Greetings, Dear Siestas!
I’m writing you from the jury assembly room of Harris County in Downtown Houston. I am blessed indeed to have an assistant who told me a few days ago she’d be happy to come pick me up and take me. I hope it goes without saying that I would not have asked her. I am fully capable of coming to jury duty by myself but, for a sanguine, it is a whole lot more fun this way. What’s in it for Michelle? Well, for starters, I think she smelled adventure and, to us, adventure is worth inconvenience. Her job is also considerably less lively if I’m not in the office so here we are and we have already gotten tickled enough to pay for the trip. One of the best parts was that she face-booked that she was at jury duty and someone who didn’t know we worked together told her I had jury duty today, too, and we could hook up.
There are several hundred prospective jurors here and, for the first little while, we amused ourselves by playing like this was a dating service and it was our job to match people. For a long time no one said a word (which made matches particularly challenging since I could not discern their personality-types) but now people are beginning to get to know each other because we’re all so nervous that we’re bonding. The atmosphere became more relaxed once we’d all taken the oath. Hawk felt the need to take the oath with us for fear people would think she was protesting by protecting her right not to make any promises. She, like me, is a rule keeper by nature. But not nearly the rule keeper my darling Amanda is. She saw that we were tweeting from in here and tweeted back with, “Are y’all going to get kicked out for tweeting?” It made me so happy. To be fair, I’m sure she was laughing when she asked because she would have known I would have thought it sounded just like her. I let her know that, as of yet, the bailiff had not told us that tweeting was strictly prohibited in the jury assembly room in the State of Texas and to take our tweeting outside.
I did just learn on the loud speaker that we will indeed get kicked out for smoking within 25 feet of the outside door so I’m definitely going to refrain.
Things have drastically improved since my last visit here. They now have free wifi (aptly called “jurywifi”) which is obviously how I’m corresponding with you. They also have a little snack bar where an unfortunate incident took place a moment ago. I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room for the second time and, on my way in there, smelled coffee. GOOD coffee. Like Starbucks coffee. I thought I was having a sensory hallucination until I came out of the restroom and, lo and behold, there was a little table with three coffee canisters. AND YES, with Starbucks, for the love! I leapt to it like a gazelle, pumped out my coffee with a big smile on my willing face. Then I looked up and saw a cash register. I hadn’t brought my purse because I left it with Hawk. All the sudden I was dumb-fuzzled and didn’t know what to do. I’d already poured it. So I jetted off from it like I’d committed a felony and ran back to the assembly room with guilt all over my face. I think I may have also been having a hot flash. Anyway, as far as I know, my cup is still sitting there all by itself under the Starbucks House Blend thermos. Getting cold. I feel robbed of my rights. Hawk suggested she could give me money to go back and pay for it but I am too shamed.
I have never gotten chosen for a jury before. Perhaps you find that surprising. I certainly want to be a good citizen so I’m willing as long as I can still get to Richmond next weekend. Of course, I’d rather study during my work hours and go to my regular job and, goodness knows I want to be with Melissa and Colin who come on Thursday, but I’m certainly here to do my civil duty if asked. (I’m being silly with you but I really do believe in the jury system and certainly would want a good jury should I need one. Should they find out that I poured coffee I did not pay for.) I will get paid $6 today if I serve then it goes to $40 the second day forward.
So, here I am waiting to see if I get chosen. If this is like the softball team in junior high, I’m in for a long wait. Hawk just told me that today is the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. And ultimately to serve on juries. So this is a great day to wear my big hair proud in this room.
While I’m waiting, have any of you Siestas done jury duty? Anything interesting happen? Any interesting cases? You know, I originally wanted to be a lawyer so I find all of this interesting anyway. So, do tell, Siestas.
PS. Hawk just went to get me some coffee. I’m so happy that I’m going to give her the $6 I make today.
PSS. She just got back with my cup of coffee and, yes, she said my previous cup was still there. Right under the House Blend.She poured me a new one though. It just hit me that my fingerprints are still on the other one.
Here is me writing to you:
And here is me saying what’s really important on this Wednesday: The Lord on high is mighty. He is for us and not against us. And, though He is lofty, He looks upon the humble and contrite heart with favor. Thank You, Lord, for a community where we can be serious and silly and maybe all on the same day.
PSSS. They just released all Bible teachers with big blond hair! Headed back to LPM but keep those jury experiences coming!
I had criminal jury duty about 11 years ago and was selected. It was a drug dealing case. The entire week was facinating to me. Attorneys objecting, witnesses being called, police survellience video to watch. I had a blast!
In the end we found him guilty on one count, not guilty on another. The judge told us afterward that we had come to the right verdicts based on the evidence we had and all that was presented. Then he said that the defendent/convict had many other cases pending and would be in jail for a long time.
I hope you get selected and when it’s over have great stories to share.
PS I should say that it was a bit odd passing judgement on another’s serious fate and that was a moral dilemma all that week but that aside, it was a great experience.
Indeed I have two yrs ago and I was scared to death. A case dealing with drug charges. I learned all kinds of stuff like what an eight ball was and other names for drugs it was very interesting but scary at the same time. The thing that bothered me the most was he had been in jail 10 times for DUI’s and I couldn’t figure out why they kept letting him out. I promise you his lawyer looked at us and said “so my client likes to drink a little… don’t we all” I was thinking, no stupid we all don’t! Am I going to get in trouble for saying stupid? Im sorry . We gave him 10 yrs and I felt bad, I hope I never have to do that again. It sorta confuses me because aint we judging?
Now about your coffee. Bahahahahah They probably have it on video. They’ll be having your trail next. That was very funny I wish I could have seen your face when you were walking or seen Hawks when you told her what you did!!! LOL
I’ve never had jury duty. I do have a friend I went to high school w/ who happens to be a court reporter. She was the reporter for friend’s of ours son w/ some serious charges. She said during the whole trial she kept seeing my prayer request on FB for this family & made the two connect. In the courtroom she saw God’s grace, mercy, & favor on this boy & his family. It was an amazing testimony to our great God & Fahter. Amen! Just got home from my bible study at church, Stepping Up. We are doing Believing God in 3 weeks. I am so excited.
Seventeen years ago I was called for Federal Jury Duty and got chosen for the second case. Someone suing a big company. At closing remarks one lawyer inserted comments about ‘family values’ and something pro Christian and I immediately thought “he’s playing me!”. I resented it even though I came down on the side of that lawyer. I later asked a lawyer friend of mine if they do indeed say things like that to influence jurors and she said “definitely”! They at times hire private investigators to get backgrounds of their jurors.
When it came time to vote we did not all agree. I thought ‘what is with these people it is so obvious”!!!! My kids were having a spring concert that night and I didn’t want to miss it. So I prayed that God would open their eyes….we had another vote and it was unanimous! I had no idea what God was really doing…..I made it home in time for the concert…and had been home from it only minutes when one of my best friends came driving into our yard telling me her daughter had been hurt and was on the way to the hospital in an ambulance,her daddy was with her, and would I ride there with her? Of course I did. Her 14 year old daughter died before they got her to the hospital. I know God wanted me there for her. Whenever I think of jury duty I think of what I learned from the experience (everyone needs to take the opportunity to serve) and how evident God’s loving hand was in a very sad situation.
Beth, I just want you to know that you have made me laugh out loud! I thank you for that!! I have never had jury duty in my whole 19 years of life, but i’m sure my day is coming!!!
I was once apprehended while going through the metal detectors on the way to the jury selection room. I explained to the office that I was an elementary teacher and scissors where an important part of the work that I needed to accomplish. He assured me that my scissors would be waiting for me after my day of doing my civil duty. I guess I could see his point. 🙂
Ok, this may be a little hard to follow, but here goes… I grew up in Lawrence county, KY so that is what my physical address was. But, I went to school in Carter county, because it was 1/3 of the time to get to that school as opposed to the one in my county. I took my driver’s test in Carter county for the same reason.
Once I graduated from high school, I moved to Lexington in order to go to UK. I had lived there awhile, but hadn’t changed my drivers license. I guess I’d been there about a year when a jury summons from Lawrence county was sent to my parents’ home. Since I was actually a Lexington resident at the point, I was excused.
Was that as clear as mud?
I don’t have a funny jury room story but loved the blog and read it word for word to my husband of 42 years. He was polite and listened and even smiled, but I believe was bored to tears. Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with men, but since I have been married 42 years I should have known better than to read the blog to him. My mistake. I loved th part on rule keeping though and have suffered my whole life, though I would rather be a rule keeper than perhaps be found out for not keeping a rule. I think that’s why I read it to my hubby but he didn’t get it. Go figure.
Oh, I forgot to mention on matchmaking. On a vacation in San Diego my son-in-law and I spent an evening at our beach house patio watching people stroll by on the boardwalk (bayside) and we discussed their lives as if we were a part of them. It was such a fun evening and a special bonding time between us. My husband and daughter didn’t get it at all. We, my son-in-law and I have never laughed so hard.
I was called for jury duty in regards to a huge drug case. Get this…a man and friend were traveling through our county when their drug car broke down…seriously…if you’ve got a lot of drugs on board wouldn’t you want some reliable transportation…well anyway…one of the men, afraid that someone would call for police help to move the broken down van took the huge black dufflebag full of drugs and hide it in a storm drain about 15 feet from their van…while the man was shoving the bag in the drain,a very nice young father-to-be and his very pregnant wife were traveling to the hospital to be induced….saw the man and called the police. The police had been called to initially help with the broken down van now had a hot tip that there was more to the story and searched the drain and low and behold…big black duffle full of drugs. Needless to say, the jury that was picked was like a movie with one women holing out on the gulity verdict while the rest of us stood in awe of her excuses and flawed logic regarding “eye witnesses”….after about 4 hours of mulling over the pictures and praying… the lady finally came around to our way of thinking…Guilty. It’s funny but I also brought my Bible study with me…I think it was Jesus the one and only thinking I would have some time to complete it…Ha! Tooo much drama!
When I was newly married we lived in a “village” in the middle of Houston. I was called for jury duty but forgot about it. I realized I forgotten on the 3 day weekend after the date. I called and they said to forget it because the case had been called off. A few days later the sheriff showed up at the door with a warrant for my arrest. We explained that I had called but offered to post bond. They then realized they had spelled my name wrong and drop the whole thing. SO DON’T forget. I have been called several other times in other cities but never chosen.
As a former history teacher, I have always wanted to have jury duty … a real grown-up ‘field trip’! But I’ve only been called to serve at times when it wouldn’t work … like when I was nursing babies and this past May when my father-in-law was dying with cancer… or I had to call the line for 3 Fridays in a row only to find out the case was canceled. But I am on the ‘docket’ to be ‘re-called’ next January so for once, I’m actually praying for no ‘snow days’, which are a definite possibility in southern Ohio in Janaury!! And I sure hope they offer Starbuck’s … thanks for making us smile, Beth!
In jury duty I learned the recipe for making …METH!!!! Should teaching not work out for me, I have a back up plan! LOL Really, I did though!
That is really funny Heather. So are all the other stories. I just keep thinking God must really be laughing (and crying) at the same time as He watches all of these happening live that require trials. Good thing God doesn’t need a remote control and He can just tune in to all the stations of life. Yet, how sad He must feel at the same time….
For years I got out of jury duty self employed, economic hardship blah, blah, blah. New rules in California everyone must serve at least 1 day no excuses for the most part.
I served on Jury Duty a couple months ago in California Ventura Courts to be exact. Hey unfair..California doesn’t pay nearly as good as Texas. In California if you are dismissed after the first day zero, zilch, nadda denario but the pay kicks in after the second day and still only $20 and our wifi didn’t work.
I was called into court, given the questionaire and told a little about the case but didn’t actually make it into the official jury box. As God ordained I had just received my Lifeway Simulcast Host Church Manual to review. Since wifi wasn’t working the Manual was a perfect distraction. It also made for easy conversation with those around me. I invited the girls on jury duty to the Simulcast on 9/18 at our church. Over lunch the instruction was to not discuss the case so we chatted about our favorite Beth Moore Bible Study. We were so engrossed in conversation we were almost late getting back to court.
The case was a domestic violence case with the defendant present but not plantiff only a TV monitor. When the judge announced what type of case I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Out of no where I felt some anger creeping up. Thoughts raced through my head. How dare he….why isn’t the plantiff present? scaird? witness protection? hospitalized? My imagination ran wild, I was definitely not being fair and impartial
After sitting for two days listening to the attorneys for both sides interview & excuse one juror after another I was glad that I wasn’t selected. After listenting to the questions of both attorneys which gave a preview of how the trial would run I thought perhaps I had jumped to the wrong conclusions initially. There are two sides or make that 3 sides to every story. His side, her side and the truth.
Thank God for our judicial system. It’s not perfect but it’s what we have and far superior to many other systems. In our system a man is innocent until proven guilty. I confess that when I heard domestic violence I jumped to a conclusion and it wasn’t pretty. I don’t know if I could have remained fair and impartial. I have seen the damages domestic violence has on a family and it ain’t pretty.
Enjoy jury duty, people watching and thanks for keeping us laughing even while at jury duty.
So Jury Duty loves me, well, at least they love to call me to come down for Jury Duty… I have never actually been chosen to serve on one, but every year for the past 8 years they have asked me to come down..for the past few years I take my laptop and look at it like a blessing of just getting to sit and work uninterrupted, and I get to treat myself to some fun girly sandwich place downtown that I never get to go to…
Oh by the way, even my husband was tickled when I read the conversation you had with Travis today regarding the 3 hair colors and cost you wanted to write down on your form to him, he doesn’t get the whole twitter thing and doesn’t think what most people twitter is even mildly interesting, but he was amused today at you and Travis.. Thanks for the smiles today! You have no idea how much I needed to laugh…..
I served on a jury many years ago as a young twenty-something. Our person was convicted of aiding and abetting a DUI. At the time I did not even know a person could do such a thing…but you can in Tennessee. (Don’t give anyone permission to drive your car if they are under the influence)
This post made me laugh. I love that you took us on your jury duty adventure! I have only been summoned once. We got there and waited for about 15 minutes. Then the clerk came in and said someone didn’t show up so there was a warrant out for their arrest,and we could go home. The judge was feeling particularly generous and decided to pay us for a half day just for coming in. I think I spent my money on a Biggby coffee!(That’s kind of like Starbucks, but not so much.) My man has to report for jury duty at the end of this month. My other jury duty story is not really mine but my dad’s, and it’s not so funny(is that okay?). He came to America from the Netherlands when he was 14. He became a citizen and was very proud to call himself an American. He served in the Army, and he longed for the privilege to be summoned for jury duty. He was FINALLY summoned in July of 1998…two months after he passed away. It is odd how something most of us see as an inconvenience is seen as such an honor for others, yet God can use us all for His glory! I’m glad that Richmond will be another God-stop in your journey, Beth! I can imagine that they’re pretty happy about it as well! Praying for all of you!
I’m losing it in my “old” age- can’t even remember if I responded to your great post. My response is not about my jury duty calls, just wanted to thank you, yet again, for your ministry- as a small group of us gather tomorrow in my home-
I am hosting a group of the “old girls” tomorrow to watch the DVDs from the Oak Cliff conference- Your and Dr. Evans message just down right knocked me off my feet- it was as if God had sent you two to confirm what I need to hold on to for this season in my life- a “word” is an understatement-I casually decided to attend the conference when I was in the Dallas area to attend to my aging mother.
God Bless you Dear Sister in Christ and may he give you, your heart’s greatest desire, as you continue this amazing journey. How can we ever thank you enough for following your “call”. Sincerely, Kathy, Austin
My husband was called up for jury duty when I was 9 months pregnant with our second child. He could not get out of it and was selected to serve. It was a murder trial and the jury was sequestered…three day after I gave birth to our second son! Fortunately, my parents had come across several states to be there with me so i was not alone. Since we could not have contact with my husband, we sent my dad to the trial everyday to tell us what was going on!
You are so killing me! I have served on a jury – and by the time we found the defendant guilty (his attorney was trying to have us believe that, just on a lark, he was emptying the neighbor’s truck of all his tools – nice try), we all felt so bonded to each other that I thought we might start a Bunko group.
Sorry you had yourself a little brush with the law while waiting to serve on a jury, no less. I, too, had a “brush with the law” (a very slight brush – kind of along the lines of your coffee scenario) – but mine happened right in the SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, where I mistakenly walked into the men’s bathroom – and in disgust, went to shut the stall door that I realized someone hadn’t bothered to shut. And why, pray tell, hadn’t they shut it? Because it wasn’t a stall at all – it was the little room that housed the urinals.
Hello.
Well, I figured if I was destined to commit the crime of — not exactly ‘breaking’ – but for sure ‘entering’ – the wrong bathroom; I at least did it up in a notable way by committing such an embarrassing atrocity in the Supreme Court (just think – what if it had been an actual Justice who was in there, instead of the backside of the poor tourist I interrupted instead?)
I shudder to think.
(And, Beth, if you ever do get especially desperate for topics on here, and decide to invite us to share embarrassing moments, then I can talk about Accidently Using the Men’s Restroom, Pt. 2 – wherein I walked into a stall at the local Lone Star Restaurant. So far I haven’t lived a Pt. 3 of this bizarre, personal phenomenon of mine; for which, I am very thankful. I have learned to really check the picture on the door I am entering to make sure the figure sports a DRESS).
Warm in Alaska.
Dear Warm In Alaska, I am sorry you do not have a photo (or name) I looked to see what you looked like! I too have walked into the men’s room, my view was of the backside of oh I estimate 10 men at the Dallas Ft Worth Airport! One of the busiest urinals in America – the airport. I tried to leave quietly, went to the women’s (I was with my mom) and we were laughing so hard. I said I hope they didn’t see us! Their backs were to us rembember. A lady said “my husband is in there I’ll ask him”. NO!!!!! So we waited the right amount of time so we would not see the lady, and walk out, all these men and their wives are waiting for us laughing, the informative husband told his “lets see” wife, “when we heard the clickity clack of the high heels we knew someone was in for a surprise”. LOL
Oh! That is SO funny! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who’s made this mistake! Maybe some day the Technological Fairies will visit me in the night and make me smart enough to know how to post a picture! Until then, I’ll have to stay the purple Greek Ichthus-ish looking doo-dad. : )
Yanna and Warm in Alaska,
Following you 2 through the bathroom goofs, reminded me of walking into the ladies restroom in the back of an empty church lobby one evening only to find a man washing his hands at the sink. I was immediately flustered and backed out the door to look again at the sign on the door. I was baffled as it WAS the ladies. Since he was the only one in the restroom, I went back in and he looked at me…silence…and then he said, “am I in the wrong place?” To which I said, “yes, I believe you are”. He finished washing his hands and walked out saying something under his breath like, my wife’s not gonna like hearing about this again. It was a little wierd : )
Rene that is too funny. I don’t know if I could go back in and confront the man in a ladies room unless I really wanted him to go so I could!!! ha ha ha
Ha! I too had a “restroom” incident…mine was with Amy and we were at the airport on our way home from the SSMT this past winter. If I remember correctly, Im pretty sure we didn’t realize what we had done until after we had used the bathroom and changed clothes (we were headed back to an ice cold OH). Geesh it wasn’t that long ago, you would think I’d remember…anyhow, i do remember we laughed for a good long time about that one!
you want jury duty? you can serve on the jury at my house. my husband and i are both lawyers and our arguments can get pretty interesting. we could definitely use a jury sometimes! any volunteers siestas? lol – just kidding ;p
amybhill hands down you are right, he is guilty.
OH yes, I somehow am at the top of the jury duty ranking. My husband of course explained it’s basically who’s name comes up, like a lottery. . um, why can’t I win that instead? Just kidding, I don’t play it.
Back to the subject, I have also had GRAND JURY. I was a newlywed, a first year school teacher, and scared to death of having to go to the court house that much. Low and behold, I was picked. Basically from January-April, we had to report, EVERY Friday, yes, EVERY Friday. There we 30 of us and we had to hear all the current arrests and cases the prosecuters wanted to send to court. . therefore WE decided whether or not there was enough evidence they listed and had to vote to indict them. Scary. (I even heard the case of one of my children that is mine now, her mom was dealing drugs, she didn’t live with me at the time, but I had taught her in school)
It was nerve racking, there was a huge case in our community. (small town in Georgia) You know, everyone reads the paper, everyone picked sides. A garbage truck driver had hit a young female driver and killed her. Was she in the wrong, or was he? I’ll never forget the headlines of our local paper, whatever the Grand Jury picked was not good? I didn’t know, I was just doing my civil duty. People would come up to me and ask. I swear I felt like I was on Matlock or something.
What’s worse, my measely $25 that I got paid for attending each time had to be re-paid to my school system to cover the costs of the substitue teacher. Bummer.
Since then I have been called up 3 times, but picked only once for a regular trial. It was a domestic violence case. Sad. We found the “wife” guilty. Yes. . she had hit him with a frying pan.
That’s my jury duty stories. . maybe I won’t ever get picked again.
Can I just add, that I have tons to do this morning, including getting showered to attend a funeral. . . and I am reading these jury duty stories so fast and laughing so hard, I can’t flee from the computer. Life cracks me up. Thanks for the funny stories siestas. . I must go shower now. 🙂
beth, thank you so much for representing w/ your big hair on such an important anniversary! i mean, some of us didn’t KNOW yesterday was such a special day til reading your post, but still… there you are letting everyone know that we appreciate those rights. thanks for covering for us. 😉
and p.s. (re: melissa’s earlier blog) this post is a prime example of how to appreciate each day & all its happenings. thanks for the living picture. 🙂
I served on a jury it was interesting & frustrating. A young man, 18-21, can’t remember on trial for taking his girlfriend 16, who went willingly, but against parental consent out of state. The offense very clearly committed based on the law, but some jurors play the sympathy card for the young man, very frustrating. When they left they slashed the parents tires. The lawyers can not tell you all details. Eventually the jurors agreed to find him guilty & then the prosecuter says the thing they weren’t able to tell us was they broke into a beach house to stay, went into Mexico and prostituted her for money. I’m glad I got to serve the system is interesting but not with out flaw since people are involved. I am so thankful for a righteous judge who willing gave the highest of prices that I could be redeemed and seen as righteous, flaws and all.
I see you were using your laptop. Whatever happened to your iPad?
Okay so this is going to sound like a really selfish post and actually it is. I read your whole post and just kept thinking “She’s going to get on a jury and miss Richmond!!!!!!!!!” And when I got to the end and saw that you had been released I went back and read it again just so I didn’t miss any of your words of wisdom and humor while I was sitting here being self centered! I am grateful I’ll still get to see you next weekend and so grateful for your words that never cease to make me laugh and cry all in the same post! You are a blessing.
I was selected for county jury duty about 4 years ago. This past spring I was in the jury pool for district jury duty. I had to be prepared all month to report. I got to go twice but the case settled before jury selection. I loved it – I am all about productive time away from my kiddos! Plus the little bit I cash is nice to.
OK here in Delaware you can NOT have a cell phone or laptop in the courthouse. They stop you at the door and search. Yes indeedy. And our courthouse in Sussex County is your typical old style courthouse or should I say old style church. Wooden pews. Try sitting on that for a day. The judge came out to talk with us and we got to watch a video about the whole judicial system and why its so important. He was very nice – Suprised? I saw him and his wife a year later at a fundraiser for one of our parishiners who needed a liver transplant and he was just as nice sitting at our table as he was in front of the courtroom. Fortunately, I never had to serve. I was called for two weeks of service and only had to go to orientation. Am I bummed? NO. Deciding someones fate is serious business.
What a hoot! So glad for you they don’t choose BBB’s: Blonde Bible teachers with Big hair. My jury story is I am never chosen. As soon as they find out my brother is a Superior Court Judge, I’m dismissed. For crying out loud, he’s even retired now! You’ld think they would know we are a fine upstanding family, instead, I’m treated like a felon. I don’t get it. (REally, I’m always glad to be dismissed, but I am totally willing to do my civic duty, and have thought I might even be good at it since one of my mottos is “judge righteous judgment!”) LOL! It’s always fun to hear how you embrace life, no matter what comes your way.
Hugs in Him,
Pam H.
For goodness sake Beth, you just made my Thursday morning much better. I’m still laughing over the fingerprints on the coffee cup comment.
I was chosen for jury duty about three years ago. Lo and behold my best friend from work was picked too. We both laughed because we knew we would be kicked off for talking too much. It was a great experience made even better because of the good company. Thanks for sharing your funny stories. Much love to you….have a great God filled day.
Salina (Eastern Kentucky)
Glad you sailed so smoothly threw your civic responsibility their in TX! This is a random comment but last night my 5 year old said something that made me wish I had your number to call you and tell you over the phone…it was hysterical. I was making dinner w/ Pepperidge Farm’s Texas Toast as a treat and he asked me “who do you think makes Texas Toast mom?, Is it your Bible teacher?”…(the kids watch “Wednesdays w/ Beth” each week w/ me, so they’ve gotten to know you a little). I thought that was pretty clever coming from a 5 year old (of course, b/c it was from MY 5 year old!). ha ha
Enjoy your day! Looking forward to hearing you live for the first time next weekend. 🙂
Hello Beth, good morning,
First time I am writing and know you have moved on from the So Long Insecurity blog but I am struggling and wondering if anyone else did???
I devoured the first 8 chapters and when I got to the prayer that you had written for us to make our own and say…I stopped…I am afraid if I say the prayer, it won’t work for me, it won’t help. Felling very silly as I write this but had to ask if I was alone.
You see 26 years ago, after only 2 years of marriage, my husband was in an accident. EVERYONE told me God was going to do a miracle…Steve was going to wake up. I told the doctors the same; my husband loved the Lord and was serving at our church with the youth. There were people all over the country praying, as was I. Steve didn’t wake up, he went to be with Jesus (would have been his choice).
Anyway, all that to say am I alone in feeling worried that the words God gave you to share with us…won’t help me?
still hopeful
Dearest Elaine, I can certainly see why you’d feel that way. I am so, so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. Our finite minds often cannot grasp the infinite wisdom and plan of God and He knows that. The part of SLI that has the most potential to minister to you after the deep loss that rocked your faith is still before you in your reading. I pray you’ll read on. On so many things, we do not know the will of God – like whether or not He’d restore your beloved man on earth or in Heaven after such a traumatic accident. I write those words with a tender heart and with much respect. The prayer in SLI differs somewhat in that it is leading us to receive what God’s Word has already promised us that He wants for us. Most of the concepts are rights of sons and daughters of God. Oh, how I pray He will meet you on those pages and continue to restore your broken heart. I do not blame you at all for your fears. May Christ come walking on those turbulent waters and show you His great love and enduring plan for you. We’re glad you’re here.
It’s been a long time since I have served on any type of jury. The main reason for this is because for the past 12 years, I have worked as the Clerk for the Justice of the Peace. We deal mainly with traffic citations in our little community. But, OH! The stories we hear!! “My mechanic says there is no way my car could be going that fast!” “I had to use the bathroom.” (I understand this one – but please! for a woman to use that on a male officer?) We usually work pretty well w/folks who are irate over having been stopped. The only time I truly wanted to wring someone’s neck was when a young woman was stopped for traveling 102 mph in a 70 mph zone. That was bad enough – but she had a two week old infant laying in the front seat beside her. In 12 years, I have only had to hang up on one poor soul – could not get him calmed down. I think the coolest blessing is realizing that perhaps for some folks, I may be the only contact w/Jesus that they have all day. So I really have tried to do this job as if I were doing it for the Lord. And that in itself can turn your attitude around when you feel you have a mundane, boring job!
I served on a Federal jury, fraud, tax evasion, hidden assets, very interesting. I also found it fascinating how attorneys communicate a relatively simple point.
Love and Blessings to you today my friend!
Debbie in Tennessee
Beth,
I have never been called for jury duty. I bet it is interesting though. I think I would love it. I love reading your blog. 🙂
My one time I appeared for jury duty, I was not chosen (didn’t even get to me). But I wanted to look respectable, so I wore pumps with my slacks. And it was cold, so I tugged on some knee high stockings, too. Sitting there waiting to go into the selection room, I looked at my foot that I was bouncing on my crossed knee. My ankle was black. I looked down at my other foot – that ankle was not black. I was wearing two different colored stockings! So much for respectability. In my best stealth mode (I hope no one saw!), I managed to get them off and stuffed in my pocket.
Beth you are a riot. I have shown up at the court house several times for jury duty, but have never been chosen. Which brings a host of issues, I am relieved but also feel rejected at the same time. I know,I AM A WEIRDO.
Ma’am, I’m with the Houston PD crime scene investigation unit, and your prints were found on a cup of coffee at the courthouse. Could you please come down to the station for questioning regarding said cup of coffee? What crime have you committed, you ask? It falls under the “Crimes against good coffee” statutes.
Laughing.
Brillant Donna applause applause.
May I post one more time? I’d forgotten about one case we heard that got us all to giggling.
In the middle of the night three young men tried to break into a residence with their identities cleverly hidden beneath pillowcases. Yep, pillowcases. Picture Charlie Brown’s Halloween costume minus the trick or treat bag. We laughed our heads off and came to call them the Pillowcase Bandits. Of course someone on the scene recognized their get-away vehicle and their were quickly apprehended. Perhaps a bedsheet on the truck would’ve helped.
You just can’t make this stuff up 🙂
It’s possibly insecurity that’s driving this final comment, but I didn’t want anyone to misunderstand me to be completely insensitive. On the grand jury you only hear testimony from the law enforcement officers involved in the case. You never actually see the parties involved. I wouldn’t have actually laughed in the faces of our dear pillowcase clad youngsters. At least I hope I wouldn’t have.
Beth, I have never commented on this blog before today although I read it quite often. I just wanted to let you know that as a trial attorney, it is good to hear of your attitude toward serving on a jury. We so need folks who know the importance of and appreciate our system, which is the best in the world! Your point is one I use with my friends and acquaintences all the time….if you were involved in litigation and time came for trial, you would want a good jury!
Betty Ann, I have so much respect for what you do and I agree with you completely. So glad you’re on here and that you commented. You know, I wanted to be you when I grew up.
And I want to be you, as I love teaching God’s word better than anything. I think both of my “jobs” help me in the other. God bless….
Juries?!? – OH Yeah – actually almost everyday – from the OTHER side…..I am a courtroom deputy clerk. My oh my, the stories I could tell you. (But you don’t have room to listen!)
I do have to tell you that once upon a time I thought I would be a good prosecutor – put those bad guys in jail! But now my Jesus-heart cries out with compassion for some of the people I see. So while my judge sits there and listens to their case, my heart says a little prayer for Jesus to have mercy on their souls.
Because one day I will be the one standing in front of THE JUDGE – and all I will have to offer is what Jesus did for me in His mercy.
Suzy, what a blast to hear from a courtroom clerk! I bet you DO have some experiences. The folks in charge were so good yesterday. They really made it as pleasant as possible. I bet you are wonderful at your job!
Will you all please pray for my friend Cabell. She is SO precious and has had the hardest time lately! Her sweet husband, Mike, died in March from Melanoma (34) then her Dad died a couple of months later… last night her Lab, Tate, ran away. She has been her baby for 12 years! It has just been too much!
I remember when Sunny ran away we all prayed and you all found her! So I thought I’d ask you all to pray for Tate to come home!
Thanks so much Siestas! Emmy
Oh, my word, Emmy. That’s so much for one woman. Yes, we pray that the Lord will return Tate and post haste!
We just found Tate!!! Thank you SO much for praying!!!! : )
Oh my goodness you make me BELLY LAUGH! I so needed to lighten up today. Thank you!! My mom had jury duty when I was 13 (a long time ago), and it was a murder case. She was sequestered for a month! We could visit her on weekends it was awful. Im sure that the LORD will not allow that to happen to you! You are much needed elsewhere. Have a great day Beth.
Much love, Shelly in FL
Beth, I LOVE YOU. I so get your writing style!
You are so funny! I am rule keeper to and when I saw your tweet I did wonder if it was allowed on jury duty. And I wonder why my 5 yr old acts the way she does. Lord help me.
I waited all day in the jury room just to find out we were dismissed because the JUDGE never showed up! And I got charged a vacation day at work – they have obviously never been to jury duty if they count it as vacation! 🙂
Yes Beth,
what happened to your iPad? I was totally expecting to see that in the pic of you. I just recently got picked for jury duty. While in the holding room, our “tour guide” reminded us that we could not go through the metal detector with any object that could be construed as a weapon, and to check any such object with her. I realized I had my beautiful diamond nail file (Its part of a manicure set I’ve had since the 4th grade!) and I was just sick to hand it over to this complete stranger. Fast forward to the end of the day, i was not selected for the trial, returned to the room where my nail file was still waiting for me, Yay:-)
Thanks for making us all laugh.
I have never had jury duty, but I did get my parents thrown out of traffic court when I was 2 years old – because they couldn’t get me to stop talking 🙂 They have never let me live it down, oh well, somethings never change.
I had the privledge of jury duty this last spring. We had the joy of spending a whole day hearing the case of the mysterious roadrunner. This was a case involving a car accident where 1 driver said she was swerving to miss a road runner. Mostly it was boring but the lawyers got into describing where the road runner was in the road and how big it was and the judge wanted to know if it looked like the road runner on TV. It really was kind of funny. I was just glad no one was hurt in the accident.
I LOVE THIS, PATTY!
This is so funny (not the accident but the cause)!!! I think I would have had to ask the same question as the judge. I would have been giggling and snickering if I were on that jury.