Hey, My Darling Siestas! How’s your weekend been? You guys that keep up pretty well know that I blogged last on Wednesday while we were on our way six hours northwest to our acreage in the middle of nowhere. We are now heading back to Houston so once again I’m writing you from Keith’s truck. My man of 31 years is driving next to me, singing to 60’s music and our two dogs are snoozing in the back seat. (He just stopped me and held my hand for a minute because the song was so sweet that he felt romantic.) We got to be away for four nights. The perfect amount of time! I wish I could say it was vacation but I had to take a ton of work with me. That’s ok. At least it was from a different venue and that can help a lot.
(I just got a text from Travis with a picture on it of his youngest son who just lost two teeth. Just living a little life here. Had to stop and text back and tell Levi how cool he looks.)
My heart is full where you are concerned and full with the last four days of life out in the country with Keith. And that’s why I’m going to share a little of it with you: because I love you and love how we can share so many parts of our lives with one another. This is going to be one of those posts when the girls (Amanda or Melissa) might say, “Are you sure you want to share that? You might get hit by somebody for that.” We, the girls and I, provide checks and balances for one another. If we’ve written anything at all besides your garden variety kind of post, we usually run it by one another. Sometimes we talk each other out of an entire post because we’re afraid someone will get offended or out of sorts or just take the opportunity to be ugly or critical. It happens in the blog world which many of you know from your own blogs.
Other times we just talk each other out of a few sentences or a paragraph or two. Most of you should wish you’d seen Melissa’s original Song of Songs Valentine post before I talked her out of a whole chunk. (Yes, we did have a few little words over it. Not a fuss. Just a good, healthy discussion. All four of us are strong willed and opinionated. We just speak our minds back and forth, work through our differences, and, a whole lot of the time, end up making a private family joke out of it.) Those who wouldn’t have wished to see Melissa’s original post are the reason none of you did. (Laughing and with much love.) There was nothing wrong with it. It was just extra colorful – kind of PG13 – because the Scripts happen to be extra colorful – kind of PG14 – in that particular book.
I’m not complaining one iota. To tell you the truth, we get so little ugliness from our commenters. You guys really are so loving and encouraging and patient and understanding and leave ample room for several generations to express themselves here in very different ways. We think we have the most amazing community in bloggerville but we’re not immune, of course. Sometimes we just flat out ask for it and don’t even realize it. Other times we expect somebody may take exception but we just decide it’s worth the risk.
This is one of those times. I’m about to show you guys some pictures – poor quality ones just off my i-phone – to give you a small taste of Moore life out at the acreage our family has. I know in advance that I’m setting myself up for someone to say sarcastically “Must be nice” but I’ll just sigh when I get it and, if it doesn’t get too ugly from there, post the comment anyway and wish she hadn’t misunderstood. The thing is, I love biographies. Glimpses of people’s real lives. Parts of their stories. For instance, every time I talk to Georgia Jan, I wish I could see her surroundings so I could picture her better. Know her in her own world. Every time Mom of Eleven (actually has 12 now, we learned at the SSMT celebration) comments I wish I could see a picture of all of them. It’s one way we, scattered all over the place, take a virtual stroll through a mile or two of one another’s worlds.
Actually, the world I’m about to share with you really isn’t my world. It’s my man’s. But once a couple has been married over 25 years, you really can’t know the one without knowing the other. You can no longer tell for sure where one stops and the other starts. This isn’t land I would have chosen in a thousand years but it’s what my man chose and I chose him. SO, when I talk about us heading to what I call our cactus land, this is the kind of place I’m talking about. I’ll describe it a tad first then I’ll stroll with you through some shots.
It’s a place where your cell phone won’t work and your land line is likely not to.
It’s the kind of place where Keith and I use (or misuse) English in a way we’d never do it at home. We don’t do it to make fun. We, for those few days, say it like we mean it. Like that’s who we are. Like, for instance, just this morning on an early ride with Keith in the old jeep, I heard myself say, “We ain’t seen deer one.”
It’s a place where men are not limited to inside facilities…but I’ll not elaborate on that.
It’s a place where our favorite show is “The Duck Commander.” We laugh our heads off…and, perhaps most worrisome to some of you, totally get it.
It’s the kind of place with a VERY small town nearby that I have fallen head over heels in love with. It has one real grocery story, a “Super S,” and just yesterday while I was picking up a few items, as I live and breathe and without one hint of exaggeration, the woman at check-out got on the microphone for the store and said over the loud speaker, “Mr. Brown, your wife called and wants you to pick up a bag of potatoes.” Ain’t no doubt in my mind he got some. I was so happy I nearly got some, too.
It’s a place with a LOT of these, hence the name:
It’s a place where a woman (even a non-hunter like yours truly) sometimes dresses like this on an early morning ice-cold jeep ride (with no windows in it) with no make-up on:
It’s a place where, if the temperature’s right, a woman would be wise to wear snake boots like mine:
It’s a place where your man’s taller than usual and where manliness can sometimes be gaged by how old and beat up your vehicle is: (For those of you who can’t fathom it, that’s a corn feeder on the front of the jeep for feeding wild life. You guys just have no idea what my life is like at times. Or his, because of mine.)
It’s a place where your man’s favorite hot rod looks like this:
It’s a place where the gate might latch with a horse shoe:
It’s a place where that tiny one hundred year-old German farm house that I told you about in So Long Insecurity resides. My man went to great pains to restore this thing back to its original look. Every window and door in it is a century old.
It’s a place where the sunrise this morning from my little porch looked like this and this one’s not even an especially good one:
It’s a place with, I reckon, my favorite place of all tucked right in it. I swing here and think about all sorts of things and sing hymns and pet Star:
It’s a place where a woman can take her spirals and practice them loud without a single soul hearing or caring:
It’s a place I wish all of you who wish you had one, did. Maybe one day, when you’re older like Keith and me, you will. It’s a place others of you might be bored out of your mind. Maybe your wish list would be a tiny little bay house instead. It’s just all a matter of taste. Sometimes not your own.
It’s a place where my man seems to love me a lot.
So it’s a place I love to go.
annette 
I'm trying my best to recognize you in your camo! Heaven knows, you wouldn't be able to recognize me in my "goin' out to play" clothes however!
I'm sitting here listening to my 9 year old son in the bathroom blaring out "You are my All in All". Smiling my face off. Just had to throw that in for the sweetness factor of it.
Funny that you should mention this today, we have been wanting and looking for a piece of dirt here in Arkansas. We want to get it and build on it someday. Just a dream for now.
Thanks for sharing! OnYa!
Tonya
Beth,
Thank you so much for the glimpse into your life. Just like you, I want to know little bits of the people whose lives touch mine. I have found that our lives our similar with men who like to hunt. So I now have an understanding of your life too!
Keep on sharing.
🙂 I love that kinda place.
My guy loves the same Texas dirt. We're in that same season of life, and there is something restorative about waking up with the light to a fiery sunrise, and rocking in front of an outdoor fireplace. Mike is the happiest he ever is when he is working hard man's work, and there's something almost scary about the power he feels behind his John Deere! I'm not there yet, and still love the city, but I love it because he does.
Beth, of all the people I know, you need getaways. So glad you took a few days to change surroundings and be with Keith in his "happy place." AND, it's almost fishing season. Blessed Lord's Day to you. You remain in my prayers for healing and restored energy. Love, Annette
OH this was such a fun post, Beth! That's my kind of place for sure – love it! I'm a Christian artist and it looks like a place where an artist could just paint away. In fact that cute farm house is crying for me to paint it – I LOVE old farm houses like that! Wish you could send me some more photos of that cute house. Any ways, thanks for letting us in on your hide-away place and that great wardrobe :).
Beth:
Sometimes the beauty of it all is in the simplicity of it all.
My husband who has a staff of approximately 30 people reporting to him wears the same thing every Monday, i.e., black dress pants, long sleeved white dress shirt and tie. Tuesday, he wears the same thing, khaki dress slacks and striped blue and white long sleeved dress shirt and tie….so on and so forth for the rest of his week. I asked him one day why he did that week in and week out, and he said he didn't want to have to get up every morning and wonder what he was going to wear!! Can anybody relate to that?? He even does it done to the bare skin..if you know what I mean! Some people might think it is weird, but it is actually refreshing. It todays world where we are all so concerned about how we look to others, its a lesson to be learned. It's not about clothes, makeup, big houses or just plain things!!! Getting back to the simple things and nature is what we are suppose to do and your pics so reminded me of that. It's a place where you can quiet your soul and reunite with your Maker. "Be Still and Know That I Am God". Thank you for reminding me of that!
I loved it Bibby espically where you put that my man seems to love me alot more and so that's a place you love to go. The swing I could sit there forever looking at God creation and singing to My Lord.
Thanks for sharing you life with us seista's have never met you in person I have seen you in person and you are the real deal you and your daughters are awesome. You are so sweet and I know from all the bible studies I have done of yours you truly are a servant of the Lord. Bibby keep doing what you are doing because I am a better woman because of your studies and because of who you are in Christ. Thanks again for your love and caring for us seista's here in seistaville.
Love to you and yours
Carol
Ms. Beth, I am so happy you shared! Lovely, simple and so peaceful. I have loved you since Breaking Free in 2003. But, after seeing you in the fabulous jeep jumpsuit, I adore you even more. =) LOL
Ah the freedom in Christ to be REAL! Love you, Amanda & Melissa.
***so excited*** I met a siesta in my very own chuch. My man and I started looking for a new church awhile ago and have been attending our current chuch since July, we both feel at home. I just love knowing our search has ended and Jesus can begin to heal our hearts with new friends who love God.
I just had to share some of my index cards with her. I was loud and just so happy, I'm sure her husband thinks I'm crazy. =) God is so good!
Anyway, sorry so long—just happy.
Luv ya,
-kd
Portland, Oregon
Looking forward to seeing you in Irvine, CA in July….10 mins from my house…yeah! My daughter and I have always made it a special event to come see you when your in CA. Can't wait.
I swear this post made me cry…just so sweet and honest.
And the pictures are just beautiful..seeing the picture of your sunrise made me think, isn't it cool that all around the world the sun comes up and everyone can see it??? Like not every one can have a beach or mountains or palm trees but a sunrise, no matter where you are…that sun, God willing, will rise every morning!
Love and Blessings,
Michelle in VT
What a sweet and special place. I'm GLAD you have a place like that to get away to.
AND I'm VERY glad you have them thar boots, l'il missy. Definitely looks like a place where the deer and rattlesnake like to play.
We talk funny too when were being silly…mostly it sounds like Texas. Really, ask my bff's from the south. I confessed this to them in San Antonio and they still wanted to remain friends.
Melana
Oh Beth I love the photos and the descriptions. Like you I love biographical stuff because it is that kind of stuff makes the person real and makes you feel like you know them. I would love to show you some pictures of my home and family but alas no blog so not possible. 🙁 Thank you for sharing yours with us.
Kim B. in AZ
Maybe someone has already said this and maybe they wouldn't dare to, but I love it and think that if we ever do the SMTC again (I didn't make it to Houston) it should be right there…and we should hang up those pink feathered boas and trade them in on camo, no make-up and snake boots!
Thanks for sharing real life with us.
Blessings,
Dori
Never thought anyone could look good in camo but you do! It looks heavenly on you. I love your place and would be very comfortable out there, perhaps except for rattlesnakes; but then even where I live in some of the surrounding mountains are rattlesnakes and copperheads. I am so glad you had a chance to spend some time away and refresh yourself, you work very hard for us.
I am blessed to look out my kitchen window and see a mountain covered with snow, but I live in a small town with a larger one 20 minutes away, so it is not all country. Deer, raccoons, chipmunks, beaver, bears, etc have at times graced our backyard. God paints beautiful cloud pictures for me on the surrounding mountains. God is so good, last night He had me on my face singing praises to Him after all my family went to bed.
Beth, I count myself blessed to have you come into my life through your work and love for the Lord. You have NO idea how much you helped me form a relationship with God. I have done 9 of your studies and look forward to the 10th one in a few weeks with this same small group. When I walked into the church to do the first one of your studies, I was angry at God, not sure where He was in my life, but so desiring to figure things out. Through your studies, the women in my small group, and my pastor I began to sort things out. God did a healing and much of what you taught helped make the healing possible. In fact, even though the church that does your studies is not my home church, they have seen such growth in me that they have made me a small group leader. I learned to love God, and a good part of that process, happened in your studies.
If I had to pick the one study that had the most profound effect on me, it would be Believing God (I took it on the internet). I didn't believe Him then, but grew to know Him better. Last year we did this study in our small group and I had both books, comparing my responses showed me how much I had changed.
Please keep giving yourself time to get away and refresh, and then please continue sharing what God shows you. Beth, you are truly a gift from God.
Heather
Shokan
Beth, I long for a place for my husband and myself to have so we can again find what we have lost. After 34 years of marriage and discovering he is Bi-Polar has changed the marriage we once knew. Perhaps a place would help and even though I know the Father is our refuge I sometimes long for a little of "The Way We Were". Thanks for sharing this for it is encouraging.
Since i moved to Brazil, i've been introduced to quite a range of places my husband loves. Places that i never would have chosen to frequent myself, either.
I've been learning to like this country, the quirks of cultural differences and some physical destinations that really get him excited – and keep him happy. He's half fisherman/half beach resort lover. – I'm more of a beach bum/beach comber more at home in Port Aransas, Texas than some popular overcrowded beach.
By choosing him: i'm here. …and trying to not just *like* it, but learning to see it how he does, and wanting to learn how to **love** it… as well as the people that i've been called to minister to…
It's not easy; especially in a climate that doesn't readily accept Americans, monogamy or marriage beyond a set time frame…
I know that i really have to seek the Lord's will in how to adjust here, and that only through Him will my marriage be blessed. I hope that one day we can resemble something close to what you & Keith have in your marriage.
You are such an encouragement – from all angles!
Bonus: You don't know what it did for my heart to see a glimpse of my home state that i love & miss so much.
Praise the Lord that He blessed you with this haven – or as Keith might refer to it: "heaven". 🙂
Beth,
As the Lord would have me meditating on in my spiral 1Peter 3:1-6 and your post, I am convicted to love my husband in a way that is beyond words. Your example solidifies my application of that scripture to respectfully enter into my husband's foreign world that doesn't limit me but rather causes me to trust God more completely. Thank you for your transparency but above all for your obedience to God in your marriage. Beth, I am so very grateful to God that you were born "for such a time as this." You are loved, admired and appreciated.
A Blessed and Challenged Siesta
Love it!!! I hope that one day my man and I will have a place to go that will be as special as yours! 🙂 What you shared is priceless!!! Thank you for your realness!!! I am so thankful that God has given you a place to get away and just enjoy his creation & each other! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
What bliss to have a place for refreshment! It looks lovely though to truly appreciate it, I have to sort of ignore in my mind that you have to bring a gun with you when you go out hiking. I would likely think I saw something move and one bullet later, realize I had shot off my foot!! 😉
When my husband was a pastor, my parents would pay for a cabin on a lake for one or two weeks for us each summer. What a gift!!
I hope you have been refreshed and renewed. 🙂
Beth, what a GORGEOUS place. That seems like a place you can truly get away and refresh…even if you had work to do.
When I was 12 my parents moved our family out to 250 acres in the middle of no where. Even though it's a bit of a drive to get there, I love to go out there. I connect with God more out there because it seems like I can ignore the craziness of normal life.
I'm glad you got to get away! Love all the pics!
I have never visited Texas, but it was interesting to see this. Thank you for sharing. What a cute place. I've taken many of your studies, and read many of your books. My heart resonates with yours. I love to share my faith with people every single week. I feel I know you and you are my dear sister in Christ!!! One day we will meet and share all eternity together!! (You are very brave, the comment about the raised hand, and the other with a gun rocked my socks!
That is so sweet. I love it.
Sweet. Love the "hunter wear". Thanks Beth for sharing. Shows how secure you are:) Thanks for living by example.
I love, love, love it when you share pictures and glimpses of you're life. I live in Oklahoma and am from a small place that looks very much like the place you describe. I love your blog and though I don't read it very often I think I'm going to start.
xo
I LOVE the outfit!!!! I did laugh though…only 'cause you are so adorable! And 'cause it reminded me of going to the laundromat in my pj's last Sunday before church(had to wash the guest room comforter for company arriving that evening). Insecurity over attire is not my issue at all; however, I did think it was safe 'cause the roads were completely snowed over and it was very early in the morning…I wasn't embarassed until I realized I didn't brush my hair either (I didn't think I would be there long). Anyway, I love times it doesn't matter that you are yourself…only wish peeps were that way always. 🙂 …well, maybe it is best that we limit ourselves, I don't think I'd wanna hit the streets mid day lookin' like I just got up. hee hee
ps…I'm so sad M's post was censored…can we get an emailed copy or is it gone for good? I promise I won't say a word…puleeezzzzeee. 😉 Really, I understand…and I love you all…whatever you post.
Beth, thank you for sharing this little piece of heaven of yours. Living in AZ I totally understand about cactus and rocks, so I was surprised to see how green your land is! Your cottage is adorable and you looked adorable in the hunting gear 🙂 My hubby and I hope to own some rugged land somewhere some day too and go there just to get away.
Blessings to you and yours, and thanks again for sharing 🙂
Beautiful, thank you!
Oh Beth! Thank you so so much for sharing a little piece of your world! I love seeing how others live it just makes for closer friends. And frankly when I see a place like that where one needs to wear snake boots… LOL I thank GOD it is you and not me. But OH I SOOO love the more intimate view of your world. Every home I see I bring something from it that I incorporate into my home. 😉 BTW I love the real look at you dressed for your time on I-10. Thank you again!
Beth, this may seem weird but today my brother-in-law, sister, their 19 month old grandbaby, we call "Spud" and my friend Georgia went to Pigeon Forge, Tn. this morning to have a getaway day, a shopping day, we were driving through country, hills, mountains, cows, so peaceful and I thought of you today and and wondered how your trip went?! I smiled when I read this post.
Girlfriend, you are more gusty than me, I love your snake boots but I promise you I would be chicken. Just sayin'.
Love you,
Patty
I think it is just totally the best. My man and I have something, a tad similar in the mountains. And what I like, is that no one else would probably "get it", the happy behind the less is best. 😉
Love you and thank you for being brutally honest with a ton of love and simply being YOU!
My man cannot wait to get a place in West Texas. I am not there yet;) I like trees…tall, piney trees. You place is darling and a great hide away. I'd say Mr. Moore has earned the respite.
Loved your post. Thanks for letting us take a sneak peek into your life, the part that we don't see. I would go anywhere where my man loved me more. I understand why you would go there too. Glad that you had a nice getaway in the fresh air and tranquility.
Love it, thanks for sharing. As we are currently in the trenches raising 3 boys, juggling school (mine & the kids), work (his), and tons of activities . . . I dream of the day that my hubby and I can enjoy time together on our own little piece of heaven here on earth.
Beth, I love your little house, hills, swing, everything. How wonderful to be able to have a place to get away to ~~~ just you, your man and your furry babies! Sharing your special place makes me feel like I am part of the Moore kinship!
I have to share with you . . . I have been working through two of your Bible Studies recently. So Long Insecurities AND The Inheritance. Today, while watching you on DVD in The Inheritance, I felt like I was hit between the eyes . . . my seven your old son generally says something like, "Now THAT is gonna leave a mark!" Beth, I ahve to tell you – that is exactly what I should have heard while going through session 6! I have so many areas of "my land" that I had not claimed and Satan was indeed on my land! Thank you for your guidance, your love, your dedication to sharing God's Word with Women like me! Praise God that I am able to claim those areas and ask God to sanctify it!
God Bless You Beth!
The camo coveralls were missing something … until you added that scarf for a pop of color. Of course, then the deer were able to see you. Which might explain why you didn't see deer one. But you totally rocked it, sister!
Thanks for sharing. Made me smile. Hope you had some good rest and good fun 🙂
Liz
Lexington KY
Oh…I love it! Thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures!
MamaBeth, it is such a blessing that you would share this slice of your personal life with us. Thank you for loving us enough to share.
Janice
I have to say it is exactly like I pictured it from reading your description in the book. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourself with us.
I love love love it! Esp the fashionista in the camo… you are a real gal and I love that about you!
:>
I'm a country girl at heart…
Just seeing your place makes me take a big deep breath & relax…..I'm so glad you & Keith have that get-away. It's priceless memories of refreshment & relaxation…Happy for you!
I bet you & the Lord do some good writing there. 🙂
Sharon in Katy
Thank you so much sweet Beth for being willing to take the risk and allow us a peek into your home and life. It is so fun to be able to picture it when you speak of it.
My sweet husband and I just returned from the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs where I was so blessed to be able to personally meet you and give you a hug about one year ago. We kept an eye out for you again, Ha! But, when you are looking for something or someone it just doesn't seem to work out. God knows just when to throw those special little blessings into our lives when we least expect it! I love Him for it!!!
Beth, thanks for sharing. I always love it when you do that. It makes us feel so special that you would let us in so close. I so look forward to these posts. It takes me out of the chemo world. Maybe one day if my man survives this we can have that again.
Kay, Midland
Oh my goodness. We watched Daniel last Friday with the the CAMO WOMAN, and here you are again. I'm a little scared (& I grew up in WY!!). You may have sent city-folk over the brink.
I just read the ch about the house! (My book came really slowly – but apparently right on time). I hope you have no jumping cholla.
God uses you so mightily to touch my heart, drag me along the path, mostly willingly. I can't believe you share so much with us. Thank you.
We are so blessed by your love and care. Your transparency and example. Thank you isn't enough.
Thanks for this post and these pics. I am actually in the Houston area right now and wish to death that I could meet you. Perhaps someday. But until then I will continue to be encouraged by you, Siesta Mama, via the blog and the book (loving it). So glad you have a place of retreat like that. Love you! 🙂
B~
I have to say…I'm fighting against the 10th commandment right now. I'm a "get-away" type of girl…get away from life, from the phone, from the hustle and bustle with just one other person–my man. I pray that some day God will reward us with a get-away place just as He has you. I've no doubt you have been blessed by Him for your obedience, costly at times, I'm sure.
Thanks so much for not giving in to the insecurity of what people might say and for sharing these pictures. Thanks for sharing life with all of us!
Blessings!
~H
Oh Kay…
prayers for you sister… i'm 8 yrs+ out of that chemo world..and know that God is holding onto you, keep hanging on to Him …
Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your life. I love the wildness of the property. There is nothing like getting away from your day-in, day-out busyness to refresh and rejuvenate.
We have a little place at the beach. Things are just different there. My hubby loves to fish and even gets to play a little golf and he just seems so rested. We are able to just relax and spend lots of wonderful time together.
I am so glad that you have a place to get away to. It's good for the soul.
Beth, thanks so much for the post. My hubby and I lived in central texas in a place that looks much like your place. My hubby, a NYC native was quite taken my the "huntin" and what not. I think he really came to think of himself at a real hillbilly, at least while he was "hog huntin"
Just want to shout this out from the mountain tops…Today is mine and my hubbies 10th wedding anniversay! We made it 10 whole years, and if you knew us you would know this is no small miracle! We have been through so many trials in the past ten years, but I know we are only stronger together because of it. I know 10 years doesn't sound like alot to some of ya'll, but it is a reason for us to CELEBRATE! We are going on a childfree, two nights away trip tomorow. Two whole nights without kiddos (whom I love dearly) just me and my sweetie in the ozark mountains!
Thanks for letting me a bit of my story too!
Sheri
have to pop in here to say thank you Beth! I'm about to read the chapter that references your little German farm house, and I was trying my best to picture it.
I'm a "Yankee" and have a hard time getting "cactus land" into my (right now frozen!) imagination!
The house is DARLING! Thank you again for sharing with us. It's a blessing.
Also, love the grocery store story. (I don't know if you meant to, but typing "grocery story" seemed much better than "grocery store".)
xo!!
p.s. wondering if you have to swing in that swing with your feet up for the rattlers?!! hope not!