Hey, my dear Siestas!
I hope you are well and blessed in an acute awareness of the presence of Jesus with you this Lord’s Day. Hawk and I are sitting on the plane heading back to Houston from Orange County, California. I am writing to you from an altitude of about 30,000 feet and there is nothing but a carpet of cottony clouds as far as I can see outside my window. The pilot just came on the speaker to tell us that we have thunderstorms ahead and that it could really be bumpy for the next 20 minutes (the mere suggestion to keep our seatbelts fastened always makes me suddenly die to go to the lavatory) so if I have a sudden lapse in my spelling or judgment, perhaps you’ll kindly attribute it to turbulence.
We’ve had such a great time this weekend with the people we were graced to serve. Our Living Proof Live was in a church this time – Mariner’s Church – and we were so incredibly happy to be back in a house God frequents. They were so kind to us. The sanctuary is very close to the size of mine back home (theirs around 3200, ours ever so slightly larger) so it was a size that feels homey to me. (I know that’s so odd for you guys that have never attended a mega church. It’s not what I would have chosen for myself years ago either but it was God’s will and, this many years later, a joy.) I told this group first thing that it’s always a relief not to feel like we have to get to that city arena as fast as we possibly can and ask God to sanctify it from God-only-knows-what-was-in-it-last. I say that with a smile and not with self-piety as I really do know that we, too, along with every environment of every gathering, can only be sanctified and prepared by God. We’re not one bit worthier of His gracious presence without Him making us so. In fact, I’m fairly certain from the Gospels that He’s more grossed out by a gathering of sanctimonious, self-righteous, proud Christians who presume He’s there than He is by a group that desperately needs Him there. He’s funny that way. I’m not saying He always attends the latter’s gathering, especially if it’s downright sacrilegious, but that He might be apt to zoom there a little quicker if asked.
I love the team I get to work with so much. You surely know after all this time and all these mentions that I love Travis Cottrell (if you want to say the last name right, put the accent on the first syllable) I guess as much as I would if I’d had him (really young). I hate for him to even read that because he gives me such a hard time. Then again, he doesn’t really like to read anything much longer than a tweet (Oh, it made me so happy to say that. It will temper the nice thing I said about him) so there is every possibility he’ll never make it far enough into this post to hear me say publically that I love him. But I do. I also love the rest of the praise team. Generally speaking, they are not as much a part of my life away from the events as the Cottrells but many of us have been together a number of years and we’re close. This weekend in Irvine, we really missed our buddy Seth (who is working on his masters and had a school thing he had to attend). If you’ve ever been to one of the other LPL’s, he’s the other male vocalist on the praise team and so much cooler than the rest of us that we can only stand back slack-jawed over his coolness. I’m smiling because I know he’s going to hate that I said that. He’s not trying to be cool. He just honestly can’t help it. In his absence, however, we got to have Daniel, a worship leader at another great California church and another of Travis’s really good friends (he’s got a million in case any of us regulars turn against him). We loved him! (Daniel is who I’m talking about now. Try not to lag behind here.)
Now, if we could only get both Seth and Daniel up there at once, it would be almost more than the rest of us could bear. They’re both incredibly gifted. I’m so crazy about the women on the praise team: Lici (to help you picture who’s who, she’s the one who knocks it out on that lead in Travis’s version of “Victory in Jesus” and the one with the darkest tan unless I’m trying a new Sunless and it’s gone awry, which does unfortunately happen from time to time) and Julie (“Revelation Song “ and “How He Loves”) and Angela (oh, good grief, she leads on more than I can list but for a few, “Mercy Seat” and “El Shaddai”). I am no less crazy about the guys. Besides the ones I’ve already mentioned, there are both Kevins (one on bass and one on the drums) and Alexis (who is Angela’s man and who plays the keyboard with such glad worship that I almost can’t take my eyes off of him, especially if he’s playing while she sings) and then there’s Wes.
I have to stop for a moment and smile about Wes. I love him so much. He’s one of our shier ones so you can imagine what a hard time everybody gives him. This weekend I nearly busted out laughing during the last segment of praise and worship (when it was really upbeat or I wouldn’t have felt the freedom to be laughy) and the camera got right in his face and he turned his (hair-free) head the other direction so they couldn’t capture his expression. You know how guitar players sometimes have to make certain faces to play really well? (I do it myself when I’m playing air guitar at home in front of the bathroom mirror.) He preferred not to be caught with one of those. And I understand and not just from playing the air guitar. From speaking and getting my picture taken or video frozen in the least possible flattery. But I don’t want to talk about it. And don’t you think for one minute I haven’t seen y’all talking about it in your comments to the video greetings so I know for a fact y’all make fun of me, too. Your very own Siesta Mama! Honestly, is there no dignity to be had around here???
Laughing.
OK, well, we’re about to begin our initial descent into the Houston area so I’m going to have to close and put my seat back and tray table into their upright and locked positions. For Heaven’s sake, I meant to get on here and say something of value. Instead I have just invited you into the mindless musings of my bleached blond head. I’ve bored you to sobs. I’m sorry. But I really have good highlights right now.
The real reason I started telling you about the weekend and everybody on the team is because I’m just in a really grateful mood. I even got to stay after the event with a dear friend of mine and go watch her 11 year-old daughter play basketball at the YMCA. All these things together in one weekend was almost more joy than I could stand. I texted a picture of the game and scoreboard (we won) to AJ and Melissa and they both texted back with, “You are in your element, Mom!”
My heart is mush before the Lord right now. He has again answered the most important petition I ever place before Him: that He’d cause me to love Him and to love His Word and, secondarily (and scarily), to put me in whatever circumstances are best suited to set me up for those things. I say this just for today as I could wake up tomorrow and feel stale and stressed and numb and maybe even a tad ticked and not even sure at whom. I have no guarantees for tomorrow where my fickle emotions are concerned. We learned this weekend, however, not to worry about tomorrow so I can thank God with all my heart that this present day I feel love toward the One who loves me first.
From Charles Spurgeon this morning: Seek, O believer, that every good thing you have may be an abiding thing. May your character not be a writing upon the sand, but an inscription upon the rock!
Please, Abba Father.
PS. As only God could possibly have timed (perhaps He’s getting back at them for making fun of me), when I landed, I received a text with this picture of three of the guys from our praise team dressed to go…well, I guess, snorkeling. (They’re still in California.) I pray this is not their new singing ensemble but it does not look that unlike some of their other suits. Oh, that Trav would have been in this picture too!!
Kevin (drums), Kevin (bass) and, yes, my dear Wes.
I am so happy right now.
Welcome Home! Glad you had a good time and were able to speak in a “smaller” setting 🙂 I tell you what Beth, you take the cake when it comes to being relational. My hat is off to you, I wish I had that kind of energy…maybe I’d be funner at parties (and ladies Bible study) Ha!
Just wondering if these other guys have blogs? I would love to see the revenge they get on you for showing that pic! I am tickled that God called you into a ministry that reaches so many. I He decided you couldn’t be contained and just said “Let her at ’em” knowing we would all love and adore you.
Oh, it was sheer sweetness! I LOVED my first experience 🙂 Thank you for boldly sharing.
My girlfriend who came with me said, “B, this is more exciting than my first Britney Spears concert in 7th grade!” I know you probaby don’t get the GREATNESS of this, but it was hilarious to me 🙂
Delta told me she told you I was in attendance. I was so blessed by your words… the words straight from our Lord.
Hey, Bianca! I would love to have met you in person. I have heard wonderful things about what God is doing through your life and dearly love watching this next generation rise up. I trust you have older speakers and teachers in your life that can encourage you and counsel you along the way. It is a very unique life with many delights and many snares and a level of warfare that is stunning, almost unrelenting, and impossible to escape without the deliverance of Jesus Himself. God will deal differently at times with you and be harder on you on occasion than He seems to be with others but you must know that it has purpose. You will likely hear His voice in your spirit respond to your questions about others (who are also powerfully loved, used, and anointed) as Peter heard in his inquiry about John. “What is that to you? You must follow me.” As both Proverbs and Hebrews tell us, whatever you do, do not despise the Lord’s discipline. And never, never, never believe the world’s press. Those things will serve you well, Darling, as you serve Him well. He is so worthy.
I’m humbled you took the time to respond!!!
Unfortunately I don’t have mentors other than my mom and dad. But God has been so gentle in guiding and leading me through doors. I know I’m not alone in this journey.
Above all I feel honored to have recently discovered the amazing work you and Living Proof is doing. I look forward to more learning, reading of your books, and your virtual/e-mentoring through this blog 🙂
I hope you ROCK IT OUT at Catalyst this year. When I heard you were going to be speaking I let out a little yelp of happiness for you! Bring. The. Word.
xoxo
We’re here for you, Sweet Thing, if you ever need us. You know how to get a hold of Melissa and she knows how to get a hold of me. Grin. Speaking of Melissa, she just got to town. I am beside myself.
I am so blessed to see each day how many women are gifted with teaching, mentoring and living out the love of JESUS – blows my mind. One thing GOD has shown throught out my whole healing thus far…HE Heals (leads, teaches, encourages, enter word here) and then it is confirmed. Too many words I have gotten, to numerous to count anyway, have been revelations that I couls see looking back, GOD HIMSELF had started me on that path weeks and months before. I don’t know anything about you – but I request of the LORD that you would build a circle of dear, GOD-fearing woman that would encourage you!
And you know you have the Siesta’s!!!
Bianca,
I caught most of your session tonight online (from Liverpool, NY). Great job! You go, girl!
Wow, I don’t know Bianca’s story, but can I take those words of advice as well?
My gift is teaching and it seems like I might finally be coming out of a long season of deep cleansing & healing. I have pages of ideas I would like to implement at my church where there is a lack of adult Christian Education.
There have been some major roadblocks, some that I’m still trying to deal with, but am starting to get itchy to get this stuff moving. I have been listening to your Priesthood series and heard you talk about the preparation before great things, so I am trying to not get ahead of God. But I have a feeling that once we get going, he will do mighty things here.
Thanks for the wisdom, MamaBeth!
Yes, Michele! Those words are for anyone who needs them!
Michele – We didn’t have a strong women’s teaching at our very large church until we started doing Beth’s studies. We have grown to touching over 200 women, all ages! We have been blown away, and not really surprised though, that so many women are hungry for God’s Word and for fellowship. Thanks to Beth’s deep and relevant teaching, our women are growing and coming back for more each session. Keep your vision ahead of you and expect God to do amazing things!
Thanks Pamela
We have a core of about 12 women who love Beth’s studies, but a number of others are intimidated by homework. And other than that, our home groups are often focused on fellowship and not so much on in-depth study. And very few people come to a Bible class when offered.
That makes sense because a great percentage of people in that church are new believers or people who have been quite disenchanted with structured church in the past.
So God has been placing it on my heart to look at new ways to get more of God’s Word into people’s lives in non-intimidating ways, such as Corporate Scripture memory (like here in Siestaville, but modified because we don’t have Beth and not too many people would do that just to come see me – although a couple might) 😉
Also, fun ways to get people thinking about the Word – like Bible trivia and a forum to ask Bible/theology questions.
I’d love to show Bible trivia on the screens before the service, just like at the movie theater.
And other ideas aimed at throwing seed, so that when people start to get an appetite for God’s Word, then they will be more interested in coming to formal classes.
Actually the highest attendance was when 18 people came to a class I gave on depression, which indicates a need for healing/support ministries, which we don’t have there either.
…lots of room for God to work there…
Bianca: After reading this Jesus-filled exchange between you and Beth and other Siestas, I had to look you up and found the video that highlights you and your speaking. It gave me goosebumps. God is so evident in you and He is GOOD! I too pray for God’s continued annointing on you, and that any weapon fashioned against you by the evil one will be extinguished and destroyed – blown to smitherines. May you walk in His strength, wisdom, counsel, grace, and humility every moment of your days so you might be continually filled to overflowing with His joy, love, wisdom, insight, and fellowship.
Isn’t it nice to come home?!
Oh Beth! What a fun and happy post! I’m sitting in California, too (well I know you’re not here anymore) – but you would find me in the only Starbucks (thank You, thank You, thank You, Lord) in Tehachapi (?sp) because me dear and darling daughter, age 10, is at a gymnastics camp in the extremely small, one-horse-town of Stallion Springs, aprox 20 miles from this God-send of a Starbucks.
Is is just me being overly protective – or was it normal that I wouldn’t let my girl travel from Alaska to the wiles of somewhere in California without the watchful eye of Mom??? Because the truth is, there aren’t any other moms lurking around (actually I was able to come as an “assistant coach” with my daughter’s gym – which is the biggest stretch of the term “coach” possible – but oh, well. Never mind that I couldn’t pull off a simple somersault if my dear life depended on it).
So maybe I’m overly protective, but let it not be said of me that I can’t surmise things quickly. And my surmising let me to the rather immediate realization that: it was not cool for my daughter to have her mom hanging out at camp with her. Hello Starbucks. Do you need an extra employee for the week?
Just joking. Actually I’m working on a long drawn out writing project. So good coffee and a plug in is just what I wanted, truth told. But here I sit and I started chatting with the sweetest looking young mom who was at the next table with her darling daughters (ages 3 and 5). I was giving her the whole, “Enjoy them while they’re young. Soak it up and savor. Sometimes the days go slowly but the years, they fly by” shtick and would you not believe I started crying. Not slobber crying, just teared up. Please.
Along that line, may I please give a shout out to the last Toy Story movie – which did make me slobber-cry by the end; but it was kind of okay b/c the wonkin’ 3D glasses mostly obscured my tears and drivel.
(Usually I err on the side of healthy cynicism – not overly sappiness). It must be the heat. I thought last month in San Angelo would be the end of me. But oh, no. This month is central CA – (maybe it’s not really central. Frankly, I have no idea where I am) is giving me a major smackdown.
Okay. Sorry for the extra chattiness. I’m going to blame it on the Venti coffee, and the fact that it’s too early to chat up my home girls back in AK just yet (darn time change).
Loved the post, Beth! Especially the “Lord zooming in” part! Have a happy week ~ Sign me,
Warm In Alaska But This Week Super, Duper, Duper, Super HOT Somewhere in California.
So fun to hear from you, WIA!! Yes, I would have done the same thing. TOO FAR.
Hi WIA! You are pretty close to me right now in Ridgecrest CA. I know exactly where you are and the desolation of which you speak LOL! And no, I wouldn’t of let mine go alone at that age either! Hope you have a blast. A good place to eat is the Apple Shedd! Love you :o)!
Hi Nichole’s Mom! Yep – I’m back here at the The Lone But Beloved (by me, at least) Starbucks. I have now tried out all the tables with outlets. I know which of the staff are preggers. I’m even getting good at spotting “the regular locals.” Thanks for the restaurant tip! Have a happy day in Ridgecrest!
I am so glad you had such a wonderful time of worship. I too love to watch Alexis play. He and Angela used to attend my church in Nashville and you can’t help but be drawn to his true worship as he leads. They are truly an amazing couple. You are blessed to have such an amazing worship team!
Karla – What church in Nashville do you go to? My baby Christian daughter is moving there next month to go to Vanderbilt for her PhD. and she needs mentoring and discipleship to grow strong in her faith.
Beth if you had freeze frames of me last ngiht…..
We had storms again, 3″ of rain, and my power was out for 2.5 hours and the humidity….oh my! Anyway….the co-op finally came and I had two trees that they had to trim away/off the power lines ….. I watched them after 11:00 pm and my face had many “freeze frame expressions” almost tears…I love my trees.
I feel so blessed to have been able to attend the event this weekend in Irvine. I have done many of your studies Beth and every one of them has touched me and changed my relationship with the Lord. After the countless hours of watching the videos, my girlfriends and I were super excited to see you in person, mostly to see if the ball of energy and fire we see on the bible study videos would be present in person as well. We were definitely not disappointed! Your zeal for God is infectious and inspiring. As much as we enjoyed the opportunity to hear you teach in person, what I truly cherished about this weekend, were the words God spoke through you. My prayer for some months now has been to deepen my prayer life, but sadly it hadn’t happened yet because I just didn’t know how to go about doing it (probably because my prayers were much more of a monologue than I realized). I walked away from this weekend feeling fresh and ready to start my dialoging…which I am proud to say has been going amazingly well thus far! Thank you, Beth, for the message that I just know, was just for me (and the other thousands of women in attendance).
I’m so glad that we got to ask, seek, and knock together in our pursuit of Jesus this weekend, Melissa. Thank you so much for coming!
So awesome, I agree!
Travis Cottrell Live CD is hands down the best and my fav of all CDs…
I LOVE it! It was one of the first worship cd’s I cranked up in my car stereo. I love it!
I want to know if anyone else is like me, when listening to Jesus Saves while driving in my car, I have to be really careful not to let go of the steering wheel, throw both hands up high, close my eyes and just bawl with praise and thanksgiving to my Savior! I keep thinking the album should come with a warning label not to listen to it while operating heavy machinery or driving a car… May cause extreme chill bumps and happy tears and very strong anointing. 😀
Amen to that!
I have so often reminded myself suddenly, “don’t close your eyes, YOU’RE DRIVING!” I just want to go there, so yes I totally get what you mean!
I so agree! Due to the May flood here in Nashville, I had to get a new car-one of the benefits of said new car is I can raise my hand all the way up in praise!! And God works ALL THINGS for good….!!
LOL! I know! I’m like – God, I just want to “go there” and get lost in you, but I have to get to work and this car ain’t gonna drive itself, so I trust that you know my heart and I’m just gonna sing like I’m that lady singing Mercy Seat even though I am not blessing anyone but You by doing so. 😀
Can’t tell you how many times His presence in my car has driven me to happy tears!
Mrs. Beth,
How adorable does my man look in his wet suit? Very!….LOL!!! Thanks for posting the cute picture of Wes and the 2 Kevin’s…too funny!
Hope to see you sometime soon! 🙂
April Willett
Hi April!!!!! I love your man AND his woman…not to mention his (and your) daughter! Come see us!
I hopped on here to see what was going on this Monday and loved getting to be a part of your ramblings…sometimes its fun just to get a glance that others are as random as we are. I loved the quote from Spurgeon, thanks for sharing! Have a blessed week!
Thanks for sharing your team and special time in California this weekend.
I would like to ask for special prayer for a group of young adults from Truett McConnelll College here in Georgia travelling to China this week. Their mission is really bringing Jesus to China but they are being allowed in so they can teach english to the chinese. Please pray that they will have a successful trip for Jesus, but also for their protection.
Thanks,
Twila
Siesta Mama, I love your updates, it feels like we are just sitting back sipping our coffee or soda, sharing on how we love our family, and everyone at LPM feels like extended family. I sooo enjoy these updates….love ya
P.S.
I have a request from the sisters in Siestaville, My sister’s and I are going on vacation to Palm Springs California and would love to attend church on Sunday Morning. Maybe some of the sisters in that area can give us some suggestions.
So glad you had a wonderful time in California. I love Travis Cottrell’s music. I heard for the first time at the so long insecurity simulcast and thought where have I been that I have never heard of him before. Well now he is in my ipod and I love it. Love your post this afternoon. Made me giggle and love the part about your highlights. I watched your video in Esther last week where you talked about cutting your own hair. I laughed my head off at how I am like that with my own short hair…so when I cut you notice and it generally has to be touched up by my stylist who looks at me and says have we not had this discussion before about you cutting your hair. I giggle of course.
love you much
Tammy
Sweet Beth! Well phooey. I had a sweet little message all typed up and it somehow got deleted. Babygirl is up now (our new piece of California gold), so looks like I was meant to keep this one short. From one Beverly Hillbilly to another… Thank you so much for your faithful teaching this weekend. You are a piece of Texas gold I brought with me to Cali in ’06, you just didn’t know you’ve been along for the ride! 😉
Much love,
~Amy
Redondo Beach, CA transplanted from Flower Mound, TX
Mama Beth,
Your post brought me joy today. Just your happiness spilling into your words. I needed some sunshine. 🙂 I’m feeling stuck at home with crazy bored kids on a rainy day. So I needed a little lift. I love you and Travis too. And all your family. I prayed for ya’ll this weekend. 🙂
The Holy Spirit done WORE ME OUT this weekend. I can honestly say that I’ve never been a part of a more intense, effective, and beautiful worship and learning experience as I was this weekend at LPL.
I’m a friend of Daniel and Travis (And I. Like. Jackets.), and oh my WORD what a weekend. I still have not processed through it all, but I’ve got to tell you, the Spirit is absolutely sizzling inside me.
First of all – the concept of asking God for a stone when He wants to give me bread…that just knocked me plumb off my feet. I have a long list of unanswered prayers in my life, and this list is full of things I desire with all my heart. Something the Lord showed me this weekend was that I don’t trust Him with all my heart. I know He loves me and will never leave me…but as far as blessing me and giving me the desires of my heart…well, I just don’t see the evidence of that. It doesn’t shake my faith, it just makes me tired and weary.
But what if I’ve been asking for stones? What if the Lord has been blessing me all along by withholding those stones because He wants to give me bread? And the idea of receiving an extra portion of the Holy Spirit while I wait for that bread – POW! What a powerful concept. What a beautiful picture of my Father who only wants to give me good things and has a beautiful plan for my life.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt more loved than I did this weekend. I stood there choking out the words “Oh how he loves us,” tears streaming down my face and completely RUINING my carefully applied eye makeup, and I felt the embrace of my Father. I can’t thank you enough for allowing the Lord to speak through you in such incredible ways.
As if the conference wasn’t enough, I had the opportunity to drive down to San Diego afterwards with Julie and Lici. I know (and adore) Lici, but hadn’t ever really had the chance to talk to Julie. What an authentic, hilarious, encouraging, Spirit filled woman. I just can’t get over how wonderful her heart is. No wonder the worship at your conferences is so sweet. These people on the team love the Lord like no one I’ve ever seen.
I have to tell you a funny story about Wes. The girls were telling us on the ride down how they like to give him a hard time because he can be a bit gullible. When we were at the condo having dinner, we all saw a bunch of dolphins in the ocean. Some of the guys called to Wes and tried to convince him that there were sharks swimming in the ocean, and he came running and said “Where? Where??” Then after a minute, he goes “Guys…those are NOT sharks. Nice try. I watch the Discovery Channel, ok?”
One of the things I observed over the course of the whole weekend is what an amazingly strong team you and Travis have built. I was going to tell Travis that, but I need a few days to recover from his incessant pestering and snarkiness before he gets a compliment. 🙂 But really, I think it speaks volumes about the leadership of both yourself and Travis, and about the character of everyone on board that team. They all truly seem to love, appreciate, and support one another – and genuinely ENJOY being around each other. It’s such a great example of healthy group dynamics. (Even if they did try and get you to say Ir-VEEN)
Thank you for the blessing you and your team are in my life.
I have a picture I want to share with you. My teenage daughters tease me about how much I just love me some Beth Moore. My oldest daughter, Meagan (who is 17 going on 25), asked me if you loved me and I said YES, without a doubt in my mind, she loves me. She sorta did an eye roll and I was able to share with her the phenomona of agape love with her.
Meagan just returned from a mission trip and I asked her what the best thing about her trip was. She said “Mom, you know how you say Beth Moore loves you and how God makes that possible?” Me, “Of course (and she does love me).” Her, “I experienced that on this trip with this little girl. I just fell in love with her and I knew it was the same kind of love Beth Moore has for you.”
God YOU are SO SO GOOD! Who am I that you have brought me this far and have done all these things for me and my family?
The picture of her and this little angel is so adorable and it’s so obvious they love each other that I would love for you to see it. I just loved that she understood God’s agape love for other people because of what I’ve learned from you as a God-inspired precious teacher!
Beth – I love how you make me feel like a friend even though you don’t know me from a hole in the ground. I just finished listening to your Wisdom series online, and came away a better woman for it. Thank you!
Oh Mama Beth, you make my heart smile. Thank you for being so real. 🙂
This is random but I had to enlighten you on what I discovered today. I was in Sephora (a great makeup store in the north, you may have them in Texas) and they have a line FOR HAIR called………Living Proof!!!!Can you believe it? I wish I had my camera to take a picture. I was cracking up and of course I had to buy some and try it out. I hope it works miracles on my hair, will let you know. Maybe I’ll say a quick prayer before I style and see what the Lord does (grin).
Hey siesta mama
So glad you had such a great time in California! Can’t wait to “see” you in Richmond next month! I am going to the pastor’s wives conference before the LPL event and I am brnging one of my missionary friends who served in Africa. We are so excited about both events!
I so hope my body will cooperate so I can come. I am having an abdomoinal ultrasound because the doctors believe my liver is enlarged. I had some liver irregularites when I had blood work done. I hope to get to the bottom of my health issues soon. I hate it when my mind and spirit want to celebrate and my body doesn’t wannt to come along. I so want to dance for and with Jesus! He is good all the time!
Tomorrow my Ruth group meets. Hope to be able to go and enjoy the fellowship. This is such a great study!
Also one of my buddies is bringing chicken enchiladas! Yum!
Well I could chat forever but better go for now!
Love ya! Thanks for your prayers! I’ll be praying for you too!
Hey Beth,
I can not believe that this very past weekend you were in Irvine! I was in Irvine just the week before! OI! Now you are about to witness a very very ugly cry! Oh well.
I love love love the quote from Charles Spurgeon. That is awesome. I would love to use it on my Face book page.
Ahhh, worship! I love to worship the Lord and the leader makes all the difference. I love how you smile when you think about your worship team and how they love to Lift Up The Name of Jesus!
I think it’s awesome how you share with us. It’s like sitting in our jammies-with our blonde hair all beautiful-just chatting sipping coffee or hot chocolate or iced tea. That’s how cozy you make it for me. I love it!
Thanks, Beth.
I love this! Mariners is my home church and my grandmother volunteered for the LPL event. I live up in San Francisco now and am so sad to have missed it! Next CA event – I’ll be there! I hope you had great weather – it’s been cooold up here. I’m traveling to Austin, TX this weekend and am so looking forward to HOT weather – I don’t care if it’s 90 + humid – it’s better than 60 in July 🙂
Thank you SO much for everything you do. I have been so very blessed by your studies, talks, blog etc. May the Lord bless you over and over again!
I am still laughing over the Beverly Hillbillies visual! Can’t you put that on here??? I use to work with an office full of people that were just like the characters on Andy Griffith! I would giggle every time I thought of “Aunt Bea” in the office.
What was in that water in Israel?!?! You are amazing…
Beth and Team,
So enjoyed you this weekend at Mariner’s. Boy, those gals sure have the gift of hospitality! We volunteers were treated so well. We never did get to hear Delta Dawn:( Oh, and ahem, those boys aren’t dressed for snorkeling, rather, surfing! Did they go?
Well said, Karen. There are no innocent bystanders in the Pacific Ocean, are there? My bunch is used to the Gulf’s variety of “ocean” but we were rudely awakened a couple years ago. I thought I’d just wade around and watch my kiddos boggie board, but after a salt water smack down, I had water coming out of every orifice in my head–for the next twenty minutes! I was a sandcastle weanie for the rest of the trip.
Thank you Beth! its been a while since Ihave posted , just wanted you to know that i was blessed by your posts tonight . blessings ! robin
Hi Twila, i am from gainesville and will be praying for your group going to china from Truett !
Dear Beth, I know what you’re talking about when you know the Lord has listened, heard, answered, and blessed you in so many ways…it makes me so happy I could dance and spin and sing outrageously! And no one can wipe that silly smile off your face, at least for awhile…it’s like falling in love with Jesus all over again! Gotta love it!
Sincerely, Jen N. from Ohio, your newest “siesta” on your blog, and very happy about finding it! 🙂
Beth and Siestas,
I read the blog earlier this week and cracked up especially after the “Beverly Hillbilly” reference! I loved it! I read it again today and it cracked me up again and brought some comic relief to a frustrating time in my life. I’m actually in a very content and happy place in life right now and I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. BUT there continues to be this “nagging” feeling that I’m missing something. It’s so frustrating! I also have this desire to want to learn about this god stuff and figure it out, but then at the same time I feel like maybe I should just give up on it. I don’t understand it, and when I’m “exposed” to it in my line of work it makes me so uncomfortable. Example…every week we have a staff meeting and they always say a prayer, or my patients and their families will do some sort if religious something cuz I am a hospice nurse and there is always something religious being done. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not against anything they do it just makes me uncomfortable. I don’t know if I’m uncomfortable from lack of knowledge of it or if I’m just not supposed to be a part of it. It’s like a “tug of war”! I don’t know what to do anymore! I live in a very small town and I can’t openly even attempt to try and learn this god stuff. That’s why this blog has been a blessing. The only Internet I have is here on my phone, so please excuse if I misspelled anything! Thanks for just letting me vent!
Hey! I have been thinking about your post for two nights! First, I really honour what you are doing at the hospice. I ‘helped’ a friend die of cancer 2 years ago. It was hard work for her and left a forever impression on me. Second, I am so happy you are in the Siesta Blog. I’m going to be looking for future posts from you because I want to know how it turns out. With all my love and anticipation,
So, I get on this blog and read it almost daily, and I have to say, when you started off about you being on the plane on your way back from this event in CA, I was hoping for something very PROFOUND, however, what I got instead was something that just made me laugh. Love your randomness, we ALL need this SO much more often then what the “world” allows. I have done a few of your studies and really enjoy them so much. I have really learned a lot from them. One day, I hope to meet you in person and get to come to a “event” in person. I have tried a couple of times, but hasn’t panned out for me, YET! I haven’t been a christian for very long, since November actually, and in this time, god has revealed SO much to me. It is quite amazing, actually! There are so many God things that are happening/have happened/will happen in the future, that I just can’t stand it. One day, I hope to be able to share my testimony with others just as you have. Not so they can know about me, but people can know about HIM and what He is capable of doing. And that they can see and believe that there is light on the other side of tunnel. Truly amazing! When I stopped living for myself and living for him, my world changed in countless ways. Its awesome! My really bad days now don’t even TOUCH the good days I use to have.
Thank you for being such a warrior. LYLAS!!! and I don’t even know you!
Beth,
I understand being grateful. God has allowed me the privilege of leading a small group on Wednesday nights at our church and I am so thankful for the unity and love that is present within each and every lady. I am far from a teacher and incredibly humbled that He would use me in even the smallest way. And I just want to say that you are an amazing example to every woman out there including me. Thank you for all that you do.
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
Sincerely,
Heather
Vicksburg, Mi
Beth,
Thanks so much for all your encouragement this weekend. I was there with my sweet mom and three sisters. We all have done many of the LPM Bible studies together. We were the ones laughing our heads off at the Pony Bee story. I’m sure you saw us. 🙂
But truly, what a blessing to leave my almost-two-year-old with my husband and come and learn and be ministered to by God for two days. I am so excited about my homework and I have been doing it. God certainly had some lessons just for me this weekend. Thank you for being His servant and know that you are being prayed for!
Beth, I just read your post as you were on your way home from Irvine, CA. Just had to say that your joy over your team made it to my little room in Yuba City, CA and filled me with joy too. It really is unexplainable isn’t it? How God does that…..Thank you for sharing. It makes me so thankful for everything in my life.
Love you much,
Sue
Hi Ladies! I have just finished reading So Long, Insecurity and found the address to this blog at the end of the book.
I enjoyed reading the latest post from Beth and then following the comments from others. I am so excited to have finally found a site worth spending time on. (I tried facebook and was disappointed and downright irritated with the thing.)
I am looking forward to sharing this experience with women from all over —
Beth, I have loved every one of your DVD studies I’ve participated in and I think it will be fun to see your more casual side through this format. I have always felt as though I were sitting across the table from you when I watch the DVDs, but, being privvy to the thoughts running around your head during a flight feels like I’m sharing a laugh with a friend.
Back to the book — It couldn’t have come at a better time, as I have a daugther turning 13 here in a couple of months and I am being slapped in the face by the reality of what my insecurities have produced in her. I am looking forward to the opportunity to implement the concepts I have learned and model them and teach them to my girls. Thank you so much for sharing your life so openly so that we can learn from your experiences along with you.
What a blessing to worship with Beth and Travis in Irvine! My girlfriends and I drove to Irvine from Fresno to attend…and then we see Beth will be in Fresno next April! Oh, did we let out a hoot and holler! Welcome, welcome Beth and the whole team. Can’t wait to welcome you to our city.
Hi Deborah,
You have no idea how delighted that I am to find out that Beth will be in Fresno next year. I am in Modesto and saw her near here last year (can’t remember if it was Stockton or San Jose). Fresno is like home to me as my brother and his family live there. Is there a date set yet? I will most definately be there. We should do a siesta meet up!
Hi Bethany…April 1 & 2 in Fresno. But news of where has yet to be announced. We are all on pins and needles here waiting for more info! 🙂 And yes, Stockton last June was so wonderful. Remember Beth using Bridezilla as her teaching tool? Be blessed, sister! See you in April.
I so needed this today. Thanks for your posts. To me they are not just ramblings. Your words represent encouragement, hope and love. These particular words spoke to me:
“…. that He’d cause me to love Him and to love His Word and, secondarily (and scarily), to put me in whatever circumstances are best suited to set me up for those things. I say this just for today as I could wake up tomorrow and feel stale and stressed and numb and maybe even a tad ticked and not even sure at whom. I have no guarantees for tomorrow where my fickle emotions are concerned. We learned this weekend, however, not to worry about tomorrow so I can thank God with all my heart that this present day I feel love toward the One who loves me first.”
My husband & I are traveling this week to spend time with my daughter, her new husband, and granddaughter (whom I haven’t seen in months!!). I’m excited, yet somewhat apprehensive, because we’ll be amidst many unbelievers. I don’t know if that makes you uncomfortable but I sometimes can’t stand it. I hope that statement doesn’t offend anyone. I’m just saying that because of things that have happened in the past.
Thanks for reminding me that my mind & thoughts need to be on the “One who loves me first” so that when I think I’m not in a good situation then I can know that I’m exactly where God wants me! Pray for us that we will expound on the blessings of God to the ones we will be in contact with during the next week. It may be a while before we get to see our granddaughter and daughter because they live 16 hours away so I want to make many GOOD memories with them.
Thanks too, Beth, for sharing that love with us.
13 ladies joined together on a hot July evening to discuss our first 2 weeks of study. One lady said, “We’re studying US”. I believe we’re all discovering parts of ourselves. We also had a good discussion about “weeping forward”. Many of us have lost someone special in recent years and it seemed to many of us that the best way to “weep forward” is to look for someone else who needs a boost. Finally…we attached ourselves to this thought: “The world seeks happiness but JOY comes from the Lord.”
Hey Siestas (that were at Irvine..)
What was the CS LEWIS quote Beth gave us…drats but I was writing furiously about the previous point she was making being PIERCED by God at that moment and totally lost the quote, which would help to make my next notes more understandable! LOL. Thanks for any input. :o)
In my inbox this morning…from “My upmost for His Highest”
—–It must be God first, God second, and God third, until the life is
faced steadily with God and no one else is of any account whatever.
“In all the world there is none but thee, my God, there is none but
thee.”
“God’s love is relentless in its determination that we be cured of our sins, at whatever the cost to us or to Him.” CS Lewis
🙂
thank you!!
Good morning, Carolyn: From my notes, the C S Lewis quote–“God’s love is relentless in its determination to free us from sin…” Isn’t that an amazing truth? Praise Him! Be blessed, siesta!
YUP….amazing truth! Thanks….blessings back to you!!!
Mama Beth,
Travis wouldn’t have been in that picture. They don’t make wetsuits with a sweatervest accessory.
*big grin*
*giggles*
i am so glad you wrote about all these wonderful folks! i usually make up the background stories myself, so it’s nice to actually know a little bit about each of them. it just killed me when i heard the siestas had a little quick meet and greet post conference in st. louis. totally missed that slide (it was my first conference and i couldn’t take my eyes off the wonderful ladies buzzing around)!! i was so sad because i just love the siestas and my friend and i definitely wanted to meet siesta mama, and REALLY wanted to meet hawk! you guys are just awesome! next year when my girlfriends and i go on a road trip to “see beth”, you better believe i will be reading those slides like a…well…hawk. 🙂 love y’all!
From our blog to your blog:
Beth Moore Conference July 9th-10th
We went to an Amazing Beth Moore Conference on July 9th-10th. It was Powerful. God showed up and showed off as usual, making himself known to each of us. Also on Friday we were able to go out and have a fun dinner experience at a Persian restaurant called Caspian. And after the conference was over we finished a wonderful weekend of fellowship and good Word with the Cheesecake Factory! Here just a couple of moments of this amazing weekend caught on camera!
WOW…WOW… WOW… Thank you, thank you, thank you Beth!
http://sistersintheword.com/photos/
A little bit about us: Our bible study group started at the end of 2008 and is made of woman of different ages, cultures, churches, and faith maturity. Since we all attend different churches within the San Diego North County area we follow DVD bible studies, and plan events ourselves; events to encourage each other and lift each other up.
Beth Moore bible studies we have done:
A journey through the psalms of ascent
Believing God
When godly people do ungodly things
Daniel
May The Lord God Almighty continue to bless your ministry and use you “above and beyond” the call of duty.
I love the random ramblings straight from your head….keep em coming. Enjoy having your girl home!
Beth – You are remarkable and I am grateful for your sacrifices on our behalf. I admit at times I envy your traveling and all your ministry support but then I ask myself if I would really want to leave home on weekends and speak before thousands of people. And I say, I guess not! But I am so thankful that you do and you make it sound fun all the time! You have ministered more to my heart than anything I can remember – God has gifted you with the ability to make His word living and true and exciting. I did not feel much of that before your studies. Yes – I am in the Northeast when it is a desert, but your ministry has been my spring of living water. Thank you so much. Never wonder if you are really making a difference. May God renew you and give you rest.
I know exactly what you mean about having your heart be mush before the Lord. I woke up this morning with conviction all over me (trust me, it was DUE conviction — I had it coming!). I spent the morning praying it out with the Lord and didn’t cry until later this morning when I started thinking about how grateful I am that He loves me enough to convict me AND THAT I STILL FEEL CONVICTION. The day I stop feeling that still, small voice (or that loud, booming voice at times) saying “STOP IT, AMY BETH” is the day I want to go straight to heaven.
I don’t want to be a goody-goody; I just want to be so in love with Him that I don’t grieve Him with my actions. To feel conviction when I’m doing something that I know would grieve Him is just about the most reassuring thing I could experience this morning. He disciplines the ones He loves, after all.
Great point!
Dearest Beth,
I’ve been doing “Jesus 90 Days with The One and Only”. Today I was on Day 47 – Out of Your Element. It could not have been more appropriate for this season of my life. Everything fit. I wanted to say thank you for being a vessle God uses. The verses you inlcluded for the prayer for so precious and such a sweet tender moment with my Jesus. Thank you.
Hugs,
Michelle
It’s been a while since I’ve responded on the blog. To be honest, the last week I have been just burdened for a college friend of mine who just marked the one year anniversary of her daughter’s accident. I have been thinking of her non-stop for the past week, praying that she would be able to face yesterday, and I know the Lord carried her through it. Just 3 weeks after the accident her daughter, 12 years old, went home to be with her Jesus. I’ve thought of her often this past year-marking all the “firsts”. She has shown some mighty big faith as she has walked those dark days. She’s got more to come. I knew as yesterday approached, it would be tough and I’m sure she dreaded it. I certainly don’t know how tough. Now she’s got another day to face. It’s one of those moments where anything you say is so inadequate, so you just shed tears with her.
Thanks for letting me express my sadness for her. I just can’t imagine. Thank you Jesus for grace, faith, and hope. As Melissa once said, “He knows it’s hard being us.” True that.
Oh Beth, thank you for that post. One, because my husband is always looking at me with the weird look that husbands do when they are thinking you are out of your mind – he looks at me that way because he says that I just live and speak in an unplanned stream of consciousness that he has trouble keeping up with!
But more importantly, thank you for the part where you talk about your emotions, and how they will probably be completely different the next morning. I do so struggle with changing feelings and trying not to live based on them, but truth! It helps so much to hear that I’m not alone. I want to live based on God’s thoughts, not my feelings – I pray for the day that it gets easier!
Dear Beth , I just attended LPL in Irvine with my bible study gals. Thank you for coming out to meet your siestas. I just stood there and stared at you.(sorry!) You were so sweet and gracious. I loved how you spoke to that precious high school girl. There are so many things I took home with me. One was “How much more could I have if I let go?” Going around wounded all the time really hit me. “apply it and send it.” We are doing our “homework” and will start Breaking Free in the Fall. See you in Fresno!
I love the feeling of happiness too!! Isn’t it great?!?! 🙂