I’M HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE EARLY FLIGHT WORKED! THANK YOU FOR PRAYING, SIESTAS! My man is so cute.
Hey, you Sweet Things!
How’s your weekend going? I have checked back into a hotel in Toronto. The first leg of my flight got cancelled and it’s a tad hard to catch that second leg without it. I got to the airport really early because one of the young women on the LifeWay event team had an earlier flight. It’s also Spring Break here so the Nashville team felt like we’d better not take any chances in case the airport was super crowded. After wandering around a while, I finally meandered to my gate. Not very long after that, the dude at the counter announced that my flight was cancelled and, due to overcrowding, there were no more available flights today.
The Lord and I just had a long dinner at the hotel restaurant. I’m not sure what He ate but I got a New York strip. Yep, in Toronto. I was so hungry! No, I don’t usually eat that way but during events, my stomach is too wonky to eat many normal meals. When it’s over, I have a one-track mind: F.O.O.D.
I am full of praise to Him. He gave us such a neat group here in Canada. This was our first LPL of 2010. We were delighted to have it here. God knew in advance I’d be recovering from surgery and would need to start the travel schedule later in the year than usual. Many months ago, long before I had any kind of health scare, He led the event planners to schedule our kick-off later in the new year than we’d ever started before. He’s so brilliant.
We had 3300 beautiful faces lighting up that arena this weekend and most of them were Canadian sisters. I wish you could have heard them sing. Many times Travis and the team stepped back from their microphones and let the women’s voices fill the house with God’s glory. We had an invitation like we always do and, though we hope they’ll come let us know if they received Jesus as Savior, we don’t pressure them to tell us. Today something happened that we’ve never experienced in 12 LPL years. In that raging sea of estrogen, A MAN actually came forward to receive Christ. Hold up. That’s not all. He was one of the security guards. How about that??? Does God love that guy or what? I didn’t get to talk to him but Kelly, one of our darling young event team members, did. If she hadn’t been so cute about it, I might have been jealous. As it was, I couldn’t take that from her for anything. What a memory that one will be! Lord, please grant him an unusual, contagious love for You and a voracious appetite for Your Word.
Well, your Siesta Mama is one tired woman. Pray me out tomorrow, you wild-praying-thangs. They are expecting the same weather tomorrow. The rest of the team got out okay this evening and I’m thankful for that. They’d had lots of problems on the inbound flight so I’m not bitter. I just miss that man of mine. I’m so homesick for him. I came in a day early so it seems so much longer than usual. Anyway, tomorrow will be here before I know it. I’ve got two different flights booked in hopes of getting out on one! Thank you, Michelle, my dear Hawk, for all your hard work this afternoon from Houston. You surely didn’t get a Saturday afternoon off! May God give you a double portion of rest in Him tomorrow. Your boss loves you.
Ok, Sweet Things, I’ll talk to you soon. Thanks for letting me chat with you for a little while. I was the teeniest bit lonesome.
I’m going to text my man. I love it when he texts me back.
Oh, and don’t forget, tomorrow is time-change Sunday. Spring forward!
Miranda 
Praying over your flight tomorrow! Love you!
Huge smile here, reading about our new brother!!! So very cool!
I thought of and prayed for you and the worship team and the LPL event all weekend. Didn't know the weather was icky. Sorry you got stranded there. Will continue to pray for a night of refreshing sleep and a trip out of Canada tomorrow.
Can't wait for Rich's pics!!!
Melana
Beth, I just got home a bit ago from the event in Toronto. God really ministered to me through you. Thank you for the beautiful way you communicated to us. I am inspired and excited to draw closer to God!! Beginning on my knees in the morning! 🙂 I pray that you get home safely tomorrow! We were truly blessed in Toronto!! I was a part of the pink boa group!!
Oh Beth,
So sorry your flight got cancelled even though TO is blessed with your presence for one more night! Pray you get some well-deserved rest. Wow, that story about the security guard is awesome! Only God could do that 'new' thing, huh?(;
We had a truly anointed time with you and Travis and the worship band. Several people I know who could not afford the event came because of that complimentary ticket offer and I am so glad because one of them is a friend who is in a season of devastation right now. As I gave her a hug, I could tell how deeply she was ministered to.
Well, going to rest my weary body and do a recap on my blog all about you, dear sister, and God's Word to us. I do so appreciate you investing in us.
With Love, Thoughts and Prayers,
Sita
Thank you Beth for coming time to Toronto. This was my first LPL confrences and I had an amazing time worshiping with Travis and his praise team. They were amazing and a joy to sing with. I was in tears singing praises. Listening to you was such a blessing. Being there with none of the distractions of a busy mom was such a wonderful thing. Thank you so much for your wonderful words , your honesty, and your sense of humor. I have taken home so much and am looking forward to applying them to my life and spending more time with HIM and in HIS WORD.
I pray that you will have a restful night and a safe trip home.
Thank you again.
Beth thank you so much for allowing God to use you this weekend!!! It was truly amazing!!! I walked past the security guard shortly after his name was written down in the Lamb's Book of Life! He was absolutely glowing!!! He was saying how much he loved the music also. Thank you Travis and the worship team! I was blessed to meet 3 of the most beautiful women this weekend and we all were blessed to share front row seats to our first live LPL Event. I want something new, I'm ready for something new and God's doing something new!
We love you Siesta Mama! Praying for your flight so you can get back in the arms of your man!
Rachel
(Shout out to Beth,Lisa & Ashley!)
Beth,
Sorry to hear that your flight was cancelled. Hope you get a wonderful night's rest and find your way home to your husband tomorrow!
Thank you for your study on Revelation. I am on Session 8 (WOW you packed that one full!). My second time studying the book and God is bringing so many new things to light through your lectures. Know it wasn't easy so blessings on you for your dedication to teaching God's Word.
In Christ's Love,
Diane
Missoula, MT
In tears over the security guard. Praise the Lord he didn't have any insecurities over the room full of women.
I'll be praying for a night of restful sleep and safe travel home tomorrow. Thanks for checking in!
Oh, MamaBeth, I'm sorry you can't get home tonight. 🙁
If you are still lonesome, you can call me anytime!
Glad the LPL event went well. You didn't mention your pain level, but I hope that it is not bad.
Set your clock ahead now so you aren't late in the morning!
Praying God's peace and comfort embrace you tonight and give you a great night's rest.
Also praying for your safe, smooth and on time travel home tomorrow.
God bless you Mama! Love you!
Michele
Liverpool, NY
My insecurity is rearing it's ugly head right now and is feeling like a big old ugly green eyed monster!!
I am so jealous of the other girls who have gotten a personal response from you and I think of how many times I've poured my heart out and heard nothing. I know I'm pathetic…Please don't hate me. It's kinda sad how easily your self worth can get flushed down the toilet. Certainly not your fault…My insecurity. Please don't stop personally responding. It shows how much you love us.
Please pray for this pathetic lonely girl..
Dear One,
Praying you feel His Presence in a tangible way tonight and that your sleep is sweet. Your steps are ordered of Him, He must want you all to Himself tonight!
I was one of those Canadian women who almost had to swim to get our car after the conference was over. What a wonderful experience it was to have you here! I have never been sooo wet sooo many times in one week-end. Last night we stood in the rain trying to get a taxi. Finally got one and we looked like drowned rats when we got to our hotel.
I have been doing the So Long, Insecurity program with you. We are hoping to use your book later this year with our ladies at our church. Which is, by the way, the Tintern Church of Christ in Vineland, ON.
Thanks again. And may God bless you as you work for Him.
Wilma Smith
PRAISE THE LORD! for the security guard's salvation!!
Praying for your return trip. Hmmm. Maybe God has someone for you to witness to tomorrow. Anyway, we know it is His best that it is not today.
Love you!
Cindy
Glad Toronto was a good time! And a male security guard…how awesome!!!
I wanted to thank you for praying for me Friday. The message I gave touched many women and I give all the glory to God for speaking His word through me…and I didn't throw up!
I had also prayed that God would push the ladies from our church to get real with one another and through an open mike testimony time, many women shared how God had brought them out of some pretty nasty pits…and how they have found forgiveness and freedom in Christ…Wow, I am still filled with all that happened…God is good…all the time!
Safe travels to you Beth…hugs~
It was great to see you this weekend Beth. It was such an incredible time in the Word! Love how He connects our hearts!
Prayin you get back home tomorrow.
Love!
How cool that the security guy came forward. We were blessed to go to the Gaither's Praise Gathering for several years, and I always prayed for the guys doing the sound and light–that they would see and hear the truth. And yes, I heard you speak one of those years. Safe travels tomorrow.
Anonymous @ 6:57 –
Sister, I know exactly how you feel, I experience the same thing.
I don't know the answer but God has been teaching me that in hard times or when I feel down or rejected, to pour it out to him and he will comfort us.
I tried it just last week during a difficult situation and it surprised me how well it worked. Talk to God and tell him how you feel, then try to get your mind on something else. It can be very hard, but give it a try. When I did, all of a sudden about a half hour later I noticed I wasn't bothered by the situation anymore, even though nothing external had changed.
He is faithful. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I'll pray for you. If you like, you can pray for me too.
I want to say hang in there, but I don't think that's right. Don't just hang in there, pour out all your feelings to God and then expect him to do an amazing work.
p.s. – I also find listening to praise music or the audio Bible is a big help!
Dear Beth,
Just wanted to say thank you so much. I was there this w/e and it was my first time attending such an event but I hope it will not be my last. I wanted to thank you for listening to the Lord's promptings… b/c your messages were tailor made for me. Exactly what I needed to hear and the Lord knew that! As I was packing yesterday I was wondering if it was worth it – all the hassle of leaving 3 little kiddos and the arrangements that entails but it so was. I've been running on empty for too long and now I feel spiritually uplifted and re-energized and know I have some tools to work with for overcoming the old and choosing to be made new 🙂 Just settling down to go over my notes actually. BTW, thanks for being so scripturally grounded! Loved singing with all those women too, little taste of heaven 🙂
Hope you have a restful night and an uneventful trip home. Welcome to Canada – hope you'll come back someday.
Love in the Lord, Mari-beth
Praying for a good night's rest for you and praying that there will be no travel problems tomorrow.
What a blessing that man is, especially after our So Long, Insecurity lessons. We are all in this together!
Praying for the best flight ever for you tomorrow. We've had the biggest rainbows around here two days in a row. Maybe God will show you one from a view above the rainbow…love you!
ps…He is Brilliant! Love that word for my God…
A quick mention here…I'm doing an Easter Sisters exchange on my blog. Just come on over if you might be interested!
Love all of my sweet siestas…
Beth,
I just got back from a womens retreat at my church this weekend. We did your series "Loving Well". I can't tell you how much this series touched me. I'm participating in your "So Long Insecurity" blog/book study and I just felt like this "Loving Well" series really went along with everything I'm learning in the insecurity book.
I was so touched by your story about the man at the airport and brushing his hair.
Thanks so much for both of these series they are really blessing me and bringing restoration in my life.
~Amanda Taylor
Praying that you will get that first flight out tomorrow! It's not so fun when you want to be elsewhere!
This afternoon our spring left and it was a cold 33 wind chill! This shoulder of mine is throbbing and I'm near tears. I know the doctor said three to four months and it's only been two weeks but I want healing now. I am so down!!!!!
This afternoon I went to see our local "American Idol". He is our hometown young man and he made it to the finals of American Idol. Although he didn't win the final he has had many doors open for him.
It was fun having one of our own advance so far. Keep an eye out for the Mtn. Home Ar boy.
Going to do some vip paper work wish I could just rest the shoulder.
Working on Easter Baksets with 4th grade S.S. to give away to those having a difficult time. What a blessing we all receive.
Rest well and glad you enjoyed that dinner…I put together a crock pot fajita for tomorow.
Praise for the security guard!
Sweet Siesta Momma,
I'm so sorry your flight was cancelled…no doubt that man of yours is missing you, too! Praying you have a restful night and much better success tomorrow with flying home.
My hubby and I are sitting in our home office (spare bedroom) on our laptops and I was reading the jaw- dropping story about that security guard, just shaking my head in amazement. I had to read it to him. We both just sat here with chills all over and wonder in our GREAT GOD.
Thanks for stopping in to share. We love you!
Praying you get to make it out on a flight tomorrow! And what amazing news about the security guard — praise God!
Sending a hug your way!
How precious are the text messages from our husbands!! Mine is on a mission trip out of the country right now and I miss him soooo bad.
I'm sorry you're stranded and (at least humanly!) alone. That would be a trigger for me to get cranky. After a big ministry event weekend I want nothing more to be at home with my hubby and relax. Hope this little story makes you smile:
We have friends here on the farm this weekend and their six year old boy and my six year old boy took a walk with me out to the back forty. They heard the cattle coming and mine dramatically hollered, "It's a STAMPEDE!" and the other boy hollered, "What's a stampede?!" and mine hollered, "RUN! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" It was funny, funny, funny. They ran straight to the barn and up the hay elevator to the loft as fast as their little mud boots would carry them. Once they were safely tucked behind a few gates they were talking some pretty good cowboy smack. Men. Hope you get a belly chuckle. G'night!
Praise God for His MIGHTY work of Salvation in women and men! There's a party going on in Heaven today!
Praying you out of Toronto and back to TX safely (I'm sure it's warmer there…)! Also praying for refreshing sleep and rest in God.
Love you SiestaMama.
Hey, Sweet Anonymous Sister, you are so loved here! That's the enemy messing with your head. I get worried from time to time that someone's going to take it personally if I respond to several commenters but not to her. Believe it or not, sometimes people in the blog world will even make up stories to get the moderator to respond. It's kind of a wild world we're operating in here where it's not always clear what's real.
Please know that I'd talk one-on-one to each one of you if I could. What happens is that I get off and on and just read chunks at the time. 3 of us moderate so none of us sees every comment. So sorry I hurt your feelings. I wouldn't do that for anything.
Blow off the enemy. He's such a liar. Thanks for your honesty!
Anonymous @ 6:57 –
I just wanted to add – I was trying to be encouraging, I hope that didn't come across as minimizing what you're going through.
It's a strange dynamic, probably for many of us who have done Beth's studies. I have never had a personal conversation with Beth, but I have an extremely powerful emotional tie to her.
Mine is probably complicated by the fact I wasn't close to my mother and don't have a maternal figure in my life, but for anyone who has done many of her studies, it is easy to develop an attachment. Especially the deep studies where God is speaking to us and we watch her and listen to her for an hour at a time. The message penetrates and touches your heart.
I've done many of her studies, audio teachings, and books. And there are times when I would give ANYTHING if she really was my mom (even that thought right now brings tears down my face).
Maybe part of it is an emptiness or place in us that needs God's touch, but I also want to believe that maybe part of it is a natural, healthy reaction and attachment to a wonderful lady who has touched our lives in meaningful ways. As long as we keep it open before God and don't let it get out of control or dominate our thinking.
I try to just keep coming back to God, thanking him for Beth and all that she does for us, and ask him to keep those emotions in the proper place. I think it's good that you were able to voice your feelings out here. The first step is recognizing it.
Lord, thank you for Beth and all that she does for so many people. Help us remember that you alone are God, you will comfort us when we are down or empty, and you will supply all our needs. Praise you, Lord!
Rejoicing over Mr. Security Guard! Praise the Lord! I wish I could go to one of the LPL events, maybe someday. Praying for you to have a wonderful, restful night and timely, boring flights tomorrow. 🙂
Melanie
Dearest Beth,
I know we are never alone but we all get lonely. Maybe you could teach on what to do with the lonley times. I help with many non profit Godly organizations and get blessed. Still what do you do with the lonely times? You are being used by God and so blessed!!
love ya girl
Sweet Beth,
First of all – I'm sorry you're still stuck in our city and not in the arms of your beloved… enjoy texting, and I hope you have a very restful, painless sleep!
So, reading your post gave me chills… what fantastic news!! My friend and I were discussing the security guards at the event wondering what they were thinking, since they couldn't help but hear God's truth through your words and through the worship team's music… I prayed for them because you never know when and where God works… but I guess my faith is small because I never expected to HEAR the good news!! I am sitting here typing with this huge grin on my face… Praise God!
Love you, love you, love you! Praying over your flight out tomorrow Bethie 🙂
Your man will be extra happy to see you too as distance does make the heart grow fonder!
Also, how wonderful is that that there is a new son in the family of God! I don't know why, but I've always thought of how the folks who staff those events react to what they are most definately having to hear. Always pray that they'd hear Jesus.
I got tears when I read about the security guard. What a cool testimony he will have about coming to know Jesus…:)
I pray for you to get rest tonight and over your travels tomorrow. I am so glad you were able to get a room and not be stranded at the airport.
And just a side note, I am so loving the Revelation study…just finished week 4. Oh just such a lesson and study! And I can't believe after reading Revelation so many times before I never really made a connection to the emerald rainbow! That's why I love studying Scripture, always something new.
Love and Blessings to you,
Michelle in VT
Praying that you get on one of those flights home tomorrow! How amazing is God to place that security guard there this weekend! I'm sure his first impression of working that event was something like, "You've got to be kidding me!" But, God does have a sense of humor and there had to be a huge smile on His face when he accepted Christ!
Wow, I am touched and tickled at the same time. I would love to know what Mr. Security Guard would say about his experience! SO neat.
Hey sweet Beth!!! I'm actually enjoying some spring break time at the beach with my family but the Lord sure did place y'all on my heart this weekend….over and over.
Praying you home. Enjoy the food and rest. You are loved by every last one of us.
PRAISE GOD for the man coming forward….made me tear up. Awesome!!
Hugs and blessings~
Fran
Thank you, Beth, from letting us receive this post from you tonight! I am praying that you make it home to your husband tomorrow! I know that Toronto was very blessed by God through you!
Thank you again for all you do!
oh, I forgot to tell you how I was smiling all the way through your post, especially about the Security Guard! Praise the Lord!
p.s. – MamaBeth, just for peace of mind, if you need it – I am a Bible study nut. I don't just do your studies, I listen to a LOT of Charles Stanley, and like a number of other great Bible teachers.
… but you are my favorite, haha! 😉
And when I trusted with my emotional situation last week (despite the fears), he spoke to me so much. On the drive to school I listened on one of your podcasts and 6 Charles Stanley podcasts, and every one spoke directly to stuff I was dealing with.
Funny part – you taught from Hebrews 10 and one of Dr. Stanley's was out of Isaiah – and I'm taking classes in Hebrews and Isaiah right now! I love it when God does stuff like that!
Hey! I recently did your "Loving Well" Bible study, and so enjoyed the part where you shared you were going to be a grandma. Even though it was a couple of years ago, I felt a kinship, because I had just recently found out *I* was going to be a grandma–for the first time!
Yesterday my beautiful and precious grandson was born and I am so overwhelmed by God's goodness! I just wanted to share my joy with you!! 🙂
Me again Siesta Mama!
Just had to say that your response to anonymous is very sweet. I think that is something that all of us feel at one time or another…we just "feel" so very close to you because you've walked with us through so many parts of our lives. It is hard not to feel as if we "know" you.
Anonymous: we love you girl! You are not alone and this blog community is a wonderful, special place. We are definately all walking this road together. You will learn that our siesta mama is a very special part of it but as much as we love her (and we do very much), the better part is the connectedness within the body that occurs. That connectedness also includes our sweet Beth, Amanda, and Melissa. It is an amazingly sweet thing. Keep coming back sister!
Beth… a 1000 Thank You's to you and your team for coming to Toronto this weekend. It was a time of absolute confirmation from God that He has already begun a "new thang" in me and in my life. I was so encouraged and blessed by your words from the Lord! I know that my girlfriends and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from you "live" after sharing many studies with you in our Abide group at church. Please come again soon! You inspire us to love Jesus so much more.
Sorry that you got stranded here in the rain, so far away from your Sweetie 🙁 If we'd known you were stuck in T.O., you could have joined us all for "lunch" after the conference 😉
God bless you and again… THANK YOU! We'll pray you get out safely tomorrow!
Hope you get out tomorrow! I'm sorry you're by yourself. I'm the
4th child out of 5, but somehow I took on the trait of the
1st child. I always take care of the rest of my family. Somehow I
all of a sudden felt the same way when I knew you were stranded in Toronto alone. I felt like one of my sissy's(I have 3)needed me!!!so weird!
So Siesta Beth,(I'm 45 so you can't be my siesta mama)as one of
my sissy's, I hope you get a good
night's sleep, and I'm praying
you get home soon tomorrow.(If you were my 3rd sissy I'd have to give you instructions and call you all the time and make sure you weren't lost, but I'm glad you know
how to travel,so I won't worry)!Ha!Ha!
I am So praising God for all the glory He showed in Canada!!!
Blessings from GA,
Lisa
So sorry you are delayed for another night in Toronto but I am praying for you and have been pryaing for you this weekend. That was so awesome about the security guard that blew me away only God could have done that.
To the person who responded anonymous will be praying for your lonliness I am single and I get lonely to but God can fill you up I listen to praise music or start saying scripture verses and it takes my mind off of me and fills me with the Love of Jesus
Thank you sweet seista mama glad you let us know whats going on I pray for you tonight that you will sleep good and be refreshed in the morning and get your flight home to your man and in his arms.
Love you
May the Lord Bless your time tonight.
Sweet Dreams
Carol
Hi Beth – Toronto is all the richer for having you here for one more night!!!
I brought the busload of 58 pink boa'd women, and yes, we stole the idea from the Siesta SMT Celebration.
Thank you so much for your message this weekend. It went straight to the hearts of all of us. There was so much exciting chatter on the busride home about how the message impacted each one of us, in different areas of our lives.
Thank you, God, for speaking loud and clear and for revealing Yourself.
Text hugs are certainly not as fun as real ones, are they?
Blessings on your flight home tomorrow!
Love, Judi
Hi Beth!
Thank you for sharing the story of Mr. Security Guard's salvation. It had me all teary as well. Angels are singing!!
I had to share that story with my boys and they thought that was pretty cool. – Then I said, "And he was probably all bummed that he had to spend the weekend with a bunch of women." My 11-year-old replied, "No, he probably liked being with all the ladies!" To which my 8-yr-old replied: "Ooo la la!" 🙂
Praying that you will have sweet time with Jesus tonight, deep sleep, and a peaceful trip home to your man and precious grandbabies.
(Oh! My word verification word is GRACE. How sweet. Grace and peace to you, sweet Beth.)
Fly safe. I am assuming you are flying out of Pearson Airport and it has some great art, maybe that can distract your mind as you sip Starbucks.
I love texting my man too, sometimes from different parts of the house when we are home! I have no idea why we communicate so well that way, but we do. Good thing my wierdness is not the trait I am most insecure about :).
Hi Beth
I'm an ex-flight attendant and I remember many a cancelled flight. Lonely time, but you've got your best friend with you. Praise HIM.
I hope you have a wonderful night of rest and a blessed flights home.
Pam
Isn't God really so mysterious in how He works………you finish writing this incredible book on insecurity and then, a security guard accepts Christ as his Saviour a few weeks later. That's so awesome. I would love to know what particular Scripture and/or topic you were speaking on in Toronto.
Praying you have a wonderful Canadian sleepover with Him and a safe flight back to your man tomorrow.