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.
Driving 45 minutes to town this morning for a mammogram and thinking of treating myself to something yummy at Panera Bread afterward. Or maybe a Chic-Fil-A chocolate shake.
Maybe both?!
Heading now to the shower and hoping I remember NOT to put on deodorant! 😉
Glad you’re safely home and looking forward to LPL Richmond in August!!!
Prayers for you! And I vote Chik-fil-A!
My June 3rd, this will be our 3rd evening of VBS. I’m helping with the 1st-2nd graders. We’ve been “stand-in” parents of a teenage son for friends that traveled to Taiwan to adopt their second girl-child (1st from China). Getting my thoughts together to travel to Denver next week for Deeper Still. Memorizing my June 1st scripture, as I’ve stepped it up this year and doing 3 a month. Oh yes, and I’ve been target practicing as I killed my 1st rattle snake of the season last week. Yep, that is my June 3rd. 😉 LOVE YOU LIKE CRAZY!!!!
I’m scared of you!
Thank you so much for sharing!!! So encouraging to me – I am married to an unbeliever who is an alcoholic and God has been impressing on me to persevere in my requests that my children not go down the road their father is – and that I need to not just pray for Him to be saved but that whether he is or not God can give me a great marriage and change him!! Thanks you so much!!! I know our God is doing GREAT THINGS!!!!
3 in 3, I am praying for you. Your faith inspires me. Our God is HUGE and capable of more than we can imagine. Eph 3:20-21 =)
My heart is so heavy for you. I will be praying for you! I am the daughter of an alcoholic, abusive father and I just wanted you to know that I am in full-time ministry and SO completely in love with my Heavenly Father! I fell in love with God at a young age and never looked back. I cannot tell you how many prayers my mother prayed over me and my sis or how many tears she cried, but I can tell you that I am whole in Christ and I pray the same for you and your children!
So much love to you 3 kids in 3 yrs (WOW), you can do this!
Thank you so much – ya’ll have been extremely encouraging – just what the Lord knew I would need!!!!
So glad you all arrived home safely!
In Georgia, school is out and we’re sleeping late! Schedules with my three children are slow and our pace even slower.
And not one child has declared their boredom – yet – praise the Lord!
When my helper Sveta arrived, I hit the road, got a cheese lavash at McD’s (and a gross cherry pie) that I ate as I rode the escalators down into the bowels of the metro (it takes a good 10 mins.). I shopped at Tsum, the central dept. store for some gifts, and then came on back- happy to have been underground during the deluges! 🙂 I got to snuggle in a chair with my brand new 2 year old and read the teapot story before putting her down for her nap. Then I got to do the same with the other two. It’s quiet now and I’m loving it!
Waiting for school to be out and reflecting on my first (and maybe only) year as a stay at home mom of two men children:)
Good morning, Beth and welcome home. I remember, just a couple of months ago, sobbing in Ben Gurion – desperately wanting to stay in Israel. I understand such desire. I was thinking just last night of forming an Egypt/Israel trip in the next couple of years…can’t wait to return. This morning brings work, refining a couple of devotionals, reading devotionals, and following up on emails – encouraging friends in their trials. Truly, that’s what my Thursday holds in store. Welcome home – rest well. Can’t wait to hear and SEE more in the days to come.
The trip sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to see pictures!
The 3rd day of June finds me 24 days away from the due date of our first baby!! God is so good!
O sweet Bethany! 9 years ago I was in Minneapolis with a young husband and his job awaiting the arrival of OUR first baby…and he came on June 27th! I missed my mama SO MUCH and I spent a lot of time alone, studying with Jesus, breathing in the excitement and anticipation. I walked and walked and walked! It was so “up” and “down” and probably the most exciting month of my life! I know how excited you are and will be praying for you this month! Congrats and bless you over and over. You’ll never forget this summer sweetie!
Congratulations!
Oh Beth.
Where does this third day of June find me? Doing ordinary things – like changing diapers and making snacks and cleaning…..but also….trying to realize God today. So many doubts and questions are filling my mind this morning. So along with my normal activities – I’m praying fervently for faith and searching scripture…(and just plain searching!)… for some truth. Whew!
So thankful you had an amazing trip – I hope to venture that way someday myself 🙂
Blessings to you,
Kate 🙂
I know the feeling! A fellow siesta recommended Psalm 69 – thought I’d pass it on.
I missed you too!!!
You were all in my prayers each day and I thank God you had a wonderful trip & that you made it back safe & sound. I had the privilege of going to the Holy Land when I was 19 years old. I’d LOVE to go back and would love to go with you & make it a Siesta Trip. 🙂 How wonderful would that be?!!!
Today finds me filled with joy because the latter part of last week we found out that our first grandchild is going to be a boy! Due in Oct.!! Your sweet staff member Kimberly has so sweetly & tenderly prayed with me a couple of times in my daughter’s behalf. (she knows me as “Lolly.” 🙂
Also, I’m filled with joy that ALL 25 (26 when we include the baby our daughter is carrying) of our family members attended my niece’s wedding in Arlington, TX over the weekend. I posted the picture on my latest blog post of the group photo.
God is so good and so faithful!
Love and {{hugs}} to all!
Valerie
Melissa, I am in a season of “what do I believe?”. Do you have any words of wisdom from yours? I have been here for 2 years and I’m losing hope. It’s bewilderig.
OH how I missed hearing from all of you. (Of course my own blog hasn’t been updated lately, sorry siestas) It sounds like a fabulous trip!!! I just know we will be hearing more stories about this trip down the road!!
Wendy
Welcome Back!! We missed you too! But so glad you got to have your awesome time in the Holy Land, rich experiences with each other and safe travel!!! Proud of Amanda also!!! And so glad for her updates!!! Looking forward to the pics and stories to come!!!
Got to have a wonderful 4 day weekend with my husband, just enjoying our home, doing our yard projects together and having fun! Got 4 tomatoe plants in the ground finally, some tomatillos seeds planted and a red pepper. Can’t wait for the produce!
lovingly, Barb
Life is nuts today. I am currently packing 4 for summer camp, my senior that just graduated is “nannying” for a local family every day and preparing to go to college orientation. While at the same time I am packing up my little biological nuclear family (remember we all live and breathe our ministry 24/7) because for 2 weeks out of the year we get to leave and they are mine to myself. Our littlest angel will be turning 1 next week!! We will have a zoo birthday party for her at the beach. I have tons to do but just had to check in this morning. Summer has been a whirlwind already. . I have solved lots of arguments, “had meetings” with those that won’t get along, had many “time outs”, for myself included, and we have already been swimming. I think I will keep a count of the number of beach towels I wash this summer. I think I am already up in the 50s. . Happy Summer Siestas!
Wendy
This 3rd day of June finds me anticipating the end of the school year (we end the 8th) and looking forward to fellowship tonight with women on our church plant baking up a storm for Sunday morning refreshments. My house will smell incredible tonight!
Glad you got home safely. I’m so excited to say that I received your ‘Insecurity’ book this week in the mail. Can’t wait to get into it:)
Beth, so glad you all made it home safely! We are melting into summer, free from school, and so enjoying the freedom! I was nursing two little girls’ shoulder sunburns last night from an afternoon of swimming … afraid the sunscreen didn’t do a very good job. I so love aloe vera!
Karalee and Katelyn said to tell you, “We love you!” And they want to know if you got to ride a camel, too?
Love you dearly,
shelli
so sweet to hear that you are back and safe. I have also enjoyed having my heart moved by Amanda’s posts.
As to where I am? I am dreading the future. I am facing the dreaded “H” surgery (you know, the word that sounds like having your tonsils out..) and scared to bits that this time, this surgery will be the one I don’t come home from.
but at the same time, I am listening to your book. This will be my third time through it. Once the night I bought it, once with the blog questions and now on CD form with your expressive voice talking to me on the way to and from work every morning.
at 40 years old, I am planning my sweet girl’s 2nd birthday party, enjoying being married to a wonderful man of God, and looking forward to studying Ruth from my porch swing this summer. There is so much overwhelmingly good in my life.
This has mostly been rambling. But I do that when I get a chance to speak to you. There is just so much in my head that I wish we could sit down over a cup of tea and chat about. so instead of making sense, I babble in fits and starts. oh well. I’ll get time on a porch swing with you in heaven. BTW that is what finally drove home the concept of eternity for me. That someone like you would have the time to have a real relationship level friendship, with EVERY individual woman who has ever wanted to hug your sweet neck.
hugs to you and yours,
Deirdre
screamofcontinuousness.wordpress.com
Love hearing about your trip! Can’t wait to hear more and see pictures!
This 3rd day of June is my 15th wedding anniversary! I am so grateful for the gift of my husband!
I will spend today reflecting back on our wedding day and how much fun it was to become “Mrs.”
Hi Sweet Seista Mama
Sure have missed you so much, glad you all are back and safe with your families. This 3rd day of June has me pondering the session 5 in breaking free the revised addition I watched the video night before last and it struck me hard, because of the relationship I have with my mom I want her approval so bad and I just want her to love me the way she loves my brothers and othe sister.
Anyway I take care of her she is 85yrs old and alot of health problems I wish my and her relationship was different but I pray for that everyday, She has never approves of anything I do or have achevied like getting my G.E.D. in 2008 after struggling to get for 3yrs I could go on and on but I won’t.Because I know my Jesus Loves me more than anything and He is crazy about me.
I love you seista mama
Iplan on going to Deeper Still In June in Denver Colorado
Have never been to a Deeper Still but have been to your conferences.
Thanks for all you do
Carol
CarollivinforGod –
I just want you to know that I think that working hard for 3 years to earn your G.E.D. is a BIG DEAL!!! I am very PROUD of you and your hard work and determination. Way to go!
Thanks buffy for your encouragement and for saying getting my G.E.D. is a big deal I got it when I was 52yrs and started taking the tests at 50yrs old.
So again thanks for the encouragement
Carol
Carol, I have been exactly where you are today with my Mother. I can tell you that you will be blessed beyond measure for taking care of her. Mother always complained that I didn’t do enough for her but I was the only one there everyday and during her emergencies. My siblings only showed up a couple of hours every month. And when they came, there got an ear full of what I wasn’t doing. MOther passed away 6-15-09 and I would love to hear her complaining to me today. Taking care of her was way out of my comfort zone but God was faithful each day. Hang in there.
Thank you Judy I am blessed beyond measure everyday that God has given is a New Day thank you for reminding me that I need to savour each moment I have with her because I don’t know how much longer we will have her. So again thanks
Love and Blessings to you Seista
Carol
Carol,
I also want to congratulate you on working toward and getting your GED. That is awesome and no small task.
Blessings to you.
Michelle
It’s so good to have all of your girls back! We have missed you dreadfully!!! So where am I this morning of June 3rd? I’ve been praying for my beloved 3 children, too, using Stormie Omartian’s “Praying for Your Adult Children,” asking Him to SET THEM FREE from anything and all things that bind them or separate them from Him. How I praise Him that He has set His love on our children, Beth, and not only delivers them but satisfies them. I rejoice with you today that they are who they are (in spite of us) because of who He is.
Oh, Beth, you always make laugh and cry in the same post!
I feel the same way about my children, as you do yours!
Right this moment, I am sitting in my pjs reading your blog, but I’ve got to get ready to go to the funeral of my sister in-law’s Dad, a very distinguished man.
Today, on my birthday, I will celebrate life given by God!
Heidi checking in here. The girls are home from school and eating me out of house and home. Thats when they are awake… which happens each morning about 11:00. I relaxed the rules this first week home from school. NEXT WEEK… rules start!
My summer vacation is all about having 6 people in the house all day… eating and needing things to do. I think we’ll start cleaning!
Need Prayer here!….
heidi
Fayetteville, GA
Praise Jesus you are back and had a blessed, safe trip. Would have loved to have been with you. My June 3rd looks like chaos as we are packing and trying to get everything last minute detail done to prepare to move our family to Europe (Hungary) for the next two years. We covet your prayers as we move to a foreign country that speaks a different language and we strive to share Jesus. God bless you!!!
Happy to have you back in the US…loved your post today, and to hear what the Lord has done in the hearts of your girls. I can only say, “Thank You Lord” for doing the same in my children, to “follow hard” like you said. Beth. Well, you asked what I’m up to on this glorious day, June 3; up at 5:30, off to work in a little while. I work with special needs infants & toddlers and their families,(through the school district) doing speech therapy. (I absolutely love it) then tonight I teach a weight management group for adults, which I love. God has been so good to let me do what I love after so many years. Praise Him for His goodness. have a blessed day, Love, Pam in San Diego
Hi Pam!
I just want to say “thank you” for your love for those little ones that you work with.
I am sitting here on the eve of my last day of teaching preschool autism intervention. My heart hurts and I am grieving the loss of this huge part of my life. I’ve taught for the past 6 years and was let go unfairly.
I’m learning to trust God in this. Just blesses me to know that there are people out there who love Jesus and who love children with special needs. It was hard to find that connection in my county so finding you here is a blessing.
Bethany (california)
just want to say thank you for your obedience to God’s calling on your life! I am a professional counselor and through the Bible studies I have a great resource to help those who are in a pit, or are a “had”, or need to “break free” etc. etc. I am thankful for your commitment to ministry! Thank you! Thank You! THANK YOU!
Sounds like a great experience! My husband and I were talking about Jerusalem the other day … he said it was really dangerous, I said it wasn’t. See how much we know;)If you know of any great reads, I would love to know so we can clear the air. Thanks!!
At home with three babies…but as our family just read, grateful for the depths of the ocean to which the Lord flings our sins and hides them from himself, never to emerge again. How merciful He is!
Oh, and today finds me at work, with coffee, bottled water, and me trying to think up of some text for this non-profit I work for. Love it!
Well Beth, we are winding down the school year here. Anna survived her Freshman year of High School. Thank God for that. Her dad helped her along most especially not only is he her daddy but he is one of the principals in her high school. Just imagine that!! It turned out great!! Bryan is on his way to Middle School. How much he has grown up this year!! Leaving the former child behind and pressing on toward young manhood. 🙂 We are proud of him!! Should be a great Summer with quality time spent with the family and Anna and I embarking on her first mission trip together!! Pray for us while we are gone to the Dominican Republic the week of July 22-30.
Love,
Stacie
Beautiful, Ms. Beth! Can’t wait to hear more about the trip.
This June 3rd is a date day for me and my hubby. He’s a teacher whose school year just finished up. Our kids have another couple days. So today it’s all about us!
Blessings to all,
Kelli
Your second paragraph did. me. in.
Seems to me, as sad as it was NOT to have Amanda with you, it might have been a good thing for you. For Melissa. For all. You all would have tried so hard to do the blog thing, you might have missed the REAL reason for going. Kinda like the person holding the video camera at Disneyland…you try so hard to get the movie, you miss the REALITY.
This 3rd of June finds me juggling life as a mom, wife, employee, daughter, friend, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader….feeling full and slightly weary. But excited that in a week from today, Miesta Moose and I travel to Denver to be with some dear Siesta’s and the next day…..
WE GO TO DEEPER STILL!!!
Glad you’re back home. You’ve been missed.
Melana 🙂
I agree with you Melana! I forgot to add that to my post – that God is in Control of Everything and while the passing of a blessed Grandma from this life, is not easy – this ‘one on one’ with Melissa has probably been a great blessing for both of you. Sometimes we each need that one on one with our Momma’s!!! 😀
lovingly, Barb
Melana – I don’t know where I would be without you as a friend…. Ruffle Moose’s antlers for me, ok?
Adrienne
Tonight we are having a Women’s Event at our church. The theme is “What will you be doing this summer?” My two granddaughters, whom I have not seen in three years, will be arriving back in the states from Iwakuni Japan. (Our son has been stationed there with the Marine Corps.) As a table host, my obvious choice is “reunion”. My table will be decorated with several of the beautiful things they have sent me over the years, e.g. a teapot, Japanese doll, wooden boxes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, origami ornaments, a game, and of course a photo album. I decorated white paper covers with pink cherry blossoms for wooden chopsticks as a table favor. On one side it says “May God bless and keep you” on the other it says the same thing in Japanese. That’s my June 3rd agenda!
Love your thoughtfulness and decor for your family coming home. Sounds so wonderful and reminds me of the days my family was in Okinawa__My sister and I had a doll collection, played with origami paper to make things and my mother had pearl necklace. Hope you have a wonderful day in the Lord. God bless you!
Welcom home, Siesta Mama! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about your daughters. This third day of June finds me thanking God for your reminder to hit my knees on behalf of my own three little girls. School is over.. summer has begun… dear Jesus, how can I make this season count in developing their passion for YOU?
I got my Ruth workbook on Monday for my birthday =) I can’t wait to get started! Ruth and Naomi could teach us quite a lot about mother/daughter relationships, couldn’t they?
Well, it’s time to eat breakfast… today will be full of VBS planning, a trip to the library, Starbucks storytime and countless opportunities to swim in God’s grace! Rest well, Mama Beth, we love you!
Beth, right now I’m helping my daughter prepare for her July wedding. We’re coming down the home stretch, and I’m trying not to stress over all the loose ends that still need our attention. And as of this week, my mother-in-law (who suffers from renal failure) is in the hospital so also have that extra responsibility to carry right now. Not the best timing in the world, huh? But I know the Lord knows exactly what’s going on with us and will see us through. All prayers appreciated! 🙂
So glad to hear a bit about your adventure! And we missed you here! I made a concerted effort to catch you on LIFE TODAY yesterday, just to hear your voice 🙂
I’m facing my usual Thursday deadlines at work and am thankful to see some sunshine in PA this morning. It’s going to be a busy planning summer as I assist in our church’s simulcast event and am an attendant in a fabulous friend’s wedding 2 weeks later. . . but what fun, too!
Where does the 3rd day of June find me? Still grateful for surgery that I had three months ago that was suspected to be cancer and it was NOT! I woke up this morning thanking God all over again as I did in the hospital room that same morning thinking “Thank you God, thank you.”
However, life goes on…I had an argument with my high school Junior this morning. I never enjoy those especially when it’s the last day of final exams. I wanted to tell her “I’m praying for you honey”, as she was walking out the door, but she did not want to hear anything else from me this morning.
Seeing my husband struggle with some job related issue and knowing that I can’t believe for him. I gave him to Jesus in prayer instead. So glad everyone is home safely and that you were blessed on your trip. We missed you!
Jun 3 finds me Working 🙂 Ahhh the life of an accountant trying to close the month! Glad you are all back in your places safely!
So glad to hear that you are all back safe and sound!! And, that the Lord so blessed and refreshed you in Him and your passion(s) for Him!! Sounds like you will seriously need to catch up on some sleep though!! I was at the Grand Rapids event, so I know how you poured your heart out to us, just prior to your leaving for the Holy Land! so, Rest well!!!
June 3 is a struggle day for me, but in our weakness our precious Savior has promised to move in with His strength!!! I must trust Him in this time of uncertainty and insecurity. Coveting the prayers of His people, for any who would like to offer them on my behalf.
His mercies are new every morning!! Regardless of myself, He loves me tenderly and unconditionally and I praise His Holy name for that!!! I desire the Lord’s love to so fill and consume me that the fruit of my tree will bear the fruit of that love!!
That’s my June 3….
We love y’all there and all y’all do!!
Oh Beth, it’s so good to hear you’re home safe & sound and that the Lord blessed mightly!
As for me today on the 3rd of June, I’m sitting smack in the middle of my 37th wedding anniversary which was Monday and my 57th birthday which will be Sunday. I’m getting old it seems. And surprisingly enough, I am enjoying it! Grandbabies and senior discounts are really great perks!
But really what I’m doing this morning is studing to teach the first half of Daniel 5 to my ladies Sunday school class on Sunday. After I finished your Daniel Bible study a few months ago I began teaching it…not with the video…to my ladies class verse by verse. This is our 9th lesson. It’s so rich. Thank you for the insight you’ve given me on the Scriptures!
Around noon I will be going and working my usual Thursday afternoon volunteer shift at the Sav-A-Life pregnancy center. Last week I saw SIX clients! It was a mad house and I came home exhausted but excited at the same time. Because Sav-A-Life is a Christian organization,we are asked to share the gospel with our clients. So, I was able to talk with six young women about the Lord! One was already a Christian. The others were either searching or not interested. But I got to plant seeds! Please pray that God will help me be what He wants me to be to these young women many of whom are hurting and lonely.
I hope I’ve not been too long. Was just so thrilled that you would be interested in what I’m doing today!
God bless you!
Marilyn…in Mississippi
Wonderful Ministry! May God bless you and I will pray for those ladies you had a chance to share the gospel with and hope they will come to know Christ.
My Dad lives in Laurel, MS. and I was saved at a FBC of Sharon there. Still have family and some friends living there also.
Hope you have a good day in Christ!
I love what you say about both of your girls and their faith and/or godly decisions. My girl is 14, and yes, I pray with all of my heart that her faith is her own and that she fan into flame her faith and passion. I love to hear testimony of families where it has been so!
This 3rd day of June is our first day of summer vacation out in West Texas! I just got back from a run. Soon i will wake the sleeping cherubs. I am taking the very same 14 year old to her interview as a junior volunteer at the hospital, younger brother to play at a friends house where he always comes home smelling much like our lab, then while brother is playing she and I are headed to a make-up counter at the local mall to learn how to apply make-up –HUGE for my athletic tomboy! Later — the inaugural trip to the pool (which will, of course, ruin the make-up). In short, I am doing the typical summer mom thang, and couldn’t love it any more.
Good Morning to you all … This 3rd day of June finds me at a place of peace. After yet another wonderful church service last night and a night filled with much prayer leaving about 2 hours for sleep prior to time for work. I find myself feeling that true intimacy (as I call it “in 2 me”) with Jesus. I long for that each and every day but for some reason last night was different for me. I have had many burdens for many different issues within myself and for others around me and I truly feel at peace and a healing taking place in my life as well as those around me. I have to admit that there are times that I feel like I just go thru the daily routine of things (including my quite time) having a busy schedule being a full time mom and full time employee and full time wife and believe me I can tell when I have slacked. But those times that you truly get face down praying with an open heart and an open mind and seek the Lord’s face in all things the feeling is AMAZING. I am new to this blog thing but have enjoyed it so very much these past week or so. Much love and prayer goes out to each of you on this what I call Thankful Thursday. <3
What sweet words and powerful testimony, Beth. You are a blessed woman indeed.
Today we celebrate our second son’s ninth birthday. (We have three boys.) Coming from a very tumultuous past and battle scars from youth I pray, plead, and cry out for God’s grace to be unleashed upon us that God would begin with my husband and me and create a new lineage… One that brings Him glory. It truly is the cry of my heart that God would give each of us a heart that loves Him.
Anyone reading today, if you could take one moment and pray this for the Brooks family, I would be more appreciative than I could express in words.
Just prayed and will pray more! I so get what you wrote! Just want you to know someone did read and someone does understand!!
In His Love,
Kelly
Good morning Beth, I thoroughly enjoyed your post today. One of my passions has been to travel to the Holy Land..maybe someday. I know it was a disappointment that Amanda didn’t get to go but we know God knows best. Three weeks ago a small group of us started “Here & Now…There & Then” and we are having our “hair blown back” with each new session. Some of the ladies that missed session 3 this past Sunday came to my home last night and we had Bible study with you. It is just totally awesome. Each time I watch a session I get something new from it…or understand more clearly a point you have made. You are so anointed by God to teach His wonderful, powerful Word and I thank you for being obedient to His call. Today, I am getting ready for my husband’s family reunion this weekend but will be back in time for our Bible study (session 4) Sunday evening and can’t wait to see what new revelation we receive from Revealation. Glad you and the group have a glorious trip and are home safe…to God be the glory. Love to all of you and have a great, glorious & blessed weekend.
Today will be a slow day – but filled with little blessings. My son and I are to have lunch with my husband and try out a little drink shop that we ran across a week or two ago. I can’t wait to see if it’s all I hear that it is! 🙂
It’s been a rough week with lots of homeschooling and parenting blunders, and even an ongoing lack of sleep and overabundance of acid reflux during this miracle pregnancy that I am experiencing. Isn’t it wonderful to know that as mothers, by the grace and the glory of God alone, our failures don’t have to mean failure for our children?! I was marked by my childhood in many negative ways and prayed that that would not be the case for my children – I want them to be blessed and marked by God! Praise the Lord that He works beyond my flaws. I pray that I can see such glorious things from my children as you have yours – a passion and a heart for God and family. It would certainly do my heart good!
Love to you all and so glad that you are home safe and sound and blessed!
Good morning Beth! So glad you’re safely back home and that you had an awesome trip.
My day will consist of taking care of 5 gorgeous princesses. We’re just finishing breakfast, I’ve got homemade bread in the oven, and we’ll be heading to the park for lunch and play time with homeschool friends in a few hours. Then I’ll head to church this afternoon to tutor a friend’s little girl for an hour. After that, I’ll put on my VBS Director’s hat and work on that project for an hour or two. Then home for dinner and an evening with my girls without Daddy as he has to work late tonight. Looking forward to the weekend sooo much as Hubby and I celebrate our 13th anniversary on June 7. Mother-in-love is coming to care for the girls and we get to go away for two nights. GLORY!
Have a great day!
Oh, dear Beth, you and your daughters are so loved here, as well! Soooo looking forward to seeing more pictures and hearing more about your pilgrimage to the Holy Land!
We are on to the festivities at the end of senior year in our house, and celebrating two graduations – our youngest daughter’s on Saturday, and our eldest daughter’s last December. We had so little time to commemorate the occasion, as she went down to Dallas to work so quickly. It will be beyond wonderful to have our family back together tonight!
. . . And we’re continuing to pray through where Jesus wants to plant our darlings to bear beautiful fruit!
Also praying endless comfort for the loss (and Heaven’s gain!) of Curtis’s grandmother. It’s so obvious from your descriptions that her life was lived in love for Jesus!
I love that verse from SoS. It describes my most recent journey with God so well. My husband and I are church planters in the Chicago suburbs. Today, I am packing! We are headed on a family vacation, because of an incredibly generous church that does not “know” us, but were obedient to God with their finances and a deep passion to see ministers renewed and refreshed. We are so excited to be headed to Florida and that both sets of grandparents are going too!
Oh how we have missed our mama!!! So thankful YOU ALL are back safe and sound. Recently I have been admiring God’s genius as I water my ever growing garden. I am in awe that seeds put in some dirt along with sun and rain can produce such pleasure full food! AMAZING…..! Famers are my FAVORITE people on earth- what patience and faith it must take!!!!
Love to you all& have a blessed day,
Katie, Sherrill NY
Sounds like an amazing trip, oh! how I would love to experience it some day! My June 3, 2010,started off with a bang, my 20 month daughter went to the potty in “big girl potty” for the first time!! All it took was a couple of stickers…and got one proud momma!
I just want to say thank you to you and your girls for all the work you do! You have helped me more times than I can count! Truly, Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Welcome Back Gang!
So glad that ya’ll made it back safely and thanking God for His faithfulness!
This 3rd day of June finds me in the midst of life’s craziness and hectic-ness (just made up that word), but grounded in the Lord!
Exciting news, just got my cast off this morning from where I broke my hand a few weeks back. I’m a free woman again!
Hoping everyone else is well…blessings!