Good Monday morning, my darling Siestas! I pray you had a weekend full of the grace and truth of Jesus Christ! I am sitting here in my sweaty work out clothes, not quite ready to jump in the shower and hit the pavement to work. I usually keep my adorable namesake on Monday mornings while AJ has some alone time with Jackson in an activity class they attend together. The class for today was canceled so I don’t have a single toddler in my den saying “Bibby? Bibby? Bibby?” every few seconds. Those words are music to my ears so it’s way too quiet around here this morning. I’m usually pretty lazy about getting into work mode on a Monday because I’m babysitting but this time I’m holding back a bit because my physical body feels like God has borrowed it for a quick marathon in Lexington.
There is not enough I can say about our Lexington group. They were just fantastic. We received some hard words from Jeremiah this weekend but those of us willing to open ourselves up to them also got to stick our heads in the fountain of Living Waters (Jeremiah 2). I will not forget that gathering for a very long time.I got to Lexington a day early because the Friday flight landed too late to take the risk. My hotel room looked out over the very center where we’d meet the next day. This was the sunset Thursday evening over that place. I stood at the window and praised God for it and asked for it to be a sign of His goodness to us and a deposit on the full measure of what He wanted to accomplish the next two days.
If you got a chance to catch the previous post, Rich has outdone himself by adding some video to the LPL picture-recaps. I watched it a few minutes ago and nearly cried. By the way, Rich’s beautiful, smart wife Gretchen, and their six month-old Polly were there this weekend. Polly is the cutest little thing. I’m just crazy about that family. Rich’s two girls may or may not have been the final shot in the video. Don’t call him shameless.I got a little Polly time myself. Go right ahead and call me shameless.
Well, I guess I was being prideful because I can’t get this picture to turn the right way. Laughing so hard. It’s saving straight up but it won’t insert straight up. I don’t care. I’m leaving it. Trying to compose myself as I keep looking myself in the eye, sideways.
I got home around 8:00 PM or so Saturday then woke up the next morning to a wonderful Sunday. My son-in-law Curtis was preaching in all our services in Pastor Gregg’s absence and I do dearly love to sit under CJ’s great teaching. Our terrific Pastor will return from his one-month summer sabbatical next Sunday and CJ will start teaching the Wednesday “Mid-link” Bible study again with the new Fall semester. It was an especially great day because our whole section was back in our corner of the sanctuary, all worshiping together with such unspeakable joy. In a church the size of mine (the sanctuary holds 3300 people), you have to go out of your way to plug in and feel like a part of things. You’re not likely to feel a close connection with the whole group but you can get to know a significant, life-changing part of it in a Bible study (Sunday school) class or something similar.
A bunch of us have been worshiping in the same general section of the sanctuary for years and, as I’ve told you before, our ages range all the way from young children to great grandparents. It’s a pretty broad section so there are many whose names are unknown to me but their familiar presence is so precious to me. The summer means travel so it’s been several months since it was full to the brim with this close community of folks. We all hugged and hugged yesterday and much of the time during praise and worship, I could not get the songs out of my mouth for the lump in my throat. And then my son-in-law got up and brought us a great word while I sat beside my firstborn, a young wife and mother pursuing God in the glad and chaotic mix of toddlerhood and preschool. My church is so dear to me. A good, sound local body of believers is absolutely crucial as we take this pilgrimage of faith together. It is God’s way. We were meant to do this together.
Right before the service, my sweet sister in Christ, Allison, came up to me with a big hug and a gift. I love Allison. I love her for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that we’ve made it through some differences. She has been in my classes for years and not necessarily always liked them or agreed with them. For starters, she is a King James gal and I use a number of different translations. One of us is single and the other married with kids and grandkids, so our lives also just tend to play out on separate planets at times it seems. Satan would liked to have caused some really hard feelings between us a couple of times because neither of us is very shy about expressing opinions but he simply did not prevail. And each of us would give glory to Jesus Christ alone for that. Each of us is weak in our natural selves but we genuinely love each other. Yesterday she said, “I made something for you” and placed in my hands five of the most beautiful greeting cards you have ever seen in your life. What makes them so special is that she paints the designs herself. Allison is tremendously gifted. She painted a picture of my best dog buddy of 18 years, Sunny, and it will be on my wall till I’m old and…(did I nearly say gray???). Here are a couple of the cards:
Aren’t they gorgeous? Now, do you want to hear the best part? She said with a sheepish grin, “There is a verse inside each one.” I said, “Oh, Allison, I love them! Yes, I’m so glad to have them! I will use them judiciously and for very special occasions!” Then she said, “And they’re in King James.” And we both bent over laughing. I love that girl. She’s fought a lot of obstacles in the power of Christ’s Spirit to live in the light of freedom. So has her friend Beth.
Because I know you’re going to ask to see it:
That makes me want to cry. I said good bye to that faithful friend two years ago and then I got my new little buddy, Star, a month later. To brighten the mood again, I’ll show you another gift I got recently. It’s sitting right by my kitchen sink this very moment. THIS, my dear Siestas, is one reason why you’ve gotta love women’s ministry:
The Scripture written on it is the main verse from “So Long Insecurity.” It’s Proverbs 31:25 in case you need to remember today that Christ has clothed you in strength and dignity.
Well, that’s my Monday morning hello! Good grief! You’ve made me late for work! I’ll leave you with this verse…from Allison…in the King James.
I love all of you dearly.
PS. Melissa, that was a fabulous post on Friday. Absolutely fabulous.
Loved this weekend in Lexington! Missed the siesta photo, but I haven’t commented in a LONG time even though I read and consider myself a silent siesta (maybe that’s the best kind??)! 🙂 Look forward to reconnecting with the siestas…and NOT TO BRAG but to say how clearly GOD had something to say to me this weekend, I have memorized all 6 verses! Yall, that’s a miracle. Seriously, ALL HIM.
Sweet Beth,
Thank you for obediently listening to the Lord and speaking His truth in Lexington this weekend. It’s comforting to know that you are speaking what he has instructed you to speak. I often sit at conferences and church and really wonder if I am hearing the words of man or God…does that make sense? I felt such an overwhelming sense of His voice through yours this weekend. What a blessing. I posted on twitter and facebook that it was almost sobering to be worshipping the Lord with 11,000 women in an arena that so often worships basketball. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love some UK basketball 🙂 but there were times I would quit singing just so I could hear the sound of all the women. I get chills just thinking about it. So loved getting the chance to have all the siestas in a picture. You are such a blessing to us. Thanks you.
I love you,
Jennifer
PS- I loved that you told some stories that you had already shared on the blog…it makes me feel connected to you since I had already read them and I love that! This blog is a blessing to so many!
I love Mondays! I like to get think of them as a fresh start…kinda like mornings. Oh how everyday is a gift. Thanks for the wonderful post.
Blessings,
michelle in VT
I was there for my first-ever LPL and let me tell you, it was fabulous! Our seats were pretty high up the first night and as we sang and watched all those women praise the Lord with us, I leaned over and told my friend that I imagined this is what Heaven would be like… all of us singing, worshiping, praising together. You touched my heart in so many ways, and I really felt the message speak to me in my bones on the drive home. The story about your sister brought tears to my eyes!!! Thank you for an amazing weekend that I will NEVER forget!
I had a similiar thought that heaven would be even MORE people praising and worshiping GOD!!
Beth I live in Lexington Ky and I was there to hear you speak you are such a wonderful woman of God! I just wanted you to know that God spoke right through you and touched me in a way that I have never been touched. I am rededicating my life to Christ this coming Sunday and I feel so happy to know that God has a purpose for me! I don’t know if you remember me I was so over taken with joy I am the tall blonde who came down while you were by the stage and said Beth God Bless you!! I just wanted to tell you that and let you know how much you helped me see that my God loves me and Im not alone!! I hope you have a blessed week and God love you for all you do for all of us in this ruff world we live in. Thank you so much for being you Amy Hoffman
Your posts make me smile! : )
Emmy thank you!! It makes me smile to know how my heart has been changed and the joy I feel inside me that I have not felt in such a long, long, time! Ready to start this new journey with God!!
Greetings from the oppressively hot east coast!
I’ll admit, I’m a first time commenter =) This is such an awesome little blog community here, going back through previous posts I was amazed at how close some of you ladies are!
I’m reading through you book “So Long Insecurity” and I want you to know how much of a blessing and answered prayer it has been to me. I always wanted to be free from my insecurities, but never really knew how to get there. Until now, of course =) I can’t wait to read “Get Our of That Pit” and “Breaking free”!
Your story about you and Allison was refreshing. It gave me that nudge to keep fighting for a friendship that the enemy is trying to destroy…It was good to be reminded that two totally different people CAN get along =) and that in the end, God can weave something beautiful out our friendship if we forgive, move past hurts, and don’t give up when the going gets tough.
Thank you so much for your ministry and all that you do. Like I said, I’ve only recently discovered it but it has already been such a blessing and encouragement to me!
Beth and sweet Siestas,
What a wild ride we all had in Lexington! I wish you had ALL been there : ) Thank you Lord for your overwhelming presence; and; thank you, Beth and praise team for bringn’ it! May the fruit abound!!
I was overjoyed to see God bring full circle an indescrible gift to me through a 30 year re-connected friendship there. Words are inadequate. Utter joy that God would be so very gracious. Still processing it. Nobody, and I mean NO-body outgives God.
Just wanted to say one special take away, amongst many, was being able to say I’ve been through many fires, and I do NOT smell like smoke!! May the glory be all yours, Jesus.
xoxo,rene
ps. coolest thing ever about your sister…I am thrilled to have heard that piece of news!!
So glad you went, Rene. So wasn’t supposed to. So glad last week is over. So looking forward to some terribly mundane normalcy.
Remembering looking up at the sky during some sad errands and praying that the Lord would anoint Beth to minister to the thousands in Lexington. Thank you, Lord for multi-tasking with such a variety of gatherings this past Fri and Sat. Your Presence is the Best!
Kath,
So glad to see your face on here! So sad you had a rough week…will need to know MORE.
xoxo rene
Oh Beth, for reasons I cannot go into here, we are looking for a new church home. This is so hard but we know it is what God wants us to do. Pray for us to find a church with a section of people like yours that we can call family and worship with together (be it part of His plan). Thank you.
Believing Him~Pamela
Pamela,
I have prayed for you. I know what that is like. Even being a wife of a church leader, having God “graft” you into a new body of believers is just not easy. Our latest move was this past Nov. and I am still being the one to reach out and make friends.
May He reward you for your obedience.
xo, rene
I am new to this blog. I attended the conference in Lexington, KY this weekend and I can truly say that this is not another monday for me. I was blessed beyond belief by the conference as well as the wonderful group of ladies that I attended with. I have to share a story with all of you. On our way out of Lexington traffic was horrible and with a caravan of a church bus and two other vechicle trying frantically to keep up with each other as you can imagine things went a little haywire. When we all finally got back together in a parking lot feelings of frustration and anger were present. Feelings were hurt and words were exchanged between us women who just left this conference feeling encouraged and eager to step out and “Eat, Pray, and Love”. As we all know whenever Satan senses things like that he is all over you wanting to prevail and we let him for a while. We all decided to go our seperate ways and “just get home”, but the farther down the road toward home we traveled the more the Holy Spirit began to work on all of our hearts. We all decided to stop in Elizabethtown, KY to eat together where a tearful reunion took place in the middle of a resturant as we all made up and Praised Jesus for the wonderful weekend we had been so blessed with. After we ate and been refueled physically and spiritually again, we also had to refuel our vechicles so we went across the street to a gas station. As we were filling up our cars, a man approached wanting to know who was driving the church bus. He said that he had just gotten out of the hospital and did not have any gas to make it home and wanted to know if there would be anyway we could help him out. Well to make a long story short, we did and in turn we recieved a great blessing. As we stood around this man in ripped jeans and a dirty shirt, sharing with him the love of Jesus I looked around and realized that the 1 and 1/2 delay in Lexington had all been in God’s plan. He had planned for us 18 ladies to be at that gas station at that exact moment so that we could share the gift of hope, love, and compassion. I am a changed person because of this weekend and I am so glad to say that I serve an AWESOME GOD !
Hi Kacey,
I enjoyed reading your testimony. Thanks so much for sharing.
Patti Hayes
WOW ! I have chills from reading this. Thanks be to God. Love, Linda
Marvelous are His works_ God provides for things we hope for, we long for, the things that are holy and righteous!
We are blessed with faith, family and friends.
We started our Beth Moore Esther Study this week. Our ladies had a ESTHER CAKE _for such a time as this. We celebrated with a party, because the story starts with a party and ends with a party. We had make-up gift giveaways, etc.
All the questions in the leaders guide I typed up include the personal, discussion questions and added pictures on eachpage for the ladies. God really blessed our Bible study.
We had great discussions and we enjoyed your video tremendously! Wish we could share more.
Keeping your ministry in prayer.
A big Monday hello to you as well, Ms Beth!
As I begin to type, the heavens just opened up and it is raining here in Houston. HOORAY!!! My house could not get cooled down despite the fact that both thermostats are set at 65 degrees. This rain should help cool things down.
I loved the photos and the blog. I had an amazing weekend with some teacher friends whom I have not seen in 16 years. We had a mini reunion over here Saturday evening. At one point I had all the ladies go around the room and let us know what they have been up to. Beth, I was soooo happy and proud to hear how each one of them were content and happy with their life and made reference to how good God has been to them over the years. I taught in public school in Katy ISD. It just thrilled my soul to hear of them testifying to God’s goodness and faithfulness. One of our ex students dropped by before we took him to his 10 year high school reunion. He gave each of us “fits” in elementary school and I think we love him all the more for it!! Before we departed for his reunion, I asked the ladies if we could please gather around this young man and speak a blessing over his life. It was so powerful. He told me later that evening, “Miss Schneider, I’ll never forget y’all hugging me and praying for me. I’ll never forget it!”
I went into teaching because of all the great mentors/teachers God put in my path that led me to Him. I am blessed to be able to sow into other young people’s lives. I started my school year today. Although I do not teach in the public school system any longer, I am happy to be able to private home school teach two students and help make a difference in their lives.
You are one of my favorite teachers ever!! You have taught me to LOVE the WORD of GOD!!!!
Thank you for that!!
Have a blessed day!
xoxoxo
Thank you for your post. You inspire me, Beth.
God Bless You.
Love in Him,
Sarah
I was there in Lexington this weekend and it was wonderful to be a part of something so very big with God. Beth I thank you for your obedience to God to speak what he gives you. I do a little speaking myself and I was thinking as we were waiting for it to start and I looked at all those women and thought how you are so brave to be so obedient in this. You truly are a gift of God to me, even though we have never met, you have mentored me in many ways. thank you!
Love your Monday morning post! I was not able to respond to Melissa’s earlier post due to time, but had to today since you referenced it. My husband and I went to Baylor with Kyle Lake and his wife. We were friends, and my husband and Kyle were close fraternity brothers. Oh goodness, how it surprised me and brought tears to my eyes to see you reference his sermon. That particular segment was read at his funeral. It is amazing that even through his death God is teaching us through him. Thanks for posting and remembering Kyle.
Okay…so…I’m admitting on the front end that I know this is a little weird considering the person I’m writing this to will never read it, but that being said, I’m going to write it anyway…)
Dear Beth…
I picture myself sitting across a small table with you in a quiet corner of Starbucks laughing. This scene is a picture of two woman who are made so uniquely alike by their incredible creator, that he ordains their meeting, and is sharing in the joy of the moment.
I don’t know which one of us is older, but I think our Father saw what a kick he was going to get out his beautiful and unique creation, that he couldn’t help himself from making a second one so much like the first.
These two women, born in the mid-west around the same time both raise children alongside each other, yet they are hundreds of miles apart. Both watch their firstborn daughter’s, with head fulls of thick brown hair who smile and roll their eyes when their Mother’s tell stories about them, fall in love with amazing young men and begin lives of their own. They watch these precious daughters become wives and then mothers. They both become the giddiest of Grandmother’s and can not stop gushing about these precious baby boys. Both of these women are more in love with their husbands than they were thirty plus years ago, and share, with precious tears, each of these things alongside their men.
To one, He gives gives a southern accent, a painful childhood, an amazing testimony, and a redeemed life. He takes this precious little buck-toothed daughter from Arkansas, moves her to Texas, and gives her a huge ministry. She is a fashionista, a Starbucks coffee lover, a girl who knows and appreciates big hair and is a dramatic and funny storyteller. She is a woman who loves His word, a woman who is transformed by His love and grace, and whose heart and obedience directly effects the other.
To the second woman, He gives a bit of redneck spirit, a husband at age nineteen whose childhood was so painful that it is unimaginable, and He redeems them both. He takes this precious little daughter, (who had extra teeth growing in under her tongue and wore a a device to school that went with it ) and moves her family to a tiny mountain town in the Eastern Sierra’s of California where she leads the other woman’s Bible studies. She too is a fashionista, a Starbucks coffee lover, a girl who knows and appreciates big hair, a dramatic storyteller, and a lover of His word. She too is transformed by His love and grace.
The second woman wants to tell the first one how her heart for, and obedience to, Jesus, changed her life. She wants to thank her for her dedication, thoroughness, and consistence in writing Bible Studies and traveling the country. She wants the first woman to know that there are woman in a little California mountain town that call the second woman, “Mini Beth,” and that have been changed, healed, set-free, and empowered by the gifts of the first one. She wishes they could share stories across a table about Jackson and Jude and laugh so hard that they almost cry. She wishes they could talk about clothes, hair, sin, the challenges of this life, the promises of the next one, the power of prayer, and the blessings that come from a life lived for Him. She knows that words like darlin’ and precious, would be exchanged and that tears would flow. And, she believes, their loving father in heaven would see this all play out, and smile…
So in closing, this second woman wants to tell the first one that she is not only her precious, Sista, but also appreciated, understood, and loved…
Your California Kindred….Pam
I did indeed read this heartfelt letter and I am deeply touched that God would allow someone as broken as I have been to connect with you, If anything of value has emerged, it’s Jesus alone. I so hope the second woman you talked about learns a little easier than the first and has been in much shallower pits. May Christ continue to be you’re all. He’s so faithful. So worthy. In gratitude to God for you, Pam. Thank you for taking such time and care to share your heart with us. It is not pearls before swine.
Beth
And THIS is the beauty of the blog. You are able to connect with people who don’t even believe you read the comments. I some kind of happy right now! So cool!
Absolutely beautiful how our Great God works! Amen!
Beth,
I woke up this morning thinking about the first part of this post and I wanted to explain. I originally wrote this letter months ago after my group finished, Breaking Free. I am a writer, and as God moved me to write the letter, it was posted on my personal blog. I wrote that first part to my freinds and family who I knew might read it. Then yesterday, I went back on my blog and it was the last thing I had written. When I re-read it, I felt like the Lord wanted me to share it with you. I should have deleted the first part. That wasn’t for you. I obviously believed you would read it when I posted it on your blog…So Thank you Beth! Your ministry and love for Jesus is changing lives in a little California mountain town. Be blessed today!
Awe Mama… She replied. How cool is that! I love you for posting this here. You are a wonderful example and a great “Mini Beth,” but I must say you are an even better, “Big Pam.” I wouldn’t have you any other way!
Beth, thank you for always starting your posts with how God cares for us. I have never asked for prayer outside of my small group of family and friends, but I sense God urging me to. So I am asking you and this amazing community to pray for me. I finished doing Breaking Free and am now in a battle of the mind. I know that God is working to set me free and renew my mind, but it is so hard. The lies are battling with the truths for first place! I know it is not a battle of the flesh, but a battle of the spirit, and I ask that you would pray for the truth to win out soon. I am so tired. But I am doing what you said, and reading my verses on the index cards – even in the grocery store! I want to be free from the fear of being alone, and I want God to get the glory for a miracle of setting me free from being a slave to it.
Thank you for all you share with us about God’s truths in your studies. I would be lost without them.
love to you
Praying for you Lori
Patti Hayes
Lori,
I have been exactly where you are now. Trust Him-He will guide you. I am praying for you.
Praying, Lori!
Lori,
I am praying for you darling. As I am typing a song just popped into my head..”Jesus is all I need”… hmm
I needed that reminder too.
Shannon
Lori,
I have been doing index cards with scripture and other wonderful quotes from godly, sound books I’ve read for about 9 months. I carry them in my purse and they are a bit of a security blanket to me. I want to tell you that the power that is in the scripture and in the repetitious reading of them is working. I had an anxiety issue and much of it has been healed. It works. God works. God heals. I stand amazed.
Lori-
My God come to you this morning and give you a fresh breath to go on fighting for the good to win. Praying that this spiritual battle you are in will bring you blessing on the other side of this thing!
Loving you today,
Andrea
Thank you all so much for praying for me! I feel honored and humbled to know you would take the time.
Blessings to you!
Beth,
Thanks for sharing. I almost cried this morning as I was watching the recap. So wish I could have attended. I have planned 2 trips for the women in my church and both times something major has come up preventing me from coming (though I was deeply blessed last January at the SSMT Celebration!!). I am inservicing today getting ready for kiddos tomorrow as we start another year of school, my last one in Kansas. Next year I will be back in Texas teaching. I am sooo excited! The cards are beautiful! Love you so much.
Jan
Beth, my neck hurts, but I’m always glad to hear from you, anyway. And you look so happy when I get my head turned the right way. (Or the wrong way?) Oh, no. Now I’m confused!
Just trying to see if this works.
Hi Beth,
I have reading your blog for over a year now and today is the very first time I have left a comment. For some reason today is the day!!
I attended your conference this weekend in Lexington and I must say, God used you greatly to speak very specific truths into my heart. I did not have confirmed plans to attend the conference until first thing Friday morning. I was torn because the few friends I was planning to come with could no longer come. I told my husband (who is a pastor) “maybe I’m not supposed to go because no one can come with me” To which he replied “maybe God wants you there alone to be focused entirely on him”. I agreed and made my decision to come. I just knew God had something for me. (and let’s be honest, a night away for this stay at home mom of two sweet girls ages 19 months and 4 ,sounded pretty inviting. Love my girls, but this mommy needed a break!)
Withen the first 20 minutes of your message you said something that blew me away. You said that “we were never meant to detatch ourselves from what God has called us to do” and that we could not detatch our hearts from our minstry.
WOW! It’s as if you were speaking directly to me. Ministry is hard, hurtful, and down right ugly sometimes. There are somedays where it really did seem easier to go through the motions and put no love or heart into it. After all, if you don’t put your heart out there, then there is no risk of getting hurt right? Wrong.
The other thing you said that jumped out to me was, “Do any of you want to say,” Where is the Lord” I wanted to stand up and shout. YES! I do want to ask this.
Obviously I cannot go into detail on your blog why exactly these things ministered to me the way they did. I just needed you to know, that God used YOU this weekend in my life. I praise him for it. Thank you for being his servant.
Ok, I’m so sorry for the long comment. I will not write so long in future posts. I guess after reading the blog for so long and not commenting I had a lot to say!
Thank you again Beth Moore.
Much Love and many blessings to you and your family this Monday evening!
We’re so glad you’re here, Fran! May God continue to breathe fresh breath into your sweet soul.
Beth,
I don’t know that you will read this, but I have to share my Monday story with you. I was in the stands when you put your sweet arm on my leg…and I was backstage for a photo with the siestas. Both times I was awkward to smile because I am 41 years old and have braces on my teeth. Let me just tell you that I “suprised” my family today by coming home with the braces off and NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON IN THE FAMILY NOTICED! I practically smiled up against their noses to get them to notice. Nothing. I’m going to bed now and not going to mention it and see how many days it takes for just one of them to notice
Oh, Traci! That’s not seeing the forest for the trees, family style. Give them about a week.
Thank you for sharing…Lexington is something I’ll not soon forget 🙂
I love you too
I truly enjoyed watching the video of the conference. I live in Kissimmee, Florida. I was walking around Animal Kingdom with my parents, husband and daughter while praying for the Holy Spirit to fill all my fellow siestas at the conference. God never disappoints!
I just can’t grasp how long the banquet table is going to be in Heaven!!
Have a blessed day siestas:)
Shannon
What I wonder is…why I am crying over Sunny’s picture? I mean not a gentle cry, but a pure, sad sob. I opened my window blinds for some perspective just now…and such a powerful, stormy sunset is happening over Pike’s Peak. His ways are higher. He is good. But I am sorry you miss your friend. It just caused me sadness, so that I couldn’t even get past it–not even for the fun pen.
On a happier note, I have another group of cookbook orders about to happen–more money to the wells in your honor and in honor of your staff through Life Outreach.
You all are so dear to my heart!!
Oh, my gracious, Holly! May God’s Name be praised!
Love the SLI doll…we all need one!!!
It was SUCH a blessing to be in Lexington! Saturday night I had a dream that I stepped out of the shower and got handed a towel that was much too small – I tried to wrap it around my head, but my hair was so wet that the towel was immediately soaked. The water was just pouring off my head and I could not get it dry! When I woke up Sunday, I thought, what an odd dream, but immediately the thought came to me: I’ve dunked my head in the fountain of living water! Thank you, Beth!
Oh Dear Mama Beth,
It is so good to hear from you. I have missed you lately. I think that is because my Esther study is over and I was rather sad about that. My summer bible study meets in summer and not sure where God is leading for fall yet. I have had a hard time being in God’s word. I have lost that focus and do not know where to start to just read. How does one decide? I have always struggled with that. Anyway I loved the pictures. So glad God was at work in Lexington and so glad you took a bit of time this morning for you. I love reading about you as Bibby. so cute.
Well I have rambled here. Sorry! It must be that my head is full of getting ready to go back to the classroom with my students in a week. Ahh! New pens!
love and blessings
Tammy
Beth,
I wasn’t there for LPL of course, but some sweet siestas I am so glad to know were there:)
I am just going to say that I am going through a rough teaching time right now, and I have to add something you said on ” Who do you trust”, about how we think there are things in life we will never survive if they happen, and then they do..I can say that as fact with a few different things; He has brought me through so much emotionally and physically, and now I am working on the teaching about “Getting out of that Pit”…and letting people be who they are, and knowing not every person will bring hurt and pain just because one did. Also as a personal lesson, we can’t be all things to all people, that’s God’s job…
I think its awesome how God has made your teachings so present in my life, as if you are someone I talk to everyday:) Because He is cool like that:)So so grateful for you, and the people whom I’ve had a chance to know through this blog, and social networking is a crazy animal, and sometimes is so frustrating, but all in all, its all cool beans:)
ang
I miss you already! Loved those drawings very talented lady. I draw stick people seriously my drawings are so bad that my art teacher in high school had to ask me what table I sat at. He couldn’t tell my drawing and each table had a different object on it. However my mom is an art teacher and very good one at that. When I was at the siesta gathering in Jan I had her to draw you a picture of heaven and hell and Jesus sorta looking down. Did you ever get that and did you like it?…. The people I had to frame it thought it was a little different. You should have seen me trying to get that thing in my bag I was so scared the airplane people might break it but they didn’t. Have a great week I love you bunches.
Dear Beth,
This has nothing to do with your blog but I am really struggling to determine whether Jesus is asking me to give up alcohol completely. I am not an alcoholic by any means but certainly do enjoy wine and martini’s etc. I grew up totally abstaining until the age of 43 and then there began a movement within our christian circle of freedom to enjoy alcohol and because this fits perfectly with my personality, I soon embraced the change but I cannot rid myself of the sense of unholiness and impurity but also do not want to impose false guilt on myself. I have listened to your Turn the WAter into Wine podcast and I guess I am just looking for your personal view. As indicated in your podcast, do you still totally abstain from alcohol? What do you think of this movement towards more and more christians drinking alcohol.
Sincerely,
Lee
Dearest Lee, I do abstain because I come from a family full of alcoholics and possess an addictive personality. I think the devil would have a field day with me.
Thank you so much for answering me…I didn’t really expect a response but I sure appreciate it.
Lee
Dear Lee G,
I am not sure you want everyone’s opinion, but I did feel compelled to let you know how I feel. I have an alcoholic in my family and that person has put me, and in return what I do, through feelings of this person to he** and back. It came to a point that I decided my children and my health could not tolerate the problem any more.I cannot stand the smell of alcohol anymore because of this situation so I refrain from drinking. I don’t need to explain when I am out, because people will be so bold as to ask you if it’s for religious reason that you don’t drink. I just say it is my choice. And I don’t feel bad about saying it at all. Whatever they want to think they can think. I know in my heart it is between God and me.
I am new at blogging too, but have found this place with Beth and her girls are heaven sent. Please come back!
Rebecca
Lee–I grew up in a family that completely abstained, and totally know where you are coming from. I have children in the house and my husband and I have been having the same discussion.
I found a CD message by James MacDonald of A Walk in the Word minitries called “EightPrinciples to Build Your Life On”. He talks about how to discern where God’s heart is on issues that are not explicitly outlined in teh Bible using Biblical principals… like “will it cause a brother to stumble, can you do it to God’s glory,” stuff like that. It is excellent and helpful and I’m in the place where I can make solid Biblical decisions about tough stuff. If you go to his site and search for that title you should be able to find it. It’s excellent!!
Hello TraciG,
Thank you so much for responding – I have never blogged before in my life and therefore had no expectations. I will certainly check out James Macdonald’s eight principles to build life on. Would I be too forward to ask you what your personal opinion on this issue is and if you notice an increase of drinking alchol amongst christians or is this just within the circle I am currently in. No worries if you prefer not answer those two questions. Sincerely, Lee
Dear Lee: I come from a long of alcoholics. My dad quit drinking after he was saved while watching Billy Graham on TV. He became a pastor and I grew up where a Christian shouldn’t even darken the door of a bar. My brother started drinking because his Christian friends drank – he became an alcoholic. I, too, started drinking after losing my husband to ALS at the age of 32 – I became an alcoholic. Praise the Lord I have been sober now 5 years, 5 months! It’s just too risky!! And if you have doubts, then I believe you have your answer 🙂 The Spirit is directing! 🙂 I will be praying for you!!!!
Thanking God for Beth and her DVD ministries tonight! I’m watching the Wisdom series for moms tonight at home and blessed beyond belief! I grew up with a mom with Borderline Personality Disorder and am no longer able to have a relationship with her at all. I am raising two precious little girls and often long for a mom to help me along in this journey. In seasons past, i have had a mentor or two but lately it’s been just a prayer request. But it dawned on me tonight that God has given me a mentor of “Beth on DVD” for this season 🙂 Just want to shout it outloud – Thank you, Lord!!
You were in my neck of the woods this past weekend. I grew up just outside of Lexington in a little town named Wilmore, home to Asbury College and Seminary. My heart is there, even though I haven’t lived there in over a decade. Seeing the video made me hunger for its familiarity. This has been a difficult season of transition for our clergy family, having recently taken a new appointment in June. Through it all, I am thankful for my firm, KY roots that first anchored me to the truth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May He continue to grow the seeds you planted this weekend as only He can and for His renown.
peace~elaine
Life has its dark moments, but it leaves a shadow. Something behind is left inside us that tells us life is not fair, it hurts, this just does not seem right, or nothing will ever be the same again.
The shadows of life can follow us around and leave us hanging in the dark.
Nothing seems to take away what lures over us, unless…yes, unless there is a Hope. A hope that is beyond our comprehension, beyond our understanding, a hope that gives back when all else fails, a hope that says “I know, I’ve been there myself”, “I know how you must feel and I care.” A Hope that teaches and helps you grow, to spread your wings, so you can once again soar higher than you ever have before.
We may not understand, we may ever feel the same until we see the Light in the dark, until the shadow disappears, because we found something greater, bigger than our life, our hurt, our wants__It is greater than anything. Our Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ who comforts us with His love.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the butterfly card. SO beautiful!! I’ve become particularly fond of butterflies recently. The butterfly is the symbol for head and neck cancer which I am blessed to be a survivor of for 8 months. (Is that worded right? Not sure) Anyway – so butterflies catch my attention. Allison is very talented. And I’m so glad to hear that you two defeated satan’s evil schemes through your friendship!! You GO GIRLS!!
xoxox
Hi Beth and Everyone reading,
Looking forward to serving with you on the prayer team here in Chicago next month (again with Kaye). I had the privilage of serving with the prayer team in Grand Rapids loved it and I have to tell you all I noticed my dear sweet sister in Christ – Kaye Hurta in the background sideways with you Beth and Polly,…all 3 looking cute sideways (oh how I can get a little sideways and the lover of my soul Jesus – when I listen to him just knows what I need and how to set me back up straight again).
I just love Kaye what a lover of God’s true heart.
See you all in Chicago soon.
Wendy
ps Beth, they talked about your ministry on our local Moody radio this morning and I must say I was happy to hear they told the truth how wonderful you are with your teaching and ALL! of it! keep it up girlfried! I can’t tell you how our life stories are similar so thanks for being honest and having the COURAGE! I have gained so much strength due to your faithfullness in our GREAT GOOD GOD! Thank you Jesus! Bless you!
Hi, Wendy! I AM SO HAPPY YOU SAW KAYE! Isn’t that fun? I love her, too. She’s a wild woman for Jesus. See you in Chicago!!
Beth — I am so sorry I had to miss the LPL event in Lextington, only two hours from my home in Southern Ohio. Never have I needed it more than now, as I just buried my 29-year old baby brother (Aaron) two and a half months ago. The ground is still soft and his grave is marked with wilted roses that my mom, older brother and I picked for his casket. He was so special. I needed to hear the teaching, but even more, I just needed the break, the laughter, the worship, and I needed to hear from God. I know He is with me here in this house, but so are the memories, the pictures, and the thoughts. I am no stranger to loss – I’ve lost much in my 33 years, but I also found life in Christ at a young age too. I really wanted to join you in Lexington, but regardless, I just want to thank you for sharing your life, and allowing God to communicate His Word through you and your ministry. All glory be to God, but at some point, I feel like we need to thank the messenger. Thanks, Beth…your ministry really speaks to us. Praying for you. -Jill F., Chesapeake, OH
Oh Jill. I am so sorry. May Christ bring you and your mom comfort that is palpable.
Oh my sweet girls-
I come to you so needing time in Siestaville. This last week has truly been the most trying we’ve had in our lives in a long time. I have had you gals praying for me and my family for the last few weeks…..and life is becoming overwhelming. I keep telling myself day by day by the grace of God alone….
My father-in-law suffered a massive stroke about a month ago and we received word last Tuesday that he had taken a turn for the worse….so I called my mom to come stay with our three kids plus my two nephews and my husband and I made the 13 hour drive through the night to Denver…nothing could have prepared us for those two days. He cannot speak, he cannot walk. His body is shutting down…his kidneys are failing and they give him fluids to help with the kidneys and the brain swelling and bleeding increases and his lungs are filling with fluid. We realized that there is nothing we can do here now…so we made the extremely painful decision to take him off of all meds and machines, and he is resting in palliative care back in his home state of Montana. This man has been so influential in our lives…he is truly a man that has shown the love of Jesus to others. His gift in life was loving, and loving well. There is no doubt in my mind when Jesus comes to take him Home, he will say “Well done my good and faithful servant.” But there is such a big whole in our hearts right now….so please just pray for us as we journey through this.
Thank you for being the place I can come to and bawl my eyes out and know that I will be embraced by the love of this amazingly wondeful group of ladies living for God!
I love you girls-
Andrea
Oh, Andrea, I am so sorry for such pain. May God show Himself at every turn in your father-in-law’s care. Experiencing health failure in our aging parents is one of the hardest parts of all in this season of life for us. We care so much.
Thank you for your kind words! I love you Ms. Lizbeth!
In Him,
Andrea
Good morning Beth,
I don’t usually post a comment but I just wanted to share this am that I am so thankful for your encouraging words, humor (oh, you just crack me right up sometimes!!) and especially your passionate love for Christ! I often say that I want to love Him and His Word like you do!! I also am praying for a freedom from fear like you’ve known, as you’ve renewed your mind with Him. Your series on James and Betty talking about a beautiful mind was unbelievably powerful! I dragged several of my friends to the basement to watch it and each of us were encouraged that we too could gain victory over the battles of our minds.
Anyway, several of us will be headed to Richmond here in a few weeks to see you. It is a 40th b-day celebration..what could be better than celebrating with you and His Presence!! Can’t wait! Praying now for the word He wants to share with each of us!
Thank you for the way you lead and love us as your “siestas” in Christ.
blessings, Kendra
It is amazing that everytime I go to a conference I am blown away by the SPIRIT! This time was different though. Beth, I had just finished Stepping Up and you spoke to be in that to BEAR MUCH FRUIT, then you asked that we listen and see who God wants us to bear that fruit to. Well He spoke right way to my heart that I need to witness to my real dad whom I have never met, who never wanted me for a second. I have been struggling with this for weeks and not wanting to obey God in this matter at all. You gave me confirmation again with your message to BEAR MUCH FRUIT! You prayed with me on Saturday- Thank you Jesus- and now I feel a release to do this thing, even it it won’t be easy, Gods WORD will not be void. Thanks so much Beth-
Good morning, Beth! I have to tell you that the section about your friend Allison (with whom you have differences of opinion but one heart in Christ) made me cry this morning. I love that! Love it. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Now I am going to go hide…. Beth, thank you for the sweet acknowledgement. love you always! Alliso
Allison, I have been dying for you to get on here! They want to know how to see your work and some asked if cards like those were available. Do you have any of your work on a website? I love you, too, Allison. You bring me much joy.
http://redbubble.com/people/allicata
That web site will take people to where my cards are. Though they are blank inside, but nice printing. Thanks, Beth!! I think i am going to cry….
FYI: If someone does want a set of cards like what I gave to you, then, they can email me here: [email protected] and just ask what they want. Yes, I can make the cards like I did for you. 😉
Thanks, Beth, for your Monday comments. I cried when I looked at Sunny’s painting – I loved that dog even though I never met her in person and grieved with you when you lost her! I, too, loved Melissa’s last post and forwarded it to some friends!
Love to all,
Patty
I have just a couple prayer requests today ladies, please: Thursday my mom is having a full hip replacement and we’re all excited that she’ll feel less pain and enjoy her life more, but a little nervous about the surgery and recovery time, since none of us daughters live close enough to really be of help to her.
I also go for my 2nd to last 6 month check up after breast cancer on Thursday. I always get a little anxious prior to them, even the further out we get.
Thanks everyone! Hope it is a blessed day in the hustle and bustle of returning to school and fall activities!
Standing with you, Traci!
I’ve been reading this blog since it started, and that it has become a safe place where we can share our hearts is evidenced by the comments and replies that are left.
Thank you for this ministry.
May your heart and your day be blessed,
Patti Hayes
And a Happy Tuesday Morning to y’all!
Today this site has been a reminder that though my heart may feel heavy, there are so many with bigger burdens. Beth, how do you keep your heart from being overwhelmed? I’ve actually answered that very question before, but today that reply seems fuzzy.
I know to go to the Lord first, last and all in between. But right now, when people I minister to have needs, how do I keep my emotions treading water? If I read this, I think I would tell me to go drink deeply of verses on comfort.
Off to read from “Praying God’s Word.” Thanks for the advice 🙂
Could I hijack your post to ask for prayer for my family. We recently moved to AZ and my soon-to-be 14-year-old twins (boy/girl) started school yesterday. I know making friends takes time, but when they came home from school yesterday it just broke my heart. Being friendless and not spoken too is hard. I’ve prayed for God to give them a special friedn and I know he will, but it’s still hard. My oldest moves into his college dorm this week too, so he’s getting all kinds of prayers as new worries arise in my head.
We still haven’t found a church here either, which makes it even more tough. We went to a “mega-church” in LA and hearing you speak about your church, Beth, made me homesick for our old one. It seems there’s just not a place like that here, which is fine, but we need to plug in somewhere.
Thanks for your prayers! I love being able to come here.
Ok, it’s just bugging the daylights out of me that I didn’t spell/punctuation check this. Excuse my mistakes. Where’s that “delete comment” button when you need it? 🙂
You’ll have Siesta prayers, Rachel!
Siestas, I have a prayer request for ya all. For my coworker and friend Lisa. Her daughter Adele was killed in a car accident last nite. Adele had been home with her fiance to plan for her upcoming wedding. They were on their way home when the accident occurred. Lisa knows our Lord and is a strong woman but I just cannot stop thinking of the pain she is experiencing. Please pray for comfort, peace and God’s love as she walks thru this journey. Please pray for the faculty and staff that works with her also as we begin a new school year in 2 weeks. Thanks for your support, you are all the best.
Oh, gracious, Lee. We will pray.
Lee I will be praying for your friend and her family. Your post put things into perspective for me concerning my earlier prayer request.
Beth – Thank you for the hilarious picture of the “scrubby”. It was just what I needed this morning after looking in the mirror at my face full of bumps from a rash caused by my current chemo treatment. I have read your book “So Long Insecurity” (actually reading it a 2nd time now) and have been deeply affected by it’s message particularly through this cancer battle. God is wonderful and has blessed me with mild responses so far. He is using this process to glorify His name and accomplish His purpose. And – as always, he provides encouragment just when I need it – even in the form of funnny little yellow scrubbies reminding me that no matter the outward appearance, I am indeed clothed in strength and dignity. Thanks for sharing…God knew I needed that from you today. In His Care, Tricia
Tricia, you are so loved. How I pray that God completely restores you in every way.
Beth, I love hearing about your involvment with your local church. As the wife of pastor/church planter, that means so much to me. It would be so easy to justify not attending anywhere after you give so much of yourself in ministy. But you live out what you teach. Thank you
Marla