Hey, you sweet things! It seems like forever since we’ve talked! Melissa and I had so hoped to be able to blog while we were in the Holy Land but the break-neck schedule and the slow internet made it the impossible dream. We and our group of 100 mighty women boarded two tour buses every morning at 7:30 and usually pulled back into one of three different hotels on our journey around 6:00 that evening. May I interject that it was HOT over there? And when I tell you we pulled into the hotel smelling more like sweaty camels than sacred pilgrims, I’m not kidding. Our consolation was that we all smelled the same. I took a travel size stick of deodorant in my purse and used it on the bus without shame. We’d clean up quickly then head to dinner at 7:00 then Melissa and I would head back to my room as fast as possible where I’d study for the next day and Melissa would down load pictures. We’d fall in our beds, rise early the next morning for more studying then load those buses again. It was a big fat busy BLAST. Not one single regret except that we didn’t have all of you there.
God gave us a fabulous group of women comprised mostly of LPM staff and volunteers (the trip was a thank you to all of them) and we were graced by the faithful presence of our God as we traced the steps of His Son from birth to childhood… to boyhood…to manhood… to His first miracle…to His ministry in Galilee…to the place where His sweat fell like drops of blood…to His cross…to His empty grave…then to the Mount of Olives where He ascended before their very eyes and will one day descend in all His glory…before every set of eyes on earth.
It was truly too much to absorb in one week’s time but many of us will ponder it for months to come. As you know, my darling firstborn was unable to go at the last minute. I am so proud of her for making that decision and, without hesitation, hopping in the car with her man to head for Missouri even before they knew what the outcome would be. I couldn’t quite get my head wrapped around not having her along on the trip because her company is so rich and impossible to replace, just like her sister’s. But I knew within a very short time that they’d done God’s will without question. They wanted so much to be able to see his grandmother before the Lord swept her home. As it happened, He simply could not wait another minute to have her in His presence.
“Arise, my darling, my beautiful one. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone…the season of singing has come…Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” (Song of Songs 2:10-13)
Curtis and Amanda were there shortly after Grandma Dixon’s homegoing and for the rest of the week. Amanda said that the testimony of a long, enduring, loving marriage between Curtis’s grandparents was so powerful that it would mark them forever.
We missed her so much and I was deeply grateful that I’d already had the chance to take her on that very trip when she was 16. Melissa and I spoke of her constantly. I was touched in many ways this week in the Holy Land but I will share with you one primary gift God gave me while I was there. A number of years ago when Melissa launched full-steam ahead into an academic study of theology and Scripture, I began to worry that the critical aspect of that kind of academic education might snuff the flame that had burned in her from late high school to mid-college. There are many casualties. My heart also dropped into my feet as I realized that she was going to inevitably get hit in my behalf. She is to be commended for the way she handled it but that’s another story. I’ll leave it at this: it’s very hard to see your children have to deal with criticism toward you and be forced to answer for you. I can take the heat but I wish so much they didn’t have to. Anyway, as I sought God with my concerns, He supplied a Scripture that I felt He was inviting me to pray over her and believe for her. My fears were calmed over the completion of her undergrad work followed by two additional degrees. I refused to worry again about it even through some rocky places for her where she had to grapple with what she believed. While we were in Israel, I saw a young woman who had survived with her faith in tact. She is her own person – different from her mother, thank God – but full of passion. I saw a young woman who loves Jesus Christ. In fact, if not for Colin Fitzpatrick, I don’t think I would’ve gotten that child on a plane. I nearly fainted when I heard her ask our guide, my dear friend Arie, about the universities in Jerusalem. Then all I could do was shake my head and laugh. It can be a dangerous thing to raise your children to follow hard after Jesus.
I have seen a fresh revelation of Christ in the last week but not only through tracing His steps in the Holy Land. I’ve beheld it on the faces of His people. Many on the trip and my own beloved daughters, as different as they are, and as imperfect as they’d want me to tell you they are. They have each outdone their parents. Lord have mercy, what messes we were at their ages. Thank You, Lord, for full redemption. For Your willingness to change an entire lineage. Your grace is unfathomable. Continue to use it to set families free.
So, that’s a little of my story today. Thanks for listening to interminable musings. It’s so good to be back in touch with you. I am dying to know what you’re up to! Where does this 3rd day of June find you, my dear Siestas? Help me picture it!
You are so loved here.
Well, it’s no longer June 3rd–it’s June 4th, but for my day, I am praying like crazy I did the right thing by sending the So Long Insecurity book to my sister-in-law who is battling depression and has so many insecurities that I resonated with while going through the book myself. She believes in God but does not have a relationship with Jesus nor goes to church at all. I’m trusting God to be bigger than her circumstances and to meet her in a fresh and filling way. I’m also praying for this to open new doors of conversation between the two of us. I just keep hearing your opening words to the book, Beth, that encourage us to give the book to non-Christians just the same as Christians…hears hoping and trusting in God to move the mountains!
I so wish I could have gone with you. You bless me with your description of it though. I just love you Beth!
drinking in my 12 year old son’s last day of 6th. grade…the Kenny Chesney song DON”T BLINK is dead on…I have been a weepy mess today at the reality of how fast this is all going….if I didn’t study your feathers from my nest book every Saturday for the last few years I don’t know if I could handle this giving him wings buisness siesta beth…………… thank you for carrying my heart through the gift of that book….
Beth, thanks for taking the time to send us a message. I’m sure all of you are exhausted. My dear friend leaves today for a similar journey, if the safety issue is resolved? Melissa’s photos were more than a blessing. Not sure how to thank the Moore ladies enough for all you share and bring to our lives- isn’t it amazing that at any other time in history we would not have the privilege to share in your ministry- I am most grateful- Kathy
I loved your blog. To read the sweet words you write about your lovely daughters. My oldest is thirteen and I pray that the desire to follow hard after God will burn deeply within her being. All of my children are so precious to me and I desire so much for them but my greatest joy would be to see them walking in the truth and living passionately for Christ.
So as the final days of school begin to wind down I look forward to the summer and spending time with my dear ones. I hope that these will be the days I look back on with great joy even amidst the squabbling and sibling bickering that rears its ugly head during the dog days of summer. LOL Thanks for reminding us that God hears the prayers of us mothers and is a master at redeeming our families to His Glory!!!!
thank you.
Hi Beth and others! This is my first time to reply to your blog. I watched the slideshow and it looked wonderful. I’m glad you guys had a great trip.
Today I experienced my first attempt to be a wedding cordinator. Besides having to carry the crying 2 year old flower girl down the aisle (the brides daughter) it went well.
I look forward to following your blog as I am new to blogging myself.
I can picture you talking as I read your blog and I love that you are able to do that through your blog writing. I felt compelled to write how I was doing on this 3rd of June because I felt like you truly do care about this woman who sits on the other side of a computer screen whom you will never meet this side of heaven.
Today I am weary. I’m not sure what the near future holds…I desperately want to leave a spiritual legacy for my daughters…one that draws them so near to Jesus. Feeling like I’ve failed them in so many ways.
I just started “Believing God” Bible study for the second time and of course have had a huge opportunity to practice what I am learning already.
I BELIEVE HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS AND CAN DO WHAT HE SAYS HE CAN DO!!!
I think I could pretty much just keep doing that study over and over my entire life in order to keep my thinking straight.
I’m so thankful for a faithful Father to believe in…. really, actively believe in.
After reading the blog rules, I realized I inappropriately asked Melissa a question on the LPM Blog 6/3/10. Perhaps it’s best to remove it. Sorry.
Kelsey
You are loved too and covered with our prayers for you and your family and ministry! Praising God with you for redemption in all our lives! God is so Good! Just because HE IS! Glory to God, I just watched the video, a life long dream would be to go there someday! Thanks for sharing, love you all!
Hello! I just found this blog! So happy to answer your question about where I was June 3rd (I’m a few days late :). I actually know because I’m doing a “Live with Flair” project that helps me see God in the common moment. That day, I had to write a blessing for graduating students, and I thought of 7 Things to pray for them! Enjoy! http://livewithflair.blogspot.com/2010/06/7-dreams-for-your-future.html
So glad you all had a safe and exciting journey! Hoping to visit the Holy Land some day soon…we moved right when I wanted to be baptized, so since I haven’t yet I would love to wait and be baptized for the first time in the Jordan right where my Beloved Savior was baptized! We’ll see! 🙂
Love you!
Hi Beth! I’m just getting to read this and I’ve missed you so much! I loved getting to hear a little bit about the trip and always enjoy hearing you brag on your daughters! 🙂 We’re loving them, too!
I was thinking about what we were doing on June 3rd… we were on vacation and just got back from good ol’ DISNEYLAND! Our 3 kids loved going again and we stayed at a Disney hotel for the first time. So spoiled to be right there between the two parks (Disneyland and California Adventure) that I don’t know if I can go back without staying there again. It was quite a splurge for us! 🙂 Thanking Jesus for a safe trip and no broken down mini-vans like last trip! 🙂
Great to hear from you again! 🙂
I am so glad your trip went well. My daughter and I were with you in 2000 for the taping of Jesus The One and Only and it is so special to share this trip with a daughter. No words can explain the joy of walking where Jesus walked!
Beth, It is so funny that you talk of the same things at times that God is teaching and showing me as well so I felt I wanted to share. I was raised in a family who taught that everyone went to heaven so, of course we were taught to never share about Christ because that was judgemental. As I grew in my faith and became under my husband’s authority and away from my parents’ authority, I knew that I needed to share my faith in Christ at the Holy Spirits leading and in love and prayed and studied fervently to do that without guilt and shame. I still struggle with the guilt and shame at times and fear I am coming across as judgemental constantly, I prayed so diligently that my children would feel Christ’ love and security as they told the truth that their dad and I would be diligent to teach them. This year I have seen the answer to my prayer. My two oldest boys 19 and 21 are living together and work together at a kids camp at a church with hundreds of kids and I watch them share like it is just a part of their life and my youngest was chosen as the only one to be an encourager at Falls Creek when he is 15. When told not to worry that there would be an adult to share the gospel, Grey said “Oh mom, I was excited to share about Christ. I just told him to share whatever was put on his heart and the adults would be there like we have been to help in any way. God is good and I rejoice with you. 🙂
Beth
Thank you for sharing with us how the Lord is using you and blessing your family. It is a blessing to see God’s work in progress.
I truly thank God for using you and your daughter’s to reach out to the women all over the world. Our Sunday School class decided to attend your simulcast on Insecurity as our fellowship that month. We were bless. At another time I would love to share my testimony with you. It has lead to a burden for ours that think they are save but in reality they are not.
Once again, Beth, Thank You! You are truly a blessing.
Love in Christ,
Pam Bynum
I know I’m a couple of days late but on June 3rd our Bible study group watched the final session of Breaking Free. I’m kinda sad it’s over!
Thank you for sharing Beth! As always, I soak up your words like a sponge!
Hi Beth, I am waist-deep in your book “Insecurity” and am struggling like a crazy woman. I am so totally confused and can’t seem to wrap myself up in it like I had hoped when I rushed at it on the shelf. Then I came across the line you wrote at the begging of chapter 9: “I don’t have a scrap of interest in someone just reading this book”. I was absolutely broken hearted when I read this, Beth. Please, please take it back! Some of us may just be “reading it” and it will, hopefully, touch some of us later when it’s God’s will for us to deal with our insecurities. God bless you, Beth.
What a wonderful experience to walk where Jesus walked!! Glad you are back safe and sound – I know prayers surrounded the group for safe travels.
My June 3rd was spent anticipating our Thursday night Bible study (5-8 of us), Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman. I praise the Lord daily for using you, to speak, throught you, to the hearts of so many women. The two studies I have done back to back have transformed my walk with God. Anyway, I digress!! When we got to the apt/condo complex where we have our study (in the community room which we reserve), our hostess informed us that a resident complained to management and we were forbidden to further use the room. It seems holding a “worship service” is forbidden. So, we held our bible study at a picnic table in front of the apt/condo building! We didn’t have video or audio, but we had a wonderful conversation on the previous week’s lesson,#6, and a time of prayer. Pray that our group will find another location. We are excited to see what happens – “according to the plan of Him who WORKS OUT EVERYTHING!!” Praise the Lord for his unspeakable goodness!!
Hi Beth,
I’ve never written before, but am familiar with some of your studies. We are doing the “PATRIARCS” right now, and it’s awesome!! We have done 3 others, all equally awesome. God has truly given you a gift.
I love the way you explained what the “white stone” could mean, that we all will be given. I’ve often wondered what that meant.
It sounds like you had a great time in Isreal. I would love to go there one day.
Beth, I would really like to study the Bible, in depth, but I don’t know where to start. I would love to understand it like you do. I write articles for my church newsletter, but they are just my thoughts on different things. They are truly simple thoughts. I just don’t know how to really, really study.
I really admire you, Beth. You are so down to earth, and funny, yet very serious. I would love to see you in person one day.
I won’t keep you any longer. Just wanted to say hi. I don’t know if you will even get this because I didn’t fill in the Website above, because I don’t exactly know what I’m supposed to put there. I’ m not real computer savvy!! Anyway, I hope you do see this. If it’s at all possible, I would love to hear from you.
God’s blessings to you and yours.
PS. I live in a small town in Michigan, called Adrian. I attend St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.
In Christ’s Love,
Deanna LeDroit
Beth,
I’m glad you are home safe and can’t wait to visit the Holy Land myself and would love for you to be the guide 🙂 June 3rd finds me celebrating 21 years of marriage! We decided to do something different to celebrate so my husband did my 2 morning exercise classes of body pump and body flow (only man in the class) and then I played 9 holes of golf with him. We got some lunch and had a great day together…not to mention I beat him on one hole. No skill involved I assure you. This is what I posted on my facebook for the day: Only by God’s grace, lots of laughter and many tears, sheer determination and covenant commmitment, many disgreements, death of 3 parents and life of 2 beautiful daughters…Mike Ryan is still the one I love (Shania Twain’s song is our song) Love you Beth Moore and pray for you often and so thankful to have you in my life.
delta
June 3rd found me driving 3 hours to be at my mother’s bedside in the hospital as she recovers from a stroke she had Saturday & another on Wednesday. I covet prayers for her. She is not a believer and I so much want her to be in Heaven when I get there! I am praying that the Holy Spirit will provide me with the right words again as I pray not only for her but with her, and I pray that at least one or more of those working with her in the Rehab center are believers and that God will move them to witness to her as well.
Wow……thank you!!!!!! I am moved beyond words. The video had me in tears. And Beth, your words about your daughters could not have come at a better time for me. As I watch my daughter move into a new phase of her life, your words gave me comfort. I am so grateful to have read this blog today.
Sending you love and prayers from my home to yours,
Donna
I just have to tell you I just found this blog and I love reading it.I look forward to reading it more often. Your studies have been used by God in my life so much. Thank you for allowing God to work through you and your family. God bless you.
So glad to hear that y’all are home safely from Israel. I hope that I can make that same pilgrimage one day.
This lazy Sunday afternoon leaves me basking in the glow of a fabulous day of praise, worship, and experiencing God’s crazy love for me. Now, I sit here eating the yummy Rocky Road ice cream that my 11 year old daughter made and watching my precious husband sleep as he waits out the rain delay of the NASCAR race. We’re hoping the rain continues to delay here in Virginia as we hope to get out on the beautiful Goose Creek here and go kayaking with the kids later. Oh, how we love kayaking!!
Much love to you and yours,
Julie B in Virginia
Wow—this June 3rd finds us moving into our own home–a first! And believe it or not—our daughter’s wedding is one week away! Yes–we’re crazy—but thankful for God’s blessings and provision–a church family full of willing helpers! As soon as the paint cans, saws and other tools are moved out of our sunroom I can’t wait to set up my space to meet with the Lord out there!
Thanks for sharing about the wonderful trip!
Oh, Beth, it sounds so wonderful. I am so glad yall had a great, wonderful, safe trip. I would love to go there one day.
I’m actually writing this on the 6th.. we just came to the beach today so I’ll be here this week and on the 10th we’ll be celebrating my 18th birthday 🙂
Hope you had a great day and I hope you have a very wonderful week!
Love you!
I want to raise godly children, you have given such encouragement!
Little late entry…….Hapuna Beach, Big Island, Hawaii!! Feeling like the land God commanded needed a rest….it’s fantastic!
Absolutely loved the photos Melissa posted! I got excited just seeing the signs and places Jesus walked. The Bible comes to life in such a beautiful setting. Thanks for sharing! This Georgia Siesta is very thankful for what I’ve learned in Bible Study from you over the past year. God’s annointing is clearly upon you. Can’t wait for teaching from your time in beautiful Israel. Much love! Rhonda (I’m your page 20-21 girl from Peachtree City!)
Hi Miss Beth. Your trip sounds wonderful. Your insight about Melissa blesses me so. I love to the study the Word and will now be praying to ask God to guard me from growing cynical… I didnt think about the risk, but certainly dont want that road. This June finds me working, working at a family owned air conditioning company! It’s hot, and the phones are ringing. We are thankful. Gotta go! Blessings to you. Love, Taylor
thank you for always sharing your heart with us, Beth! I am responding late to this post (June 8th), but wanted to share what I was doing on June 3rd. It was my daughter’s 15th birthday, and my husband, son and I were on our way to visit her. She was not home because she has been in an inpatient facility for the last 2 months to get help for some emotional troubles that have been escalating the last couple of years. I am overjoyed to tell you that she is now doing very well and will be coming home for good sometime this week! We are praying that the transition goes well and that our summer is full of fun and laughter.
Blessings to all of you!!
As usual, Beth, I am so blessed by your comments. I have just gotten smart enough (a senior citizen barely computer literate) to get to this spot on your website. I have facilitated your Bible studies at Crestview Baptist in Austin, Texas, since 1997 when I retired. In May we began “A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place” (updated version)and we will be working on it into year 2011, because the group I meet with is 90% over 65 and want to go slower. You probably cringe to hear that we’re stretching it out so long, but I am hoping, through this contact, to get you and your staff to pray for the group in Bible study as well as for our church. Begun as a suburban church in the 1950’s, it is now considered a Central Austin church, and our size and attendance has diminished a lot. We don’t want to close the doors, so we are working hard, and praying hard, that the pastor we called last August will be successful in his attempts to attract young families with children to our church in order for us to begin to rebuild. My daughter, Nancy, was a member of your church until 2003. She came back home to recover from a very destructive divorce and, praise the LORD, is managing to make some progress. She spoke to you about me at some point before the breakup and you wrote me a very sweet and encouraging note, which she delivered. I had just been put on oxygen 24/7 and I am still on it. My lung damage is from radiation treatments I received in 1970 as treatment for breast cancer. Those same treatments also damaged nerves in my shoulder which has now caused my arm to be paralyzed. Through it all I have learned to trust and depend on God in ways I probably would never have experienced without the trials. I am so happy to tell you that God has provided a way for me to continue leading others to love His Word as much as I do. I teach a class of ladies (who are my peers) in Sunday School each Sunday and facilitate the monthly weekday Bible study. I also serve as Financial liaison to the Financial secretary on the Pastor’s Leadership Team. God is so good! Please remember to pray for us. This “note” has turned into an “epistle”. May God richly bless you and your staff! I am praying for you!
Dear Beth,
On June 3rd I was returning from a trip our Lord Jesus opened the door Himself to prepare me for my first journey to Jerusalem in February 2011. I had traveled very much in my earler days, but fell under bondage and fear of ‘leaving home” to travel. In His gentleness, He provided Scripture for my heart on His wonderful plans, and the opportunity for my hands to purchase your book “Breaking Free”. I was “loose” from my bondage on page 52, “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of My people” Isa.57-14.
After reading this Scripture, the very next day, an UNEXPECTED phone call came from my boss, “you have been selected to fly to New York to go to Homeoffice”. I knew, with a knowing it was only possible through HIM. With the PEACE that passes ALL understanding, HE lead the way to NY from OK as only His hand can do. HE is FAITHFUL! The most amazing discovery was to find, the ones who sing out “we love to travel” mumble, grumble and complain at every twist and turn of the journey. Standing in a cramped, jam packed concourse in old La Guardia airport, with all possible reasoning to believe we would not make it back to dallas that evening, with our connecting flight in Milwaukee, I stood firm in His plan for me and told my companions, “I don’t know about you, but HE’s not going to play me out, I’m going to Dallas tonight”. With His Peace and Word embedded in my spirit to stand firm on His Word, my fellow traveler, a non-believer, turned to me with a “look of wonder” and replied, “I’m going with you!”. His Holy Spirit, our Comforter, gently shared with her, “there is plenty of space upon the Rock…HE sets our feet in a broad place”. It was the most amazing part of the journey, to watch Him work. As we approached Dallas/Ft.Worth, late at night after our connecting plane was delayed with no possible way for us to miss the flight home from Milwaukee, the pilot shared, “looks like mothernature was with us and we are a half hour early”. I smiled to myself, thanking Him who opened His hand and place us so every gently on the runway, safe and sound in Dallas June 3rd night. I was refreshed and ready for my upcoming to trip to Israel in 2011. He prepared the road and removed every obstacle of bondage and fear to prepare the way for the future. I was FREE and ready for what He holds for me, “go to Galilee, and there they will see ME” Matthew 28:5-10.
I thank you for this opportunity to share this with you. I will also make a note, I traveled to San Antonio in August 2008 to see you. My three other “sisters” and I, experienced Jesus in such a might way on our drive from Dallas to San Antonio, we were “filled up” before we even hit our hotel. I have never forgotten that journey. HE revealed Himself to us in a very visual understanding, like the Emmuas Road, and my life was changed forever.
Blessings to you as our Lord Jesus uses you and your family in a might way for HIM. I’ve listen to many of your CD’s, your DVD study on the Psalm’s of Ascent, and Deeper Still in December 2009. I will pray for Melissa as He raises her up to serve the next generation for His glory! Sincerely yours, sisters through Christ Jesus, the One Who loves us, Denise Balog
Our Siesta Mama and her musings!:) Yea, good to hear from you again too:):) That must have been so amazing to trace Christ’s life in the land of His birth! Wow. That is also amazing, that God can change a whole lineage in one generation:) Ooo, third of June, do I remember what I was doing??:)
HUGS! to you!
katiegfromtennessee
Dear Beth-
So glad I’m not the only one who went through menopausal symptoms (at age 30) in Israel…it was hot even during my trip in early March! The pictures Melissa posted showed very fresh looking, spirit filled women (despite the weather)…and oh my the food!! I especially loved you taking a bite out of the huge roll.
I’m sorry that Amanda could not make it with you all, but at least she was able to experience it with you at age 16. God is so faithful and although I’ve not had the pleasure of having children yet, my mother always tells me what a blessing it is to see a generation grow in intimacy with God far surpassing the generation before.
So glad you are back…can’t wait to see you at bible study again.
Blessing from your “home girl”
Monica Davis
Houston, TX
God bless you and your family. Children are such a blessing to us. I am finally getting at the point that I can turn my children over to the Lord to do his will for there lives. This is not an easy thing for any mother to do but it is the best for all involved. Thank you for sharing your trip and your daughters with us.
June 3rd found me driving away from Texas with my three boys and my mother-in-law. We headed to Jackson, MS, to meet my mom and my sister and her husband. It was a blast. We are now in TN, our new home. We are still waiting on my man to come home from Iraq. We are currently in a hotel waiting to move into our new house on Friday. I’ve been catching up with all the goings on in Siestaville tonight.
Many Hugs,
Michelle Clinton
Tennessee
PS/For anyone wondering…They do have Mexican resturants here!! My mother-in-law was worried 🙂 We’ve seen three in our new town 🙂
Grace and peace to you, sweet girlfriend. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. I am so excited totell you we have just started your Breaking Free, updated edition, Bible Study. There are about 100 ladies meeting in a barn! It’s awesome. Nowi can say I’ve heard Beth in a barn 🙂
Finally catching up with y’all after a crazy week or so. You asked was life was like on June 3rd….
We were preparing for my little man’s 5th birthday that was the 6th. He’s so handsome and funny. WE had a small impromptu swim party on the 5th, then he pretty much got whatever he wanted on the 6th as he opened presents all day long. He actually said, “I’m the boss of my birthday.” I guess since someone, whether his dad, me or his older sister is always the boss of him. He HAD to be the boss of something. HA!
I’m so glad y’all had a wonderful trip. Have a great weekend.
Blessings,
Donna
I was studying in Israel for three weeks and left on June 6. I can’t believe we were there at the same time! I wonder if our buses passed on the highway.
Your words are traveling with me as I head to Spain now. Thanks for doing what you do!
So glad everyone is back safe and sound. The Holy Land is on my “Bucket List” and has been for years….it’s nice to live vicariously through you until the blessed time for me to visit myself comes