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.
Today finds me gladly recuperating after a crazy, chaotic week and half. And looking down a road I thought I knew where it was headed, and discovering a bend I had not anticipated. And I’m okay with that – it takes a lot for me to able to truthfully say that, but I really am! 🙂
Sounds like a fabulous trip! As you’re rejoicing over God’s work in your family and in your daughters, I’ve just finished reading a “book,” written and illustrated on notebook paper (stuck together at the edges with the Gorilla Glue she was NOT supposed to touch), about “the beech” (you know, as in Panama City Beach, FL) 🙂
There’s a lovely section “about the author” on the back…. it reads: “Mary Beth is seven years old and very, very pritty!”
and, she IS very, very pretty, but oh, how I pray that God gives her a desire for her heart to be pleasing in His sight–that is greater than her desire for her face to be pleasing in the sight of man!
You give me hope, Siesta Mama!
You have an aspiring author on your hands! So fun – sorry, but the Gorilla glue and the “pritty” just cracked me up. Don’t you love daughters??
trying out my picture
So happy you’re home, and so looking forward to our Summer Siesta study together! I’m rejoicing today, because I just finished the Esther study (all my my lonesome when our group fizzled) and it was so instrumental in changing my focus on a few things, and lifting me up in some very important places too! God is SO GOOD!
This day will be full of my hoodlums, age 9 & 7, all done with homeschool, Walmart, and Costco. Your prayers would be appreciated. There may be bribery involved.
Taking care of details as our youngest son prepares to be launched to college in the fall: errand upon errand…joyfully! It is a pleasure to walk this journey with our youngest son. And praying as he and others from church prepare for their missions trip to Northern Ireland, to partner with a young youth group there to present a VBS and outreach to several communities. We cannot wait to see what the Lord has prepared for them. Praying for direction for our teacher son in Houston and our college sophomore son as he will soon begin an internship in Beijing for the summer. Hoping that the doors will open for me to go to St. Louis for refreshment for my soul at the end of June!
My heart is filled with joy that you all savored the Lord and His Word in Israel!!! Wow!
I am headed to my annual physical, that I haven’t been to in years, then to take some Starbuck (Bucks as we like to call it) to my precious friend who is weary today and needs caffeine and some hugs. Then off to the Chick to get free Chicken Strips and then home to be still before Jesus, then get the kids from school. Thankful for life and breath today.
“Bucks” – love it! I’m going to start using it, too!
Warm in Alaska, Did you got to the Scripture Memory Celebration…I believe I have met you or at least have seen your blog name…Hope you are having a wonderful day!
So good to hear you all had a wonderful time in the Holy Land. It sounds like an amazing trip.
Hmmm… June 3 is my Claire’s 10th birthday. She is flying high as her birthday present is a darling 3-year old pug currently named Jordan. He is in a foster home, and we pick him up tomorrow night. He is absolutley adorable and LOVES everyone. I wish I could attach a photo of our soon-to-be new family member.
Blessings to all the Moores/Joneses/Fitzpatricks and all my sisters in Siestaville,
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
Well welcome home girlies.
I stayed up late mudding sheet rock screws in our new house while my babies slept so this morning I’m hanging out with them while my hubby is working on it. Busy, busy here in MO.
And just curious – we travel with my hubby’s job and will be moving to Gilette, WY for a 6 month period from July – Dec. Any siestas in Gilette, WY? Roll call, cowgirls! 🙂
Frequent reader, seldom comment, but just feeling the need to speak up today. The month of June has me thinking weddings. We have a reception to attend this weekend for a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary. Next weekend we’re off to an out-of-town wedding of the daughter of some dear friends. Then later in the month is my own anniversary. And, there are a couple of other invitations hanging on the fridge for July dates. I need some new, comfortable but cute shoes to wear to all these receptions. But really, I’m just looking forward to THE big wedding celebration.
Well, my dear Beth, this 3rd day of June finds me in the airport moving from Clyde MO to Tucson AZ. We have a monastery there as well and I have been assigned there for a time. I am also looking forward to seeing you in St. Louis! Whoo Hoo!!!
Take care and many blessings,
Sister Lynn
Hi Beth!!! Welcome back. We missed you too!!! I meet with two other gals during our break after serving in our coffee shop at church (“Higher Grounds” at First Assembly of God in Cedar Rapids, Iowa)…we’ve been doing the Stepping Up study. LOVING IT!!! Told the girls you were in Israel as we watched you on screen in the desert. So cool! Anyway, you asked what we’re up to…well, tonight a bunch of us who serve alongside and LOVE our children’s pastor are surprising her for her 50th birthday by picking her up in an SUV limo and taking her to dinner. We’ve been sneaking around for MONTHS and she is so much fun I can’t wait to see her reaction. So that’s what June 3rd is like for me. Oh that and I have five boys (ages 8-13) playing video games in my basement as I type this. Lots of testosterone as we host some good friends from church that are waiting to get the keys to their new home on Saturday. Thanks so much for blogging today. And really, welcome back!!!
Good Morning, Beth!
Your trip sounds like one incredible encounter with the Presence!
Thank you so much for your encouraging post this morning. My heart is in sync with you concerning our children, that they would far exceed their parents in their walk with the Lord and that they would accomplish God’s will for them in their generation. Already in their mid-thirties, our sons have far exceeded where we were at their age to the praise of His Glory! God is good, God is faithful! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
This morning I have the privilege of being with my 82 year old mother and take her to a doctors appointment. She is a quiet woman of faith, but who’s life reveals courage and strength. She’s a polio survivor from her early 20’s and a cancer survivor from her 60’s. I’m so blessed to have her as my Mom.
Abiding Strength and Joy to you and yours!
Cheri D
sooo good to hear from you dear beth!! i missed you!! your post made me cry; i can just imagine stepping foot in the same places my sweet Jesus did, to remember His life while standing there. can’t wait for that trumpet call… one of these clouds is going to be the one He rides back on!!! yes!!!
a peek into my day on this beautiful june 3rd? i am in the middle of house-sitting/nannying for 5 days, so i have 2 kids right now. we are going to meet some coworkers from the field who are also on furlough, for coffee! they are just “swinging through” washington and are making time for a quick stop in gig harbor! it will be so weird to see each other NOT sweaty, NOT frizzed out from the humidity, and actually having an outfit on as opposed to the classic PNG attire we all wear..! and later i will take the boy to football practice. then i will meet my dad who is going to look at an apartment with me, and then my brother’s going to pitch a winning baseball game!
have a sweet day, dear friend, under His wing, and with a heart full with His love!! so glad you’re home.
Today would have been my mom’s 73rd birthday. She passed away last year and I still ache with a longing for her. I know she is at the feet of our Savior and that gives me such comfort on days like today.
Welcome home! I was at the Atlanta airport last week and saw a spill center. I laughed out loud and thought about you and you laying in the middle of the airport for a photo.
Donna
preparing to lead lesson 11 from Beth’s Revelation study this afternoon with 7 faithful women in Kingston, WA
Well, on this 3rd day of June, I am at work (thankful to the Lord for a good job). Then I will go to the apartment where I am pet-sitting (i.e., enduring the company of a cat who is redeemed in part by the sweet dog that’s also there)–for 16 days. Only by God’s grace and the thought of the $$ I am making will I make it–I do NOT like cats (but don’t tell the owner that!) 🙂
So good to hear from you, Siesta Mama! Thank you for sharing about your trip. I’m so glad you had a great time. Really looking forward to starting our Bible Study–I’ve got my book! 🙂
Have a great day & weekend! Love you! 🙂
Here in the Dallas metroplex things are very interesting! It’s the day before school let’s out, and as a teacher that is an exciting time. My husband and I are embarking on a new journey this week as he has assumed a full-time supported ministry position at a church in Arlington just south of Dallas. We are thrilled to death, and very excited to be moving to that part of the metroplex in the next month. I will be staying at home next year working on a fabulous at home jewelry business that allows me to give women free jewelry all the time and help other women start their own business so they can help their families out financially as well as stay home with children if that is their situation. There are so many exciting things going on in our lives. The one damper on this excitement was the news on Monday that I miscarried our first child. I was only 5 weeks along. We had only 1 precious week to celebrate and dream about the life growing inside me. For some unknown reason, it wasn’t our time. We are saddened and in the process of healing-for me physically and emotionally. But, I take so much comfort in all the other amazing blessings I first listed that the Lord is still richly apparent and abundant in our lives and will use this heart ache to his glory. I find it oddly refreshing to have so much joy surrounding heartbreak! Just proves God’s presence to me!
Praying for you, dear sister. I also lost my first baby to miscarriage. God has redeemed, though – and He will for you too.
Hilary
I’m sorry Kristi. I know your pain as well, having lost 2 babies. I pray that you will know the joy and blessing of children, some day soon.
Melana
Kristi, I am praying for you and your husband. I lost my first little baby to miscarriage too. I remember so well the pain of it all. God came through for me and I am confident He will for you as well. God bless you.
Glad to hear that you and all the trip participants have lots to ponder and rejoice in!
June 3rd finds me home alone — two college kids off doing their summer things and the 14-year old away on his class camp-out. A blessed “hanging-out-with-God” time this morning. Lunch is with my “Bible Study Babes” to celebrate our fellowship and growth in faith. This afternoon I will try to finish some quilted tablerunners as teacher gifts. Tonight I meet my first official counseling client — may God be glorified.
It’s a beautiful day in Minnesota. Joy to you all!
What a whirlwind trip!
Isreal in a week – who would have thought that one could do Isreal in a week? I have never had the priviledge, but my friend who leads our Bible Studies, went to school there for 9 months under a Jewish/Christian teacher and we live vicariously through her stories. I just love watching her talk about scenes we see in your studies Beth. We had a group meet on Saturday and we looked at those first posted pictures and her face lights up as she talks of her visit, and what joy she has for those of your group experiencing their trip. Isreal doesn’t seem to get out of anyone’s life, once a person goes, it seems to stay in your blood, calling you again and again. My friend will be going back next June for 2 months.
June 3rd finds me looking back on my 44th year of life, and looking towards my 45th tomorrow. I want to go over my journals and see what the Lord hath done for me. And to anticipate what He hath in store for my next 44.
Thank you for your lovely post, and keeping us informed of your life stories.
Surrey,BC
Canada
Praise the Lord you all arrived home safely. I have missed the posts along with many others. You are such an encouragement and blessing. Ilove being updated on your life as you share with us. I love hearing about the wonderful relationship you have with your daughters. My mom and I are not close at all(never have been). I have four daughters of my own and desire so much to share in a godly, close, loving relationship with each one of them as they grow into young women. It will be a while until that day comes but I anticipate it often and wonder what it will look like.
Today I am relaxing! Thank the Lord. Working on school stuff for next year and just trying to enjoy the day with my kiddos. Struggling a little with doubt~but I know He is faithful and good! He is King!
Thank you so much for making your trip into a story…I love to get lost in them:)!! Wish I could have been along for the journey…although I will have to wait for little ones to grow before that becomes a reality.
Just taking a break from folding laundry and cleaning the upstairs bathroom to read a few blogs and answer email. I still have to get dinner ready – pack it up – and lug it over to the pool. Swim team starts tonight! Not too exciting, but I’m enjoying this season.
Hmm…June 3 in Gilbert, AZ…
Psyching myself up to grade math (my LEAST favorite part of homeschooling), then psyching myself up to tackle more fractions with my girls. AHHH! Fractions…makes me especially thankful that God is a God of wholeness! No fractions in him. Hallelujah and amen.
Then working at church this afternoon with my sweet husband, then a session with our counselor to continue to work at making this marriage great, then…
…off to the pool with a book as a reward.
Love you!
I’m at work today. Counting down the days until I fly to Denver to visit my brother and his family. Will be attending Deeper Still and working in the bookstore at the conference.
I am so glad to have found this blog a few months ago and to join in! Your trip sounds amazing and I look forward to the day when I can trace Jesus’ steps, perhaps with my daughters and son!! What a wonderful thing to have daughters you can be so proud of. I hope and pray I can raise my daughters to be just like Amanda and Melissa.
June 3 finds me with sore arms as I finished my immunizations to go minister in El Salvador in 16 days! It also finds me snuggling my little ones that I will miss so much!
That was so good to read about your trip, I’ve been dying to hear! My husband and I hope to go there one day with our new son, Micah Justice. It was neat to read about your regard towards your children, because as a new mom, four months now, I can scarcely put into words the love and affection I have towards him, and the desire that I have for him to love Jesus more than anything on this planet. I’ve also made the comment that having him makes life so much better and more fun. Traveling (I work for the airlines) is so much more fun now!
Anywho… this day I’m getting our house in order and packed to prepare for a trip to see both grandparents in Albuquerque. And we can’t wait!!!
By the way, I’m leading a book study of So Long Insecurity at our church with about 20 women, and after every study I come away with complete gratitude towards the Lord for meeting with us again and for the initmacy and humble sharing and connection that’s happening over a sore subject. Thank you for your hard work in the Lord!
Miss Beth, thank you for being so real and honest! Too often, I fear for my children, knowing the bondage and brokenness that is their heritage. But to hear your words “full redemption” reminds me of his precious promises in Isaiah 61! I will cling to them and pray them over my children until all fear is replaced with peace and joy, knowing our God is in the business of restoring and remaking! Bless you and your precious family… and your beautiful volunteers!!!
Basking in His glory here in Greenville, SC. I watched my dear little friend, Emilee, as she graduated from HS last night. She and I were at the Atlanta event last month and enjoyed you so much! What a blessing both you and Emilee have been in my life!
Glad you had such a wonderful time in Israel. I plan to go there one day, myself!
Our June 3rd here in sunny California includes finishing up our homeschooling year–wahoo! We are also preparing for a ten day trip from California to Missouri. We have been reading the “Little House” books and are currently finishing up the “Rose Wilder” series and we are going to travel to Mansfield MO to see where Laura, Almanzo, and Rose had some of their adventures. Along the way we’ll see lots of cities and towns and of course my four boys would like to see some good mid-west summer storms. We are going to wrap up our trip in San Antonio TX to visit some dear friends and then the long trek home from there. Our family loves road trips–you never know what you will see or experience!
So glad you and your family are all home safe and sound! Happy Summer everyone!
welcome back home and to siestaville! glad it was a wonderful trip — the way I see is like this….they more y’all learn and see, the more we have to learn from you and vice versa. blessings to all, J
June is a special month as my husband and I are celebrating our anniversary. This year we will celebrate 10 years on the 10th. To make it even more special, my husband has a letter waiting for me each morning describing fond memories of each year – the first year on June first, and so on. Well, this morning his letter was contained in an envelope from the very hotel where we stayed for our third anniversary. When I asked how he got an envelope, he responded, “I got it when we stayed there.” I said, “You mean when we stayed there 7 years ago?” Him, “Yes.” Turns out, it was his plan all along to write a letter to me describing each year we’ve been married on the first 10 days of the month of our 10th anniversary year.
Siestas, I’m falling in love all over again this week, and it’s even sweeter this time!!
oh, sounds like you all had a wonderful trip!
june 3rd, we are getting ready to have my brother and his precious wife come for about 5 days…headed over to the grandparents house for a lot of grilling and swimming! i am so blessed to have such a wonderful family….our time together is never long enough! have a happy day!
So glad to know you are all home safe and sound. I felt strangely disconnected when the Moore family was scattered.
June 3rd finds me still recovering from our Memorial Day weekend family reunion–the second one without my Dad. Rather emotional. And I am wondering what I was thinking when I booked this week so full.
So glad you are home and the trip was wonderful! This 3rd day of June finds me at work fininshing up Sunday School teacher appreciation gifts and graduate recognition gifts. Our little town is having it’s summer festival and tonight is Christian music night with bands/groups from area churches. It will be a good night to worship outdoors with lots of friends from different churches in town.
What a blast! Today I am making a meal to take to my friend who had her baby early and he is still in the hospital. After that I am driving a teen mom to her denist appointment and sitting with her precious baby while we wait. I have the pleasure of volunteering for a homeless pregnant teen mom house!
After that it’s watching the basketball game with my hubby!
thanks so much for sharing your musings about the trip and your family. I have been blessed this morning by Day 2 in the study of Patriarchs – and how appropriate to have been watching the video of you filmed in Egypt with your tunic on, sitting on a camel! Ha! I bet that will bring back memories 🙂 I loved your quote from FB Meyer, and his admonition to look at the difficulty through God, rather than trying to see Him through the haze of difficulty. Let Him be my protector and the lifter of my head.
Blessings to you Siesta Mama and all the LPM staff!!
Bridget in Phoenix (so i understand HOT!)
My June 3rd started with the sunlight pushing through the shades, and my dog climbing up to the top of the bed to snuggle, and Romans 8:28 still stuck in my heart. I’ve been doing Breaking Free and I’m currently learning about how God binds up my broken heart. After reading Romans 8:28 (with a whole new perspective), I sat down with a stack of notebook paper and wrote the verse over and over again, always starting with an event (or person) who’d broken my heart, and ending with the affirmation that God would work it all for my good because he loves me and I’m called according to his purpose. It’s not like I hadn’t heard the verse before, but I don’t know that I realized just how much it applied to those specific broken places inside me until now. (Thank you so much for that study!) Romans 8:28 was spinning in my heart like a perfect storm this morning. I started the day with a smile on my face. : )
Welcome home!
We really were with you, you know. Our prayers for you and your fellow travelers went with you every day. They were with you when you got up so very early to spend time with the Lord and when you fell into bed in happy exhaustion having traveled the road He traveled.
Today finds me sorting and packing and donating and tossing all of the “stuff” we weigh ourselves down with in this life, so that we can get on with the downsizing of our home.
It’ a great relief actually, and I feel so much lighter after each day’s work.
Thanks for missing us. That means a lot.
I so appreciate what you said about Melissa coming out of school with a heart still in love with Jesus. I got a minor in Religion in undergrad and then got a M.A. in it for grad school. Sometimes you leave with a whole lot more questions than you had coming into it.
Maybe life is a little bit like that. I was thinking last night about how, ten years ago as a 15 year old girl, I loved God in a different way than I do now, at age 25. I can’t help but admit that sometimes I miss the way that 15 year old girl believed without question. But I think there might be something healthy about the spot I’m in at 25, too, because right now I’m finding out just what I’ve built my foundation of faith on. Truth be told, I’m learning that I’ve built it on a whole lot of things that aren’t exactly stable, instead of building it on the one thing that is firm.
Try, try, try again, right? 🙂
Sounds as if you had and “amazing trip”… I can’t wait to hear more about your journey.
My day has started out famously… taking my son to summer school, wrapping things up here at the office for on Saturday, my son and I and 28 other willing souls head for Chicago suburbs on a Mission for God. I am so psyched about what the Lord has in store for us in that fair city… and am anxious to be able to focus 100% on him daily.
Tonight I will lead a group of 5 ladies through 3 more Chapter of So Long Insecurity. God is truly working in these lives… and mine as well. Thank you so much for writing and sharing your experiences.
Have a great day in the Lord!
Angie
Thank you for the post this am Beth! I was very blessed by it, especially the Song of songs verse!!
Today I had to be up at 6:00 am just to get to the doctor’s office early, to be able to fill my prescriptions, for the next three months.I didn’t get out of there till 10:00, but thankfully that’s done.
The rest of the day is pretty open. Thinking of baking today. It’s a rainy day outside, anyway, and being outside in my yard is the first place I’d like to be.
Thank you so much for your ministry! Praying that you will be rested and refreshed from your trip!
So great to hear about your trip! It’s one that I want so badly to take someday with my husband and daughter. Now I just have to convince them to go!
I just quit working last week so that I can take classes for a new direction in my career. I’m a little lost without work…so today I’m just trying to stay busy — it’s also the last day of school for my 5th grade girl, so she’ll be home in a couple of hours and then my days will be full again!
Glad to have you back!
Hi Beth,
I am so glad that you are home safely! It’s great to hear from you again!
I’m sitting here this morning so thankful that my 2 year old daughter’s fever is finally gone! She has had it for 4 days now after her older brother had it for 5 days. They have just felt awful and I’m thankful they feel better!
I’m praying this morning that I will be the one to help free my family! I still struggle daily with family things. I am the quiet one in the family and feel forgotten so often by my family. Over Memorial Day weekend they completely forgot to invite me to a family barbecue. I am trying so hard to remember through the hurt that God’s love is all I need!
Thank you so much for all you do! I can’t wait to do the Summer Bible Study with you!
Beth:
I missed you too! On this 3rd day of June I will be facilitating “Breaking Free” with a very dear friend for 10 college girls. Please pray for us as we gather this evening.
So thrilled to be at work today! A client just prayed to receive Christ. Praise God! Enjoying the last day of the workweek for me. Looking forward to swimming this weekend.
Jan in
Arkansas
Welcome back Beth and Melissa! I am so pleased to hear that the trip was such a success despite the rigors of the schedule. It always looks so “doable” on paper doesn’t it? Living it is often a different story but what a blessing for all concerned and how wonderful that you were able to spend this quality time with your younger daughter.
I am attending the Deeper Still conference in Colorado – I bought tickets for my daughter and me to attend last January ~ its hard to believe that I’m flying out to CO next week! The conference is just around the corner . . .so, in the meantime, I’m praying that you have time for a refreshing rest before you “gird up” for that conference. I am so looking forward to seeing (and hearing) you, Kay and Priscilla at the event!
In His abundant love ~ Lynne
Beth,
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and life with us here! I love you for it my precious big-sister in Christ!
I am coming off a high and the complete exhaustion of having a house full of in-laws and nieces & nephews over Memorial Day weekend – what a precious and wonderful time for everyone! Lots of work but lots of fun!!
The climax of it all was watching everyone get engrossed in the movie Fireproof. My born-again, 17 year-old nephew loves the movie for its fire-fighting scenes and picked it out. At first it was just the teens watching but then their parents began watching and watched the whole dang thing!!!
My sister-in-law and her husband are really struggling in their marriage – Can anyone say “Praise You Jesus!!!!!!” God is just too good!!
When my husband and I pray for God to use us and for the ability to be a light to family when we get together, there is just no telling what He will do!
So thrilled to serve Him and to be part of His wonderful family with y’all here on this blog!!!
Blessings to you all!
Hi Beth:
I appreciate your ministry and teachings so much – God Bless You!
This June 3rd is my son-in-law’s 25th birthday. His mama is bringing over pizza and cake to my home for a celebration (my daughter has wonderful in-laws).
He is the proud daddy of a 5 month daughter, and 17 month son. My daughter is one busy girl.
It also find us very financially strapped. Nothing too severe, just nothing extra to travel and spend on my grandbabies. Trying to sell a big 4 bedroom home, so we can downsize to a small ranch. I am NY State.
My husband is having a routine colonoscopy on June 3rd (he is 67 and I am almost 53). Satan is working me over good with fear. I really need to read your insecurity book ASAP! “Fear not, for I the Lord God am with you”…
I enjoy your blog so much.
Beth,
So glad you are home safe. This 3rd of June finds me taking care of my husband (heart troubles 30% useage of it ) and laundry. Not as busy as you i would guess, but you are are happy busy. Can’t wait to see the pictures and hear more. God bless to all.
Sue
June 3rd finds me praising God for all things including you and Living Proof Ministries! Although I read your blog often, this is my first time commenting! I am so grateful for your safe return from Israel. I am close to finishing Anoited, Transformed, Redeemed, and marveling at God’s perfect timing. I hope I encourage you by telling you how much the Lord has taught me and healed me through your ministry. No other Bible Studies have ever reached my heart like your’s. Praise God! Although I have never met you, I feel such a deep Jesus connection to all of you at Living Proof. May God continue to keep you and bless you!
i had two separate groups of friends in israel on two different trips at the same time! it was so thrilling to watch for updates from both groups and wonder with anticipation if you would ever run into each other (and of course a challenge to fight off the *ahem* jealously *ahem* of the amazing things you all were experiencing-i can’t even imagine the range of emotions and renewed sense of mystery and wonder. so happy you got to take so many dear friends with you…and of course that exquisite girl of yours. love her.
i stopped dead in my tracks when i saw the pics amanda posted as i remembered down to the exact minute that the Lord alerted me to my own “jonah” personality before my senior year of college, and the clear moment at the lpl in boone, nc where He confirmed and dramatically redirected my life’s direction. i still haven’t recovered. (hope i don’t)
i know there is a “welcome home” banner waving in all of our hearts. after all, you always miss your mom and sisters when they’re gone….biological, or spiritual.:o)
love you lady! meet you at the mexican restaurant in an hour? 😉