My man and I decided last night that we’d opt out of sleeping late like a holiday morning woos you to do and, instead, head about 30 minutes from our house to the country and watch the sun come up. Usually anything we do our dogs do with us but this time we decided to leave them at home, long-faced and dejected. Sometimes you just need to be alone and hear yourself think. Or take a long pause to see if you can remember why you liked each other. We made us some coffee on the way out the door and poured it in a small thermos. We grabbed a couple of lawn chairs and dragged them out to our favorite spot and sat without saying a single word. When you’ve been married as long as Keith and I, you come to expect that you’re going to have on seasons and off seasons and that, unless something’s going haywire, they’re neither one there to stay. My way of dealing with an off season is to talk it out and gnaw it like a bone into a toothpick till we’re back on or claim we are. Keith’s way is to run for his life and find the nearest dead zone for his cell phone. Both approaches have served us well enough. After all, we have raised two children to adulthood together and fallen head over heels in love with two grandbabies and have no plan at the present to see a lawyer. This time we just decided to do something new. Keith didn’t run and I didn’t talk. We just sat side by side in a pair of lawn chairs and listened to the woods.
I heard a lizard scurry over some dead leaves. Birds sang morning songs. Frogs croaked. The trees creaked and stretched like we woke them out of a dead slumber. A squirrel darted from branch to branch looking for breakfast to go. It reminded me of myself after about three cups of strong coffee. Everything else was moving slow and easy. Tiptoeing really. It was so quiet that I heard an oak leaf detach from a limb way over my head and I watched it fall to the ground in no big hurry at all. The morning sun glistened on the nocturnal masterpiece of a long-legged writing spider.
Wild lemons weighed down the branches of a small tree and just looking at one made the glands in my mouth squirt. It was too early for lemons, wild or otherwise.
Keith and I go to the country sometimes just to remind ourselves of things we have in common. So many of our likes and tastes aren’t only different. They scare the other half to death. They’d never take each other to lunch and, when we go, we have to go without them. We are reminded all the time that we met accidentally, naturally speaking, and married impulsively. But we both dearly love to be outside and to take really long walks and talk about almost nothing. This is one of our favorite spots on this particular country trail. It’s a clear little lazy creek that smiles in the sunshine but grows fangs in a storm, pulling trees from their roots. Maybe that’s Keith and me, too.
But, 31 years later, I still usually follow right after him. On level ground, he always takes the lead, especially on this country trail where the person in front has to swipe one spider web after another or wear them home. On mountain hikes, I take the lead because…well, because, that’s where I’m a beast. He claims it’s the altitude and that I can breathe thin air better than he. I choose to think I’m a hiking fiend…with a bad knee and a herniated disk. Right after this picture, I heard leaves cracking right at my feet as we stepped over an old rotted log. I glanced down expecting to see a big lizard and caught a solid, eye-popping stare at what my man claims to be the biggest copperhead he’s ever seen in his life. May it rest in peace. Lord, have mercy. I do not know why Keith Moore and I can’t seem to do life apart from snakes. It took about 15 minutes for my blood pressure to go back to normal.
When we got to this spot, Keith said, “Sit down over there, Liz’beth, and I’ll take your picture.” Dutiful wife that I am, I did. He’s just learning how to take a decent pic with my I-phone. He doesn’t really have fingertips and that’s what an I-phone takes. The ends of Keith’s fingers are more like manly stumps. He’s really cute when he’s trying though. Keith looks out of place with mini things. It’s not that he’s so big. He’s about 6 feet, 210 pounds. It’s just that his outside is upsized by his insides. Anyway, here’s his wife. She really doesn’t love early morning country humid hair but blogs are for the honest. Not for the proud.
One of our favorite things on this piece of Texas countryside is this old, broken down deer blind that marks the spot where one couple years ago commemorated their heavy crush with a can of spray paint. I don’t doubt it doubled as a kissing blind about that same time. About this time on our walk, my man and I were feeling a little less off. Sometimes all it takes to find some fresh affection is a willing recollection. Like B + K.
Well, thanks for taking a stroll with me, Sister. Don’t make anything serious out of this harmless chatter. When you’ve been married as long as we have and you have Moore feelings than normal, life is one big, wonderful, gnarly twisted knot of off and on again. But make no mistake. It’s a knot.
You always look beautiful!!! And SC girls deal with humidity 24/7 – we are GRITS – Girls Raised In The South.
Thanks so much for keepin’ it real. It’s been 8 years here – started impulsively with 3 kids and an ex-wife, it’s been that kind of wild up and down ride ever since we said I do. Tonight as I got on the computer, I probably should have been on my knees instead … it’s lonely in this time and it must mean that I’m needing some closer time with the Lord. But, I just wanted to tell you thank you for not being so bubblygumy and trying to paint the ‘it’s always perfect’ picture, because life IS messy and not always so perfect and I’m glad we can have friends, or siesta mammas to share it all. 🙂
beth…
wow…. so real…. and simply so beautiful! thank you!
Beth,
Thank you for this today! Even though I know you are human it is hard to believe that you also go through “off” times. We also chose not to sleep in today and got up early to have coffee on the porch. It was a gorgeous day here!
My husband, Chad and I have been married for 8 years, together for 12. We were high school sweethearts. Began dating 2 months into 9th grade and continued all the way through graduation. We then got married a month after graduating. We thought that the long dating period would get us through a lot but it didn’t. We still had so much maturing to do. In our “off” times I am a talker and he runs. Even though we have gone further than most ever thought we would it is hard for me to imagine getting to our 15th, 30th, or even 50th anniversary with all the divorces you hear of these days. It is so encouraging to read stories like yours.
As I was reading your post my husband heard me giggling and asked what it was over. I had to share. He is such a big fan of yours also!
OMG, I must share a funny about him. LOL The women of my church are going through your Esther study right now. A few months ago we watched the session where you had used a fork to brush your hair. My husband has long hair and during our VBS this year he forgot his brush one day. I asked him if he needed a fork. He looked at me sort of funny so I explained that you had told us about your fork. HE USED ONE!!! It was hilarious. He was also very dissappointed when I didn’t bring him back anything from the Richmond LPL event. He was so hoping for a Beth Moore souvenir. He’s too funny.
Thanks for all you do! Your studies, books and blog continue to encourage and strengthen me!
Beth, Thanks soo much for sharing with honesty. My husband and I have been married for 8 years now. We were both needy when we quickly married and are opposite as day and night. After many children and a major career change, we are working on how to reconnect. Fortunately I can trust God to direct the changes in me (and him). I appreciate you with sisterly love.
Thanks, Beth, for your honest opinions about love and relationships… I especially loved how you commented on you guys having so many things not in common. My hubby and I have only been married 11 years and are having some rough patches, but this made me think about why we got together in the first place… we saw some little spark and isn’t that really worth sticking it out? I’m so thankful for you, Siesta Mama! God bless!!!
How reassuring it is to know that others have those “off” times! I remember years ago hearing a well known minister say that some mornings he would wake up, look at his wife and think lovingly, “Oh, Lord, did you do this for me?” And other times he would wake up, look at her and say, “Oh, Lord, did you do this TO me?”
Thanks, Beth. That little tidbit of insight and story into Beth & Keith’s Morning in the Woods hit the spot for sweetness and honesty.
Agnes Sanford once said,”Don’t be too mad at the Lord if he matches you up with someone very different from yourself”. Seems it may keep things in balance and balance out the family- You and Keith are a wonderful example of how our Lord put people together for his Kindgdom- God Bless You and thank you for sharing your journey-after 40 years of marriage, I’m still looking for that divine reason- Lots of love to you and yours
My hubby and I watched the sun come up while camping in the woods of Kentucky..and we also didn’t speak much. But it was a special time…no words were needed. And there was a snake, but it was a black one so we let him slither off to catch more little rodents. We have been married almost 40 years. God has blessed us with three children and 3(one more on the way!) grandchildren. Marriage is tough. It takes hard work and lots of give and take….thank you for sharing your morning experience with us…praying for Gods blessing on all our marraiges
Your honest talks about your marriage always give me so much hope. Thank you.
PS Copperhead on our walk to the community pool…not large…but WAY to close to my house *shudder* Must have been the weekend for them.
Beautfifully said Beth! Great pictures and your hair looks great, humidity and all. You don”t have to look hard to see God’s beauty and presence in those picutures. I am not an early morning person, but I sure believe I miss alot of God’s glorious pictures by sleeping in just a bit. Have been sick this weekend, so have slept most of it away. Got my fall case of bronchitis. Hopefully, will be able to fight it off and it won’t hang on. Life is too busy right now to be sick. We start one of our fall Bible Studies this Wednesday. I have about 10 ladies gathering to study BREAKING FREE. Can’t wait. I have already gone through this study and loved it. Really excited about sharing it with our ladies. Then our other study stars a week from tonight: JONAH by Priscilla Shirer. Can’t wait for either of them.
Love,
Jan
So beautifully said. Marriage is not only about the rainbows. It takes rain to make those amazing things in the sky! I love “the knot”! An image and symbol in my head now I shall never forget!!!
Thank you so much for the encouragement!!!!
Thank you Beth for sharing such an intimate experience with your Sietas. The love you have for each other is palpable. I can’t help wish I had experienced a love like that.
Love the reminder to spend time together as a couple. So true, marriage is an investment, thank goodness ours is doing better than the stock market and our retirement accounts! 🙂
Give your hubby a big hug of gratitude from me for ridding the earth of one more copperhead! I absolutely abhore snakes of any kind…my heart was racing during that part of your blog!
Your pics are wonderful, and YOU looked beautiful this morning!
In His Love,
Donna B.
Well, I just loved our early morning walk. Right when I think I wasted my morning sleeping in late, I discover I didn’t miss the sun rising afterall. Thanks Beth and Keith…. And that snake scared me like crazy, BTW!!! Think I’ll remember it every time I’m on a trail.
Like so many others have already stated – thank you. After almost 30 years together, my husband and I are in one of those “off again” periods of time. Knowing that others go through this and come out with the knot still tied is encouraging. Thanks for encouraging us all.
That is beautiful, Beth. Thank you for being “real” … thank you. You reminded me … a few months ago, we visited my huband’s aunt and uncle. They live in the country and have a pond. My husband was fishing with our girls. When they were done, he asked me if I wanted a turn to “fish.” I said “no,” but then I decided I’d try to catch a fish. Caught nothing. But I caught my man after 23 years of marriage. That evening, my husband said something like, “I really enjoyed watching you fish.” Then he went on to say how it reminded him of when we were young and how he takes me for granted. I was thrilled, of course! All I had to do was go fishing!!
I love you.
I’ve connected so much with you when you describe your husband and marriage. My man is a hunter, we have a beloved bird dog and we love us a road trip. When you share your life and heart it really blesses! Thanks so much. We have been married 10 years and I’ve learned so much about how to love unconditionally in my marriage. God has shown me how He can use this relationship to grow me up. I loved this post- it was beautiful and honest- please know you are appreciated:)
Thanks for being so open and honest. I think my husband and I could use a nature walk too. Just to be “still” with one another for a bit. Love you!
So…how did you kill the snake???
With her iPhone of course! Those things can do anything! 😉
Sigh…..I love it when we women share REAL life and make each other feel normal again. Thanks for keepin’ it real.
We love you and love your transparency. Hope I can make it tomorrow night, but will wait to see what the weather does. I know it will be amazing!!
Dearest Siesta Mama-
You are the real thing Baby!!! I LOVE IT. Your transparency is refreshing to this weary soul.
I am a city girl to the bone. I don’t like insects, reptiles, rodents etc. or things that fly, crawl, slither, hop or even sit looking scary for crying out loud. So…did that ugly cooperhead meet with your man’s gun. Ready, aim, shoot!!! Reminds me of the story in Breaking Free!
I continually learn new things from Siestaville. Who knew…. that lemons actually grow wild out in the forest??? Loved the pictures but that is as close to nature as this city girl wants to go.
Looking foward to the Simulcast. Woohoo!!!
Desiring God Continued Blessing on Siestaville.
Beth – I loved this post today! Been married 9 years to my sweetheart, after dating for 6! Love that man!
What’s funny about your post today is all I could think of once I saw the picture of you was, “Only Beth would wear a really cute blouse on a hike into the woods!” 🙂 Hee! The rest of us, not-so-diva, would wear an old t-shirt and jeans :)! HEE! Love it! And, love how you share your heart with us!
A friend and I were just reminiscing about all the Lord taught through you in Lexington a few weeks ago! Thank you! Eat, pray, love, my friend!
As I was thinking about your blog, I realized that God often brings difficult situations (snakes) as opportunities where my man can show himself to be manly. This gives him the chance to show his love for me, most often as a provider. I am grateful that God travels the ups and downs with us.
Thanks for sharing and being open and honest! Some people seem to have it all together while I struggle along the way. Thank you for encouraging others! I will pray for you as you walk through your off and on seasons. 🙂
Oh Beth, how can I tell you how much you inspire and encourage me. My marriage has much of the same dynamics, but after awhile you just go through the zig-zags knowing it’s the life God intended for us. That one flesh thing truly is a mystery, huh? I’ll probably still be perfecting that when Jesus comes to get me….seems like a life project to me. Love you so much, Beth! You have NO IDEA how much you help us girls out here struggling to get it right!
Oh me Oh my, what a beautiful picture of your marriage and the majestic scenery God created. So enjoy how the seasons of life mold you.
The copperheads you may leave in TX. I have an EXTREME!!!!!!!!!! fear of snakes, as my son says I get down right hysterical. Just over the weekend he brought home his ball python (all 4-5 feet of him and a thickness that just ain’t fittin for a snake). He had kept him at his friends house because I forbid a snake in my home. His friend moves and he brings the snake here in my garage for a so called while, which turned out to be 24+ hours. I could not eat, sleep or go into my garage. I had to get ugly and threaten to call animal control.
Don’t know how you do the trail thing with snakes on the loose, but I am overjoyed you seem to conquer, adapt or whatever you do to cope, maybe its your man who saves the day!!!
Just love hearing you stories of the journey God has placed you and your man on.
Love it that we are the same age, 2 grandbabies one of which is a Jackson and soon to be a Tenley. Life is fun!!
Blessings
Love ya Beth.
Thank you so much for you honesty. My man and I have been married 12 years and I don’t exaggerate when I say we have been through it…from an affair to a baby with severe birth defects…and it is ONLY by God’s grace that not only are we still married, but we love (and like) each other like crazy. And yet, there are still days when he wants to run for the hills and I want to talk it to death! 🙂 We still struggle and it feels like things will never get better and it is nice to know that others experience the same thing. It’s time for a deep breath and a reminder that this too will pass and that maybe we just need a walk.
ah, Beth – I’m so glad to know that one of the most godly women I know (ok, so not face to face) is also as normal as the day is long and shares all the ups and downs of life right along with the rest of us. Thanks for being transparent and for trusting us to not make anything of your “harmless chatter”. I’ve been married for 34 years (in a row and to the same guy which astounded someone recently) and it took me a long time to recognize marriage has seasons of ups and downs, they will come, they don’t have to be fatal and God can use them for my good if I choose to let Him. And especially if there are copperheads lurking in the leaves!
Thank you for sharing. We were up early today also and took off south along the coast. Ate at our favorite diner and took a long walk on the beach. Not much said and I had an attitude on the way there which was totally my pride acting out (again).. We have been married 20 years.. blended family (he was a widower with 3 small children and I was an unmarried mom)so together we have 4 children and 3 grands and one on the way. And it is still hard.. it keeps us both praying and looking for God to show us the way. It has been God and Only God that has gotten us this far and I love him more all the time.
Thank you for being real.. I love your heart.
So we took the morning to sleep in, and we enjoyed that too! Just glad I was not on the trail with ya’ll. Never seen me a copperhead, and never really want to, thank you very much. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. Had more downs than ups in my last few years, but overall, the 23 we have had together have been worth them all. It is encouraging however that we all have them, and thank you for encouraging the siestas in that. Sorry about your humidity. It was a beautifully clear, blue sky day in Colorado Springs! And much cooler than yesterday! Come on up! (it is really good for the hair!)
It’s been almost 28 years here. And yep, sometimes, not often, I know we both wonder “Why did I marry her/him?” But glory be to God, those times are few. Thank-you for sharing your heart and life with us. You are loved. 🙂
(And I DID sleep in today!)
Melana
Dearest Beth…
Almost 18 years of marriage (been together 22), 2 beautiful boys, a rough last two years and a light at the end of our tunnel! I love my hubby more now than the day we married…but you are right…sometimes it is just raw and you have those off seasons!
Thanks for being real with us!
Love,
Donna (the mom of twin boys)
My husband and I have been married for 4 years next month, but together on and off for 12 years and I don’t think I’ve ever loved him more. A little over a year ago I didn’t think our marriage would make it. Lots of prayer and patience and here we are. We are in a huge period of adjustment. My husband has so graciously allowed some of my family to move in with us for the next year. Our house went from always quiet to always active with my Aunt, her 13 and 9 year old boys, and their dog and cat moving in. (added to our 2 dogs and cat)
Today while talking with family I was reminded of the day all those years ago when I met my husband…..and decided I couldn’t stand him! Then I got to know him and he has been my best friend ever since, even in the off times. We dated, broke up, dated and got engaged, he broke my heart and we broke up, then ended up back together and married. Always best friends, through it all. Amazing how God works that way!
after 12.5 years of marriage we have a few things going for us…..we believe wholeheartedly that God hates divorce, 3 children who would be messed up for life if we split, and no divorces in either lineage as far back as we can see–why break the record?
and that’s about all i can find in this long long off season. i pray that God will change that someday.
thanks for sharing!
I loved reading all these posts and mama Siesta’s beautiful honesty and sharing! I’m in a Houston hotel missing my husband of 14 years, and yup some wild rides up and down, but man, we have been strengthened through it all! And he knows how I love mama Beth and the Word of the Lord- I’m so very grateful he took me to LPL in tuscon last March since there is no AZ on the horizon for Beth!
I’m praying to see Curtis this Wed since my client chose dinner Tues night (after I had planned the trip around seeing Beth Tues) blessings to you all and thanks for keeping it real!
I wish so much you could come tonight, Bridget! Curtis is out of town this week and won’t be there Wednesday! Bring your client tonight! Grin.
After 25 years and counting with my husband, I full understand your post today! Sometimes the ‘we’ in us gets lost in the kids and grandkids. We have to remember to stop and take the time to just sit still and be together.
Love the pictures! Can’t imagine you looking anything but beautiful!
thanks for keeping it real.
you’re more encouraging than you could know, my friend.
Beth, Loved your blog today. I have to tell you how God used you in my life. I’m in my 50’s, had been divorced and was dating my “man” (doesn’t that wording “my man” bring strength and respect to him!) I was in the middle of one of your video bible studies at church. That day you prayed for each woman attending to find the answers to questions or concerns we were dealing with in our heart and mind. Marriage had been discussed in our relationship and I wondered if I had it in me to start over at my age. I knew I loved him and wanted to have a life with him that was “right” with God. I was afraid of being hurt again. We had been seeing each other for two years. I was also thinking of all the drama that comes with adult step children, etc . . . ! On that particular day I was in the midst of our group discussion and watching your video. When you were praying I was not thinking of the future and my ????’s concerning a new marriage, I was hanging on every word of your prayer and feeling extremely connected with your words. By the time you finished I had the most over powering sense of peace, opened my eyes and felt my heart saying, “MARRY HIM”. So here I am midway through our third year of marriage. We also have those on and off times but when he walks through the door at the end of the day or in the middle of the night I see him next to me in darkness, I smile and know I will never forget that day and your prayer. I am almost finished with “So Long Insecurity” bless you for all the insight to what makes us who we are as women. We are a work in progress with our Lord! Thank you for this beautiful book. Working on those insecurities and finding my “strength and dignity”.
After being married 42 years, I so loved the on and off times of marriage. We’ve had too many to count. Seriously, our daughter is going through some major marital difficulties and since she has two sisters, you know things can get out of hand. I finally sent an email to all as we had to re-direct our thinking back to God’s Word.
Here it is: If you girls were my sisters you would have had me divorce your dad at one point or another. And if dad were your brother you would have told him to divorce me too many times to count. I’m not saying that boundaries are not in order to protect yourself, but a healthy marriage is always the greatest goal and worth fighting for. You all have children and the best gift you can give them is for a mommy and daddy that love and respect each other. God is greater than any one person and we have to believe that and be patient. This has escalated way too fast and ugly. We don’t want to throw God’s miracle working power out of it.
Amen, Kathy!
Good morning … Beth you are truly inspirational … love your realness and honesty… thank you! May God continue to bless you in abundance as we so benefit from every drop that overflows out of your life …
Beth,
What an encouraging, make-you-smile, post! Thank you!
mk
ps – isn’t it just like ‘the ol’ snake’ to be always lurking around. But Praise God – we have The Answer! 😉
Dear Beth
Thanks for that peaceful walk in the woods. I am lying with in my bed with bronchitis and I needed a bit of cheering up.
What I really want to tell you is the AMAZING impact your Believing God bible study has had on me and the women of my church – Trinity Methodist Church in Linden, Johannesburg, South Africa.
After doing Breaking Free last year (at another church), I felt called to bring Believing God to my home church. I have never lead a study/ministry before but the Lord gave me the confidence to take this step in faith. Initially I was only going to do a (small)study in the evening, but the Lord had other plans. One Sunday I made an anouncement in Church that those interested should speak to me after the service. Well, I could not believe my eyes when about 30 women formed a neat line to sign up there and then! And there was such a demand for an additional morning group that I decided to rearrange my schedule and make it so.
About 25 women meet every Wed evening, and the same amount every Thursday morning. We are now on week 7 of Beleiving in God and we are all being incredibly blessed! For the first time, women of all ages, from teenagers to great grandmothers, are coming together for a common purpose. I feel a revival taking place, these women are excited about taking their faith to the next level and allowing it to spiral upward. There are already plans underway to keep this dynamic group of women together, even after the course.
So I guess I just want to say thank you for allowing the Lord to use you in such a powerful way. Thanks for being bold enough to go international. You have brought us hope.
Believing God
Karin Blackburn
Oh, Karin, I am so blessed to journey with you and our sisters in Christ in Jo Burg. Those principles we learned in that study rocked my life for good. It was Breaking Free Part 2 to me. I can still say the 5 Statement Pledge of Faith at the drop of a hat. I praise God for the blessing on His powerful Word. I hope you feel so much better soon!
Well that just made my day. Actually let me rephrase – that just made my year! A reply from you. I will be sure to read your reply to my ladies at the study tonight. Greetings from South Africa – visit again soon! Love Karin
Thanks for letting us in on your walk. And thanks for keeping it real.
Yes, indeed, a more honest post could not have been written. I remember when the feelings would wane during those early years, throwing me into a panic that we had lost our magic and would never get it back. But after 22 years, I now know that this is the reality, that we have never loved each other more, and that though the feelings may ebb and flow, the commitment never does. And I’m okay with that. May you and Keith continue to find your way through the maze! Love you both!
Thank you very much-for sharing a “peace” of your life:)
Leann (Alabama)
Thank you Beth. Love you and this young married (16 years) is always so grateful for your honesty in all that life brings.
Hugs and blessings,
Fran