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.
Praising the Lord today, we’ve had not one but two healthy babies born to people in our company this morning!!
Sounds like an awesome trip, more praises that you’re all home safe and sound.
Today is a DAY! I’ve cleaned vomit in the car, had a work lunch, loved on a friend, and am literally running to pick up the puker because my MOM is keeping him tonight so that I can finish packing up the house for the NEW CARPET tomorrow – good bye 14 year old carpet (it served all 4 kids well)! For the new carpet, I asked for the color of dirt with some vomit colors mixed in. It didn’t even phase them and they had it! Oh yes, I am also working on a group for Summer Bible Study so if you are in Dallas and want to join a new group, we will love on you! Email me at [email protected]. Everything is now coming together. Gotta run-
This June day has me working on the wording for the back cover of my soon-to-be-published Bible study on dealing with our legacy as Christian women. It also has me hosting several couples for Bible study tonight. We are doing a study by some woman named Beth Moore and it is on the book of Daniel. Even our men are loving this study!!
Have a wonderful day!!
Leah
Welcome home!! It’s so good to know you’re back and to read about your awesome trip; thanks for sharing with us. Brennan and I have had a blast today playing outside as it was a pleasant morning after the rain that came swooping through last night. We painted with water, played in his wagon, and ended up playing outside in the drizzly rain, getting all wet and muddy. The day wouldn’t have been a complete rainy day without a fun run to Chick-fil-a. It’s been a very good day…and it’s nap time! 🙂
My heart is so tender to your comment that the Lord couldn’t wait another minute to have Grandma Dixon in His presence. We lost a dear young friend to cancer this past weekend and are headed across West TX for his memorial service tomorrow. But the way you wrote that Beth, I don’t have the words to express how profoundly that affects my heart. It’s a beautiful perspective, and in some ways, a new one to me that shows His amazing love and enthusiasm to welcome one of His children home with Him. There can be so much contending in times like this, but that comment has me on my knees in thanksgiving.
Oh Momma Beth, that is a pilgrimage I desperately want to take one day. I long to go to the Holy land and walk the paths Jesus walked, as your group did. 🙂 What a blessing you are to our group! Thank you for sharing.
This 3rd day of June finds me going through photos of our Romania Mission trip from this year (we returned last Friday), trying to process all that occurred on that trip, cleaning house with my kids, and preparing for our oldest daughter’s wedding this Saturday.
This last week has been hectic, yet so blessed. The trip home was fraught with many delays, including a 1 1/2 hour flight delay in Amsterdam that caused us to miss our flight to St. Louis from Detroit. However, three of us women were able to get on a 5:30 pm flight and were bumped up to first class! I kept thinking of you and thanking Jesus for fun of it, as well as the blessing. I also kept feeling a bit like an impostor. 🙂
Anyway, I made it home just in time for my nephew’s graduation that night. Saturday included the wedding & reception of our Beloved Pastor’s son, Sunday was church (oh so sweet to be back in my home church!) Sunday School, and Service. Then off to my SIL for Kerry’s graduation party. Sunday night & Monday included having our college age son home along with three of his friends. Swimming and enjoying their company. Laundry. Laundry. More Laundry! Tuesday: being on a “Mom’s Panel” for discussion and question answering. (Talk about feeling inadequate!) Wednesday included our younger son having his braces removed, finding shoes to match my dress, & leading worship for the Children’s ministry at church that evening. Today has included riding lessons for our younger daughter, more house cleaning, & the wedding rehearsal tonight. Friday my mother, younger daughter and I are getting mani’s and pedi’s, I’ll give the bride a massage, and then we’ll watch The Princess and the Frog for her bachelorette party. Finally, Saturday, THE BIG DAY! It is so exciting!!! I’m praying I continue to remain sane. LOL
Hmmm… I think that was WAY more than you asked for. LOL Thanks for letting me express myself. 🙂
This 3rd day of June started with me and my man headed to our son’s Kindergarten graduation. He is the cutest thing. It was also a tender moment as we realize that we have sat in those chairs for two other of our children’s Kindergarten graduation (they are now finishing up 4th and 7th grade) and only have one more to go through the milestone. Time goes by too fast!
The rest of this rainy day is spent chasing my littlest man and spending time with my sweet husband planning/preparing our family of 6 for a life-changing move from Florida to DC (for his job) in the next few weeks. In fact, taking a break from house hunting online to enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy your blog!
Blessing to you, the family and Siestaville!
First, let me say I LOVE YOU and all the great things that God has used you to accomplish. Now, that is out of the way.. I am new to the blog and am so very glad to be a part of this community. Thank God for you, Beth!!! God gave me your books and messages at just the right time in my life. Go figure, right. 🙂 But that is where I am at on June3, 2010. I pray that I am able to keep my “love” level this high. Have a great day!
Love, Chel
We are off in a few days to visit my mother-in-law in Maryland for a week and usher in the summer. I want to say that I am looking forward to it this year – I mended fences with her last summer during a bible study of yours I attended at a little church a woman inviting me to about a half hour from my house. I remember getting in the shower that morning thinking – should I be going to this? – it was a 7th Day Adventist Church and I knew nothing about it, but I had made my mind up to pray to God and have him lead me into new situations. During the study (which I loved the study and the women in it!) I prayed to have a changed heart towrds my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law and it happened during that visit, this time last year. We all then had Christmas together out here for the first time since the kids were born and had a wonderful time. Now this year, I am having the same study at my house – crazy! Who would have thought – that was my first ever bible study last summer. I’m still amazed at how God has changed my life all around! Never before did I think about going to the Holy Land but I have been reading your blog, wishing I was there too. Sad about it, actually – kind of a longing. Maybe someday – I can’t even imagine how great it would be to focus on Jesus for a whole week! I’m just hoping to be able to do it for a weekend at Women of Faith this year – so sorry I am going to miss you this next week in Denver! BTW – started the Ruth study and love it so far, I’m bringing it to Maryland with me to work on it. OK – I have said way more than I intended to – kind of like my voicemails are! Happy you all are home safe!
Just finished my last day of work (preschool teacher) and preparing to soak up my girls (ages 8 and 4) for the next 2 months!!!!
I just assisted as my dear friend Mary taught about God’s saving grace at VBS to about 60 kidlets in a small, rural town. These kids live in and around a town where church is a bit of an after-thought, and the churches there have a hard time finding pastors who are willing to serve and can hardly put enough offering plate money together to pay a full-time pastor. But in a place where there are less than 100 students in the high school, nearly 60 kids ages 3-12 heard how God sent His only Son Jesus, to heal our crippled souls and to provide a blessings-full life if only we believe. What an awesome honor and responsibility… It was so neat to see ladies from their teens to their 70s and 80s ministering to these young children… the local banker even came and acted as Jesus in the skit today! It will be awesome to see how God uses these little ones for His kingdom, now and later!
My June 3rd finds me at work. A year ago I challenged my Sunday School class to read the Bible thru in a year. I am on my 4th year. The Holy Spirit took hold of my comments and I am planning a dinner party for 23 people at my house honoring the ones who completed the challenge. We bought each one a gift while we were in the Holy Land and they will be presented along with Certificates. I am so proud to be a part of this class.
Hearing about your trip really makes me yearn for Israel. Once you go, you can’t wait to go back. Can’t wait to see your pictures and hear about what God revealed to you.
I got my Ruth book last weekend and it is wonderful. Can’t wait for the study to begin.
It is a breath of fresh air to have you back Siesta Mamma! Today is my daughters first day of summer break. She just finished kindergarden, and I am loving having her with me all day again. Although, I have also been tempted a few times to check the calendar to see how many days until school is back in!
Beth,
I would so have loved to be in the holy land with you! But my life has definately been enriched. My oldest 30 year old son, his wife and two boys have moved in with my husband and me. They are planning to save money for a house. They will be with us about a year. In California it’s very difficult to qualify for a loan, and so they are working towards a down payment.
As you can imagine, I am loving living in the house with my sweet one year old and 4 year old grandsons. I also enjoy my son and my daughter-in-law so much. They have brought a lot of joy to us! Our summer will indeed be full of barbecues, swimming and park days!
Love you lots,
Rhonda
Seven 5th and 6th grade girls…end of year Bible study party…sloppy joes…homemade oatmeal yogurt facials…sparkly nail polish…burnt chocolate fountain…burst pipe…mini flood…mighty fall…bruised elbows…corny jokes…impromptu drive through rush hour…apartment cleaned…awesome friends…diem carpéd!
So glad you all are home! Missed ya’ll dearly! Today we are visiting family in Dallas/Southlake area and dealing with a 5 year old melt down in the Children’s Museum! Oh and can you say HOT! How do ya’ll keep your hair looking so good in this heat! Love ya, Crissy, Nashville
Today finds me running with my hair on fire! Work is busy. We have a family reunion this weekend and then next. The following weekend is Father’s day. Then we are headed to California! Whoo Hoo cannot wait for some cooler weather.
I just love ya’ll.
On this 3rd day of June, my 1st grade daughter and I are feverishly trying to finish her first grade homeschooling work and my 21-month old daughter woke up with a nasty fever, poor thing. No climbing on all the furniture for her today, I guess.
I am so looking forward to our next Bible study starting this Tuesday. This time we’re doing a Priscilla Shirer study, “One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land.” I’ll be back with you in the Fall and am anxiously looking forward to it!
I just have to share, concerning children and God’s amazing redemption. We are yet raising our 4 children (16,13,11,9)…I hear a parent is never done. Anyway this past weekend we were at a reunion and someone said to me that my children were so well behaved, darling…I could only reply, “I don’t deserve my children, they are good and kind, full of grace”. The person argued with me that I did deserve them. Ha-no, they are simply God’s grace to me; if they had turned out how I deserved, no such kind words could ever be spoken. Thank you Jesus for your redemption and for unmerited favor, I truly, truly do not deserve the grace with which I have been so abundantly given.
I went to the Doctor’s today to hear my 3rd baby’s heart beat for the first time! Due December 21st! That precious sound never gets old no matter how many babies we have. Praise God!
What a wonderful sound!!! I will never forget the day we first heard our son’s heartbeat–I celebrate on that day with heart-shaped food! We always want our childrend to know that we wanted them and loved them and celebrated them from the very first moment. God bless you and your new little joy!
Started the bible study Ruth this week. My Monday night group will be studing it this summer and I plan to follow the study on the blog as well. Can’t wait to get started. Also getting ready to move to Atlanta,GA for 18 mo. for my husbands job and am very excited at the thought of meeting some more women in bible study there. so a lot going on but praise God it’s all good. So glad you are all home safe.
sounds like you had a great time. Look forward to hearing more about it.
hey! I will be happy to welcome another Siesta to Atlanta. Do you know yet what section of Atlanta you will be in?
Deirdre
(otherwise known as ScreamofContinuousness)
Siesta mama. Well, you don’t have to work too hard to picture where I’m at this 3rd day of June…just think about where you were last week – and then go north across a border. That heat…it’s still here. Even though this isn’t technically the Holy Land today, you can rest assured we’ve got olive trees that may well have been here when the L walked from Mount Hermon toward Tyre. We live in that beautiful land that was promised so long ago. I have to admit, sometimes I get bent out of shape that everyone wants to visit the Holy Land but they don’t want to come here. But were I not living here (where it’s forbidden for me to have an Is. stamp in my passport) then I might understand a little better. I just have a burden for this promised land in which I have the blessed privilege of living and serving Him 🙂
I just read back over this (several days later – haven’t been on-line all weekend…). Anyhoo, I think I may have come across a little, well, snotty and that is by NO means my heart! I was kind of hatin on ppl who want to visit Is and that’s silly! Anyhoo, needed to say that – hope I didn’t offend.
I love this post for so many reasons but mostly just love that all of you are home safe and sound. Nothing like a return to irreplacable company (as you so aptly put it), clean sheets, and happy smells.
The third of June in Minneapolis makes this former Californian awfully giddy. There’s nothing like the smell of sunscreen and a kiddie pool occupied with my precious girls to make me crazy happy.
It’s a good day even after hearing our precious pediatrician utter the words no mother of a not-yet-two year-old wants to hear: “It’s time to give up the crib.”
And so I console myself with this reminder: “I am the God of all mankind, is anything too difficult for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
This June 3rd finds me off work due to sickness. That is minor in relation to the heart break and insecurity following yet another failed dating experience. As an almost 36 year old single woman, each heart break becomes harder to deal with. My wish is that God would bring His perfect choice of a mate to me and make it well known. So I ask the sweet Siestas and prayer partners to pray for healing of my heart once again and for God to show Himself to me.
Sweet Nikki,
I know your pain girlfriend! As a single woman who is 34 years old, I agree that the pain of a heartbreak does feel more pronounced as we get older. There are so many emotions that swirl around in my head each time I venture into the dating world.
I will pray for you siesta that God would bring His perfect plan into fruition in your life.
Please pray the same for me!
Love you!
Bethany
Know the feeling!
Thanks, Bethany! You have a deal! I’ll definitely pray the same for you. Thanks so much for your sweet words 🙂
Loved reading about how you see your children. My are still so young (4&2) but am already praying for amazing ministries of their own.
We had swim lessons this morning and I was contemplating inviting their swim coaches for dinner. I dont know if they are believers but our church had a message that included a story on showing young singles how to live and lead a Godly family.
Anyways, preparing dinner for my family and guests. How I love to host!! Making kabobs on the grill and a new recipe for roasted potatoes. Hopefully its yummy!!
Beth, my eyes filled with tears as I read the end of this post. I’ve cut and pasted it and it’s goin’ on my fridge! Thank you for the reminder that the Lord DOES provide full redemption and no matter what the “mess”, He can change an entire lineage and set families FREE! This is what I’m praying for my kids, for our little family. Our past can be so heavy, it’s like chains around my neck. The enemy wants to keep us there, but you bring a constant reminder (through God’s Word of course and personal testimony) that it’s not too late, it’s never too late. I’m doing your Daniel study right now with a precious “younger mom”, I’m only 38 so that makes me laugh that I’m the “older mom” now. We are LOVING IT!!! Soooo loving it. God’s timing was perfect in leading us to that study. Your open heart and gift/ability to WRITE IT DOWN blesses me. I’m reminded of the verse: Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done so that people not yet born will PRAISE HIM! Psalm 102:18 Thank you!
How wonderful to read of your amazing trip and of the insights God gave you while there.
Do you know the feeling of contentment that happens when everyone you love is under the same roof?? That’s how I feel today, although not everyone I love is here with me, but just one special visitor is! A few years ago we had the awesome opportunity to be a “host” family for some college age girls that were in town for the summer selling books door to door for their summer jobs. It was literally a “welcoming a stranger in” opportunity as we had absolutely no plans of anyone living with us, but these girls came to sell me books and stayed for the summer. One of the girls (out of 5) was a believer, but the rest weren’t. I had the opportunity to literally watch one of the girls (Laura) go from darkness into the most wonderful LIGHT! It was awesome sending her back to college with Christ dwelling in her! The next summer we said yes to hosting again and low and behold we got Laura back! She has truly become part of our family and comes to visit whenever her schedule allows! Beth, I couldn’t be more proud of this young woman if she were my very own flesh and blood! She completed her degree last spring and just spent a very hard year interning at her church in an intensive ministry training class. She is truly a new creation! And she’s here to visit! I’m content, it’s a great place to be!
On this June 3 I am struggling with many emotions. My firstborn will attend college in the fall. Tomorrow we are visiting the campus again, this time to sit down with the financial aid people to talk turkey (MONEY!). We are absolutely convinced that it is God’s plan for her to attend this Christian university, but we have no clue about how we will pay for it. I know that God will provide, and He has told me to trust Him for He is faithful.
My husband recently started a new job and has been struggling to learn his duties. I have prayed fervently that he will be able to keep it. Again, God tells me that He is in control and that I must trust Him because He is faithful.
I am an elementary school teacher and have been out of school for about a week. I always feel a sense of “let-down” at this time, and this time it is worse. It seems that a dark cloud is hanging over me. I continue talking to Jesus about it, asking Him to replace my depression with His peace and comfort. Again, I know that He is faithful.
Thanks for letting me share.
June 3rd finds me hacking away on my computer at work eagerly awaiting a birthday party I am going to tonight for one of my dearest friends!! I love celebrating people on their days of birth!!
The trip sounds amazing and I am chomping at the bit to see pictures of it all.
My sister and I are products of praying parents and I pray that I am one fiercly prayin’ mommy when I become one!
Hello Beth,
I just recently completed your Esther study and I can’t begin to tell you how much the Lord used your words to touch my heart and mind. I won’t list all the many aha moments and quiet reassurances that came from that study but please know it was one of the best studies I have completed. Thank you for being faithful to God’s leading and for being willing to share that with us.
I’m writing to you at a very difficult time in the life of my family. Two weeks ago my mom was unexpectantly diagnosed with stomach and liver cancer and my sisters and I have moved in to care for her and Dad while she spends her last days on earth. Mom’s mind and heart are ready for the Lord and amidst great sadness we have been blessed with tender moments of laughter, tears, hope, and love.
The reason I thought to write you may sound a little strange but knowing your sense of humor I thought you might appreciate this. My mom is in a hospital bed in her home and there is a remote on the bed that lifts her up and down as needed. The other day my mom was struggling to make the remote work and in her weakness and general disorientation she kept going back and forth from one arrow to another. Okay, picture this…4 arrows (two on top, two on bottom)…as she kept trying to click on the right arrow all I could think of was the CHIASTIC structure!!!!! Crack me up! 🙂
Then later on that day I was sitting on the pot reading Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado….here’s the chiastic phrase I found. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
Thank you Beth, I so appreciate you.
In His Grip,
Tracy
Beth, thank you for sharing about your trip and life’s beautiful moments.
Today I will watch my 2 grandchildren at their school
“Talent Show”. I did not know until my seven year grandson informed me that his talent was bouncing his basketball with his friend and doing tricks.
(we took him to a Globetrotters Basketball show a few months ago)
I will sit watching as he bounces his ball on stage and cheering him on.
My granddaughter will do a surprise dance and at age 9 I hope its not to much of a surprise.
Life is Good with a sunny day,yellow roses blooming & a talent stage just waiting to shine!
Thank you Jesus~
June 3rd finds me on the next to last day of school and celebrating my grandfather’s 86th birthday!
June 3rd has me trusting God that a mixture of PMS and 3 young, beautiful but bickering daughters (9, 7 and 4) does not have to result in my death (or theirs).
Your pilgrimage fills my heart with joy. Your relationship with Amanda and Melissa fills my heart with hope.
Thank you, Beth.
Recovering from 2.5 days in the hospital with kidney stones and trying to sneak in some pool time when I get home from work in about 15 minutes!
Can’t wait to hear all about your trip. Praises that all was well and home safely.
Today finds me working at the hospital, picking the dogs up from the groomers, picking the girls up from Nanny’s house.. the oldest coming home from CNA training, and the other 2 girls wanting to go to the county fair and hoping the rain stops so they can go.Left overs for dinner,kitchen clean and clothes drying…all is well..
So great to have you home! You all have been missed! We have just wrapped up our last day of school and the kids are full swing in summer mode (as is mom). Looking forward to no routine for a while, lazy days with family around the pool and lots of laughs.
Blessings to you and yours.
You are dearly loved.
I so wish I could make the trek to Israel!! Hopefully someday..until then I will live through everyone else’s adventures! 🙂 This grand June 3rd finds me at my sewing machine making blankets, burp clothes, baby hats, and bibs out of John Deere and doggie material and looking forward to the impending birth of my second child- a boy!! 🙂
“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.”
i say AMEN to that!!
It is so good to hear from you!!! I thought of y’all often while on your trip and prayed for each of you.
This day, June 3rd, finds me celebrating my youngest son’s birthday. Jason is 20 today! He is with his father right now eating dinner and then he will come home and we will celebrate with an ice cream cake(Reese Bizzard Cake) from Dairy Queen. 🙂
Love to all of you and I cannot wait to hear more about your trip!!
added to say, that I meant Reese Blizzard Cake not Bizzard. lol
Welcome Home! You were deeply missed, but I’m so glad you and the rest of your precious gang got to enjoy such a rich experience. I am a 6th grade teacher and today was the last day of school! Wahoo!! I loved, loved, loved my kiddos this year, prayed them through their personal pain, tried to give them hope for the future and a good dose of humor each day. BUT now I get to just be MOM for a few months and I am so looking forward to it. Cannot wait to head to the library and stock up on some good books by Robert Whitlock and Randy Singer, two of my faves. Planning a week in Cape May, New Jersey in two weeks, so I’m jumping into summer with great joy! Praying your summer is refreshing in every way.
I get goosebumps just thinking about your trip! I hope that some wonderful day, I will get to make that journey. I spent my day with 100 8th graders; watching them say their farewells, and praying that in some small way I have impacted their lives for Jesus as they head off to high school. Thanks Beth for all you have done through your ministry!!!! You are a blessing!
I wish I could attach a picture, but I have just returned home from Lake Lure, NC. Such a awesome work of God. The tall mountains and beautiful lake, is just too much to take in.
You can see for your self at http://www.lakelure.com. It is where Dirty dancing was filmed, just in case you watched that film.
A perfect setting for reflection, quiet meditation, and direction.
I’m sure you have much of this in Texas, but how lovely this is…
Thanks for sharing your Holy Land stories. I can only imagine…
My June 3 has found me sitting at my desk at work trying to get things to balance . . . the joys of being an accountant. All the while looking out my office window at the gorgeous sunshine (after 2 solid weeks of rain . . . that we desperately needed, but it was getting a little depressing) and wishing I could be out enjoying it instead of being stuck at my desk.
This evening consists of dinner with my Mom. And then off to the driving range to get some practice in before a golf tournament on Saturday.
June 3, 2010 – Today leaves me with many thoughts and prayers. I anxiously await the return of my precious 13 year old daughter tomorrow from church camp. We haven’t seen her since this past Sunday evening and we miss her terribly. Watching “Say Yes to the Dress” just isn’t the same without her! I have prayed so much for her this week that she would grow in her relationship with Christ, that she would come home encouraged and feel closer to her heavenly Father. These past few years church wise has been a roller coaster to say the least. Our family is in transition church wise right now and we are searching the Lord for what He has for our family. It’s tough enough to be a 13 year old girl without the uncertainty of a church home.
Today also brings the funeral of the wife of a sweet friend. He is a committed follower of Christ, but sadly his wife was not. She passed away suddenly this past Sunday evening. Please pray for our friend that He will feel the Lord’s presence through this extremely challenging time.
Today also brings contentment with the life the Lord has given me; a thankful heart for my family and friends; thankfulness for the week I have been able to spend with my sweet 5 year old and appreciation and admiration for the man of mine who works so hard daily at a very stressful job.
Wow, I guess I had alot to share today. I can’t wait to hear details from your trip along with pictures. So thankful you all had such a great trip and that everyone is back home safe and sound!
The third of June finds my family on the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! I have homeschooled my kids since kindergarten and this is the end of our 9th year. Only God Himself could have been so faithful to get this mom through all these years. And as the kids get older, the blessings keep multiplying!! So thankful God never gave me peace to quit, even though I wanted to so many times.
Busy summer day here, taking care of my 4 darlings. In the midst of parenting my kids, ages 14-4, I so enjoy reading about your daughters and can just “hear” the love and pride in your voice as you talk about them. It gives me hope for the future, and causes me to depend even more on God’s amazing Grace.
This 3rd day of June? Thanks for asking! It finds me getting preparations underway for my baby girl’s wedding on Saturday. What a thrill to see how God has answered my prayers for her husband. Prayers I have been taking before God since my girl was a tiny baby. Her man is an awesome man of God and more than I imagined for her.
Your post gave me chills! I adore enduring love stories! I pray God will allow us to be one of MANY years (14 and counting) and that one day we get to the Holy Land! I CANNOT imagine it!
June 3, three kids (11, 8, 7) on their last school night for 2009-2010 are fixing to head to Chuck E. Cheese for a friend’s bday bash!!
YES!! We love summer, even though we are in Cedar Park, TX. We deal with the humidity with shopping and swimming! Lol.
Blessings!
OM
We’re in a season of severe financial struggle and some health issues. Trying to hold on.
And praying constantly for friends near and far who are also dealing with the economy, lost jobs and layoffs.
So many hurting right now.
Glad all are home safely from Israel.
This day finds me grateful for God’s grace upon me. I am on a journey and He is leading the way. Needing to take some time and process many things.
On the homefront, we are putting new flooring in and getting ready to leave for a month to spend time with college students on a summer project. My kids are out for the summer and trying to fit in as much time with friends as they can before we leave. Life is busy but good. Looking forward to a little down time soon. We leave on Sunday:)