston. (I'm coming from Houston.)
Unaenda wapi? (Where are you going?)
Ninaenda Wyoming. (I'm going to Wyoming.)
There. Now you and Keith have some dialogue to work on.
Wow! Praise the Lord! $10,000? That is crazy cool. So ironic too, that this morning I was listening to a sermon and he brought up Samaritans Purse. So, two times in one day? Praying for them? I think so.
Secondly, I hope by now y'all are on your flight. I know what terminal you're talking about and yes, it is super small. I am sure, though, that by learning a new language, you will stay highly entertained. I mean, for goodness sake, your entertaining me. So glad you've found food!
And lastly, I just have to tell you that I am certainly praying for Sept. 8th! I can't wait for bible study to start. I am so ready! This summer has been crazy so I am super excited to get back into routine.
Also, you know what? I lead a small group for high school senior girls and guess what study we're doing this fall? Living Beyond Yourself. They are thrilled and it will be their first one! I pray that they eat it up and change from the inside out. It was the first bible study I ever did, too, when I was a Senior in high school. So, I am thrilled to lead them through it.
Just thought I'd let you know! 🙂
Have a blast/restful time with the family.
Love you much!
Lindsee
I will definitely be praying for healing for your loved one, as well as for sfety and travel for all of you during your vacation. I pray that God heals him/her soon and that he/she will feel His presence with him/her every step of the way.
And good luck to you and Keith with the Swahili! God bless!
Dearest Beth,
I pray that today your loved one who needs healing would be covered in the precious, saving, healing blood of Jesus Christ! I stand in agreement with all of these ladies for total healing for him/her. We together bind the issue and loose the power of the Holy Spirit to do His work. I know that Jesus wills to heal. Not only was it a part of His ultimate sacrifice, but He healed while here on earth and the Word says Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
blessings!
kimberly
Thank you for coming to Fargo last weekend…I was blessed! I needed a weekend away to focus on the Lord. One of my friends told me the weekend would make me a better mommy and wife, and she was right!
Why does boredom always lead to eating? ugh! Universal pastime.
God, these sisters do so much for all of us. Please in your Providence, I pray you would work things out behind the scenes, up front, and all around, to bring healing to Ms. Beth's loved one; and be her comfort knowing you've got it. You've got it. We love you so much Lord. You are our strength. And we Praise You for times of generousity in times of famine.
Heather G
Charlotte NC
Beth,
I am holding your family member and your family in prayer. I know how much pain it causes to see our loved ones going through very hard times. Our famiy will continue to hold you in our prayers. May God's peace bath your family in the days ahead.
In His Love,
Wilma
Hilarious…. It will come in helpful when you visit Africa! Pray for God's hand on you and your loved ones.
Sorry you had to miss your flight, but God sent that sparrow sweetie. Not just to distract Keith, but to remind YOU that he takes care of even the sparrows. He will take tender care of you and your loved one in need.
praying for you all the time.
Deirdre
p.s. if you are still stuck in the airport and bored silly and you want to be blessed by a funny blog, go over to itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com
Missy will just crack you up.
Swahili is such a BEAUTIFUL language! Our daughter studied it a semester in college and I would LOVE to listen to her speak it to me.
May God richly reward you as you WAIT!
Beth after your second post…I am laughing-it wasn't enough at the thought of you getting the Rosetta Stone…now your learning it!!!! You are just too much. Bless you and your honey as you travel-have a great time with your daughter, son-in-law and grandbabies!!!!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Praying healing, rest and peace to your family and this one who is ill. Also praying for the woman in GA who was kidnapped, peace and comfort to her family & friends and a hedge of protection around her. Praying for her captors that they will see Jesus in her, get saved and release her! Thank you God that we can come before you in unity asking anything in your name according to your will and KNOW that IT WILL BE DONE!
I prayed for your family member.
I love you all.
Missy
Campbellsville, KY
Your entire family will be in my prayers. Prayers of healing, safety and lots of rest and fun times together as a family.
GG2002
HI Beth and team. I just needed to give a quick thank you for coming to Fargo and bringing your passion and incredible Bible teaching. I was empowered and recharged. I was inspired to be a mighty warrior and have already drawn my sword. Praise Jesus for you and your ministry. Praying for you and your team!
LOL, don't eat too much. God's there with you and has something great planned.
I am praying for healing.
Safari njema!
Praying.
Love you….
Love you … love you … love you, Beth! Will be praying for your family member … and for your vacation. You did an awesome job at the taping of Life Today! I was there with my two girls … you called them out into the aisle and chatted with them! I was completely tickled! I loved all five outfits … all the colors of the rainbow … marvelous! And thank you for taking a picture with me … though you probably don't remember us … I know it was a crazy time for you! God was good through you, Beth … so good! I just sat and smiled the whole time … cause I'm so proud of you! Been doing your studies elven -twelve years now … and I'm so proud of you!
Love you, Siesta Mama
Shelli Littleton in Fort Worth, TEXAS!!
Beth,
My prayers are with your family member, no need for us to know…God ALWAYS knows!
Enjoy family time, what a great setting!
Love,
LaRee
PS Us girls in Tucson are soooo excited you are coming for a visit in March! Can't wait!
Had such a blast this weekend with you here in Fargo!! God is so totally amazing and I am rejoicing at the way He speaks through His servant Beth!! That's incredible about the giving to Samaritan's Purse. I loved the teaching and was inspired to fight the battle on my knees!
As an encourager, I have to say I had the most awesome time in prayer with two ladies. We were told ahead of time that the Lord would bring someone to us with a set of circumstances we could totally relate to and speak Truth to. Of course, God did just that and I was able to tell both gals that I had been where they were and remind them that God is Mighty to Save and HE is the ultimate Deliverer! I am living proof 😉 I will continue to pray for them as their names are engraved on my heart.
God is SO good! I am praying for you and your family!
Praying for you and your family.
blessings,
Teresa
I was at Fargo this weekend too and I SO enjoyed what God had you share this weekend. My friend realized the bondage she was in and I was encouraged to take my spot as a wife and step back from taking the husbands role in our marriage! I also realized how blessed I am to have all this drama in my life!
Praying for your dear loved one Beth. As a dear friend of mine says to me from time to time, no matter what happens He is still on the throne. We can find hope and comfort in that. Blessings and love to you.
Robin
I live in Fargo, and thanks to the local radio station, won tickets to your LPL event – what a blessing! You really challenged – and encouraged – me to live BOLDLY in my beliefs, and in my God! I also left my windows cracked on Friday night, so my car was soaked on the inside when the event let out. Whoops. Thank you for coming to Fargo, Beth, and I would treat you to a Bab's latte any ol' day!
Praying for you and your loved ones. Always honored to pray for other people!
Yes, I will pray for your request. God knows it and He will step in there and touch that person's health, I just know it. I love you so! I hope to run into you in an airport someday before Heaven gets here. 😀
Beth,
I am praying for your loved one. Health issues are challenging. I am also praying for you and Keith as you travel. I pray that you all get some good quality time with Curtis, Amanda, Jackson and Annabeth somewhere in Wyoming.
Enjoy yourself dear.
Kels
May God bless and perfect that which concerns you and your loved one, I am touched by your comments on the economy, so many are hurting….Oh Lord have mercy on Your people, cause us to live in the spiritual land of Goshen as You deal with our nation, be merciful Dear Father. Amen, Shalom
Beth I just read the blog again it is 6;00pm albuquerque time I don,t know how long ago you paosted the update but I am praying for all of you God has you all in the palm of His Hands and there is a reason for everything. I hope you all eventually will get to where you are going. May the Lord be with you May His Face Shine upon you. Go in the Love And Peace of God do not forget His Benefits Bless the Lord O my soul. AMEN Love to the jones and the moores \.Did you all have some moon pies? LOL
Love you all Carol Albuquerque NM
Praying!
So sorry about the delay that is such a bummer! Know you all are so excited to get there!
Hysterical about Rosetta Stone… I have always wanted to order those! : )
Emmy
Ha! His eye is on the sparrow *wink*wink*… and apparently all of us with ADD have our eyes on the sparrow too!!!
Love ya!!!
Beth, I am so happy to hear that I am not the only person who frets over airplanes – they are a HORRID reminder that I have absolutely NO control over my fate. Of course, then I am driven to my knees and praise God in heaven that my fate was predestined in the heavenlies before I was born and should my life end on that plane, it will really only be just beginning. How awesome are the things God uses to remind us of his soveriegnty and total control of the universe!
Dear Beth & Keith
It sounds like your experience today at IAH is for a personal story as example of …. for the benefit of some future lesson and teaching to thousands of women and a few hundred men.
Now tell me why were you in IAH's smallest terminal for this to happen??? Alone with God time?? Certainly a possibility, but only you will be able to determine your divine appointment. I am so thankful you had your laptop with you to communicate with the Siestas and you had power with air conditioning.
I appreciate the way you engaged your minds with the Rosetta Stone and learning a new language.
By now I pray you are already in Wyoming or at least close to it and able to enjoy Jackson and Annabeth.
I do not wish these difficult situations for you, however I so appreciate how God uses them for you to teach others about HIM.
If you can get through the difficult situation and find the good so can I. Thank you for being such an amazing mentor for me.
Beth, Keith and family, you remain in my prayers to have a refreshing time together and come back with fresh words from God to share with us all.
Just had a thought, maybe this experience is to prepare us all for Revelations we begin in September.
May God heal your family member in such a mighty and phenominal way that can only be credited to The Amazing Grace and Mercy of Elohim who brings sweet Peace to all.
Because of Grace,
Sylvia V.
Jersey Village, TX
Prayed for your loved one!