Hey, Siestas!
This week I never even put up my big fat red clumsy suitcase. (It’s got to be big enough to carry my fan. I never, ever leave home without my fan.) I just pulled out the jeans from last weekend’s Wyoming trip and started putting in speaking clothes for this weekend’s Boston trip. Good thing I like to travel. Travis, the LPL team, Michelle and I are looking so forward to being in New England this weekend. Can you imagine a more perfect time than early Fall? I wish I could stay a while!
I love Boston. I had one of my very first grown up feelings there many years ago. The whole nation was in a financial slump at the time but that part of the country was in deeper despair than we were. Houston was still afloat in a puddle of oil. Keith got the idea to fly to Boston and interview men with experience in home services (plumbing, AC, etc) who might be out of a job and willing to relocate. Turned out to be a wise move. He asked me if I wanted to go with him and in those days I never left home unless it was for a well-scheduled-in-advance speaking engagement. They were mostly in Texas in those days and within driving distance for my Chevy station wagon.(By myself in a car with no cell phone. It amazes me now.)
By strict routine, I was gone two Friday nights a month and no more. This was the hook Keith used to reel me in like a fish: “We’ll stay in a hotel and everything.” It was a date. I got my Mom to help me with the girls (in elementary school at the time). Keith and I hopped on that plane and flew to the Northeast like real grown ups, which we were but didn’t know it. He conducted interviews for two days while I took the city on foot and must have walked ten solid miles visiting one historical sight after another. I do love some American history.
I got my own map, chose my own sights, bought my own tickets to three tours and made friends with perfect strangers. I relived every scene at every spot in my wild imagination. I don’t know why that first trip to Boston stands out in my mind so strongly. I guess because I went straight from my mama’s house…to the dorm room …down the church aisle… to the hospital where I had one baby…and then another. Independence was not even a word in my vocabulary. That day in Boston, I realized – for just the merest moment – that I was an individual. Not just somebody’s daughter, sister, wife or mother, as much as I cherished those relationships and would not have traded them for the world. For two whole days I just did what I wanted to. I didn’t have to please another soul. Not a great way to live but, oh, sister. It can be a great way to spend a day. It was beautiful those two days in Boston, Massachusetts and icy cold and I warmed my hands on a continuous drip of good dark coffee. And I did one of my very favorite things. I learned stuff.
And then I got homesick and went back home. Back to being somebody’s daughter, sister, wife and mother. And I was glad but I never forgot those two days in Boston when I pulled my big hair back in a pony tail, threw caution to the wind, and got rocked in the Cradle of Liberty.
I don’t know. It was just fun.
Lord have mercy. Where did that come from??
Here’s what I got on here to ask: Are any of you heading that direction for our Living Proof Live this coming Friday and Saturday? Or do any of you wish you could but don’t have the money for the ticket?? Well, that’s exactly what the Siesta Scholarship Fund is all about.
Call Living Proof Ministries at 1-888-700-1999 during work hours on Thursday or Friday and talk to either Kimberly or Susan. They’ll fix up the first 15 or so of you who call.
I love you guys.
Dearest Beth,
Through your teaching: My life has been transformed and there is NO LOOKING BACK!!!!! Praise GOD!!
“Cradle of Liberty”…I think you just titled your next book!
: )
Rockin’ my freedom,
Christian
Your reminiscing caused me to reminisce… When you talked about “in the beginning” it reminded me of the time when we were first hearing the name Beth Moore and had just completed the first bible study and thought… “Let’s check and see how much it would cost to have her come speak at our church”. I called and they said it was $500.00… I told the girls back then, “we just can’t afford that”… I shared that with some of the girls here recently and laughed about how $500 seems like nothing now! May God continue to bless your ministry. As a pastor’s wife I understand the demands of ministry even if on a much smaller scale. I’m always aware that none of us can rest on past accomplishments, what matters is what we’re doing right now. I’m praying for endurance for you to finish the race God has set before you and to not let the world discourage you! You go girl!
Take care Beth I’m praying for your safety. We don’t want anything to happen to our favorite teacher!
Hi Beth,
Not sure why I went to this part of your site but here I am. I am now a devoted Christain after being a pretender for many many years and your studies are a big help to me. Our God know how much I enjoy adventure and has sent my husband and I to China. During the day I have been listening to your lessons from Proverbs. Funny that I had felt led to read Proverbs and then found your lessons at just the right time to send the ones about drinking to a sister who stuggles like I did with alcohol. I have also taken the Believing God study while I was home in FL. I’m almost finshed with Breaking Free. All of these have been such a wonderful help and my relationship with Our Lord has grown stronger because of them. Not to hurt your feelings but I have also done other studies not written by you to have some variety. All that to ask you where you will be in Dec- Feb so maybe I can catch a class in person while I am home in Gainesville, Fl. Thanks for being who God led you to be. Robyn
Dearest Robyn, it sounds like God has done such a work in your life. I want you to rest assured that it would never hurt my feelings for you or any other woman I’ve had the privilege to serve to do other Bible studies. Oh, Lord have mercy! Please do! We all must study under many teachers to keep our balance. Please check the schedule on the Living Proof Web Site but it could be that the Birmingham Deeper Still might be your best option and it’s in December. It includes Priscilla Shirer and Kay Arthur, too. We’re blessed to serve you!
Don’t know why, but you got me itchin’ to take a weekend trip with my sisters. We always talk about it, but never do.
We lived in Newport, RI (near Boston) for a short time. We love Boston, but will always remember it as the place we got lost the most ever. We wanted to see MIT and couldn’t find it for the life of us. It was getting very intense in our car as we passed back and forth across this little bridge trying to figure out how to get there. My husband and finally said, “forget it.” Then I looked up from my map to stare out my window and get my barings and saw the words “Massachusetts Institute of Technology” on the front of a beautiful old building. We got the biggest laugh out of that. Enjoy your weekend in Boston! Praying many will meet God there.
I have been so blessed to have gone with 2 special friends to your conference this weekend. We just got home, and I am still reeling and digesting all of the nuggets you gave me. I have to rewrite the 9 pages of notes. Thank you so much for taking your picture with us Siestas, what a treat that was for me. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used by God to teach and lead us woman.I feel so blessed to have been able to see and hear you. I was able to volunteer at the T-shirt/journal/tote bag table. Your team that worked I worked along side of were totally remarkable. Southern hospitality at its finest. It takes a team to put on such an inspired event. God of course being the “lid” May God continue shining upon you and your team as well as the music ministry.
Hi Laura!
I was one of the encouragers that was so tickled when you realized you got to sit down front (never mind that we got to meet Beth too)! I loved your servant’s heart! What a absolute blessed time it was in Lowell. I hope to see you again when Beth comes to New England again…us Siestas need to stick together!! LOL!
Beth,
I was at the conference this weekend and I just wanted to let you know that God really spoke to me in my specific circumstances through your message. I’m a young-ish mom with a sweet two year old girl named Sophia and I’m pregnant again with another little girl. (Pray for my husband?) I had to have a c-section with Sophia and I have been gripped with fear about how this baby will be born. I have been having a really hard time accepting that God was with me then and He is still with me and cares about how this baby will be born. Your message about treasuring even the hard things really helped break open my spirit to the realization that my c-section didn’t break me. I was broken before that but I just didn’t know it yet. God has brought a lot of healing from that in the form of counseling and I had felt like it was all worked out until I got pregnant again. Now I’m right back to square one in my mind but I am realizing that there ARE TREASURES out there and I just have to be able to let down my defenses to get them. I thank God so much for your ministry and I love you! (and I know you love me too!!) 🙂
Hi Ladies well its been a while since I have been in here sorry been a little busy with working I am now a photographer and love it I go out on photo shoots and get to meet new people its so nice to meet new friends my weekend was so blessed god really was showing off to me blessing after blessing this is a story of the blessings I received
Wow what a weekend it was to be at Life-Way hearing Beth Moore speak I have been so blessed let me tell you how God has Blessed through this weekend its a God story just like Beth Moore said your story is a testimony and it keeps going and God is not done yet with my story things keep pooping up in my life as my life unfolds OK so here is my story how I got blessed so many times first Wed I was going to church for women bible study and was sitting in the church and I was with my friend Heidi and she wanted me to go to here Beth Moore and so did I so bad and dint have money to go and so Heidi over heard someone saying that someone had dropped off 3 tickets they could not go and she ran to that person who had the tickets and she took them and said thank you and came over to give me one and I look at her said what wait oh my gosh what I am going to see Beth Moore I cried I was so happy I cried then after bible study I went home prayed said thank you God for making this happen for me I am blessed went to bed woke up in a good mood had my alone time with God so fare my morning was good I got Beth Moor’s blog read it and then I sent out a email saying I got a ticket to come see Beth Moore and I told the story on how I got the ticket and then I asked if there would be a way for me to meet up with Beth Moore to meet her after I sent that email out me and my friend Heidi got together and went down town here in Portsmouth N.H. were I live and we were having fun and then it was time to go home and when I walked up stairs to my house my cell phone rang and I picked it up and it was my best friends mom and I said hi Lana she said nothing she could not talk so her husband took the phone and said to me Jakie got into a car crash I said what when she OK he said sit down and I did and he said this is what happen she left work was on her way to pick up her two girls both 3 year old Gracie and Faith Jackie is 30 years old her husband Jonathan is 39 and her dad said this big Mac truck went in front of her and she tried to put her breaks on and when she did her car went under his truck she was stuck someone called 911 and they came and when they got her car out she opened her eyes said were are my kids she dint pick them up yet and they took her to the hospital and by the time they got her there it was to late she died and her mom had to call her husband we all were in shock me and her and her mom was going to go in the same car to go see Beth Moore and then after that I told her mom I would help with the emails and calls but first I got an email back from some one named Michelle from Living Proof she had said no to me meeting Beth Moore I read it I cried over it not because I could not meet Beth Moore it was because the way she said it the email was so sweet kind wonderful it brought tears I emailed her back told her my day and then my cell rang and it was her she said I am so sorry for your loss can I reserve you 2 seats and I said sure I said thank you and cried and hung up then phone got up to go to early to Lowell, MA, we heard it was bad weather so we left N.H. at 9am and got there it was bad poring wow but we had fun and we meant some wonderful ladies there sitting in the park spot staying dry then we went to the library and had so much fun do you see all the blessings God gave me so many I was so blessed and then we all were standing out side to wait for the doors to open and I was OK and then right before the doors opened I stared feeling sick I dint get sleep the night before Friday so I was tired and I knocked on the door this lady came over and when she opened it she new by looking at me I was not feeling well she said why don’t you come in and I walked with her and out of my mouth I said wears Heidi she said whose Heidi I said my friend so she went to go get her and she brought me to these wonderful ladies standing there and this one lady brought me inside showed me were we were sitting and I sat down and just cried till the worship team came out see another blessing from God after that I was fine God worked in so many ways this weekend I was blessed in so many ways then I went up to this lady her name was Kaye what a wonderful women of God I told her I was going to go meet up with the blog group and she said let me walk you out so she did and stood with me talking and out of no were came Beth Moore my mouth dropped to the floor wow I stared to cry like a baby and she was hugging everyone and came to me last said is this who I think it is I look at her and shook my head yes and we talked and Beth Moore said your story is a testimony and I said yes it is I got my prayer answered I got to meet Beth Moore that was all God another Blessing wow God must love me so much I was so blessed Beth Moore if you read the every comment well this one should go first I love you with all my heart soul and God loves us all you are such a wonderful women of God one day that will be me up on the stage speaking about my story thank you so much Beth Moore and the Life Way team and the worship team for coming it was the best weekend I could pray for I was blessed felt God all over me the last song that we sang on SAT after loosing my best friend in a car crash I saw Jesus holding His arms out and I saw my best friend Jackie walking up the stairs to Heaven now if that was not a God moment I don’t know what was I was in tears on that one wow Bless you all so much for what you do for God love you all,Butterfly Kisses
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lisa, but I’m glad God was able to bless you in the midst. I’m sure you’ll remember this as a bittersweet time in years to come. Take care.
this is definitely one of those treasures to ponder for years to come, so much significance in the details….sorry for your loss, but God!
Lisa, this is awesome. Thanks for sharing your story. You, Jonathan, Gracie and Faith will be in my prayers along with the rest of the family. Stay close to God, he will continue to bless you and he does love you very much.
In Him,
Vickie
So sorry, Lisa that you lost you friend, but also thankful to God for His presence in your friend’s life and those around you. I know that had to be shocking for you and that family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Thankful for a loving, caring ministry_for Beth and her supporter in Jesus.
Bless you.
I was at the Lowell conference. We were 3 generations present & were so blessed to share that time with Beth. Can you please, please print the commission that you had us share in partners at the close of the conference. It was most precious to us at this time in our lives!!!
God bless you for being faithful to bring His Word to us!!!
I am so bummed I missed this weekend in MA 🙁 I just couldn’t work out the baby sitting for my kids. I hope everything was wonderful and I pray you will be back in New England soon!
I missed you guys…oh boo-hooooo! Why did I think it was later in October??? Sniff. I hope that it was an awesome blessing for everyone that was there!
Aloha!!
Just wanted to wish you well on your travels; you are a blessing to many. Thank you for following the Lord’s leading and sharing what He puts on your heart. Just saw a telecast(2 weeks after the fact) on the great island of O’ahu.
Blessings,
Jennifer
I was blessed to be able to attend. Financially God blessed me through a kind sister whom I had never met. He also met my transportation needs through two sisters I had never met. I was desperate for a word from Him, and I was DETERMINED to get there. God blessed my efforts in an amazing way.
God gave a treasure in the form of a promise through His word years ago. He has confirmed it during those years (one time being at the LPL simulcast on Delighting in the Lord), but I had begun to doubt it. Beth’s word at Lowell reminded me FROM GOD to NEVER give up that treasure. NEVER.
Thank you, Beth, for your transparency and your vulnerability. I do not take it lightly that you chose to share that story with us (you know the one I mean). I wept with you and am praising God with you. You have become such a dear friend and part of my life even though we’ve never met and probably never will. But just in case you read this, I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me, and how much your story has given ME the courage to stand up into my own calling in women’s ministry.
To God be the glory,
Jen
Thank you Beth for coming to Lowell,MA. You are such a blessing. I’m from High Pointe Church in Thompson,CT. One of the 97 people that were there. This was my first time seeing you speak live not on tv or video. I’m taking your bible study Breaking Free at my church. I wore my new t-shirt to church this morning. It was worth missing a night’s sleep to see you. God Bless you!
You taught from the book Margin. My pastor was just promoting that book on wednesday night bible study. He was talking about reading ggod books and brought a portion of his library. That was one of the books he had.
Beth, it’s an emergency I need help. We are studying Living beyond yourself” with our ladies group at church. 65 of us to be exact. My friend and I are coleaders and we are having a blast. These girls are so much fun.
I have a big question though- On page 37 where it talks about David knowing God’s Spirit was a gift is says also, “He knew from the experience of Saul that he could lose the Spirit’s powerful presence”. Oh my goodness, just answered my own question, I was thinking NT Saul and of course this is King Saul… Thanks for listening. HOpe you are having a good weekend.
Sandy
Not nearly the traveler you are, my alone place is Barnes and Nobles. Amid the books and coffee and strangers I feel very at home and it touch with myself. Shalom
We just moved back to Houston after six years in Boston, and I sure do miss the fall! It should be perfectly beautiful for you. The leaves peak right around Oct. 10 or 15.
And on your ten-mile trek around the city, I’m sure you saw our church, Park Street Church, which is right on Boston Common on the Freedom Trail. We miss it there, too. A solid place in the middle of the city.
Enjoy!
I’m sorry but I’m having trouble getting past “big enough to carry my fan.” Why do you bring a fan? Just gotta know.
Dear Beth,
I want to let you know, if you get a chance to read this, that I was in Session Six of your Revelation study tonight (the video) (“Here and Now…There and Then”), and oh how it was EXACTLY where God wanted me tonight. I have gone through years of wondering whether or not I was saved. Wrestling with doubt over it has stolen my joy for so, so long. I was thinking even this morning, oh, how I wish I were one of these Christians around me who seem clearly confident in their salvation. Just want to KNOW. When you went through the prayer with all of the viewers/attendees, God was speaking to me. I just want to let you know that I KNOW. Oh what a blessing. I love you so much, and thank You for being His faithful servant.
Tsongas Arena became a sanctuary for 2 days. Thank you for coming to Lowell, MA to teach the Word of God. I appreciated your honesty and love for teaching the Word so that God’s message gets across. I know that there are treasures out there! Even for me.
Beth
THANK YOU for coming to the Northeast! We are what looks like at many times a spiritual desert, but with amazing treasures in it! I couldn’t sleep last night after the conference but kept dreaming of posting a thanks that you and the people in your ministry seek HIM above all. Our pretentiousness has robbed us of many treasures, but I am glad I was able to be imparted to this weekend!
Words can’t describe how the story above is a picture of the struggle in New England where INDEPENDENCE is our nature. WHen you spoke of a caravan of friends over the weekend I had to weep thinking that very few of us really have a strong group like that. I pray that that will change.
Your obedience and care for all you speak to was deeply felt, and my heart is forever changed by Christ that shined through you this weekend!
THANKS and PLEASE PLEASE come again! It’s the hub of college students in the nation over 25% of the college students in the US are in Boston area! They need your wisdom!
My husband gives me a weekend away each year. For the last few years, I was able to do a solo retreat where I could either go camping or go to a cottage and just be by myself for a whole weekend. This is where, for a short space, I can be me, and not wife, friend and mother to four young energetic boys. It is great to be refreshed and renewed when I see my family again.
I was truly blessed beyond measure is so many ways this weekend, and it also is a treasure that I will keep in my heart forever.
The love of Christ flowing from Beth is so real, and her honest words were such a huge blessing. My friends and I knew that we were meant to be there, meant to hear that message and I am so thankful for our time there together.
Travis and his team were amazing as well! And the warmth of the other women there, that reach out to you and show you the love of Christ is so wonderful.
Thank you so much for an amazing, refreshing, and cherished time. I can’t wait to see Beth again! And will continue to pray for her and the entire team as they minister to so many women eager to hear the Word. God Bless!
Beth, I wanted to share with you that I had previously written about my mom not speaking English but I was taken her to Lowell, MA anyway. Well it touched her heart so deeply. I also took my sister in law and her friend. We had an awesome time. I was especially grateful to God for giving me the special treasure of your time when I met you with the other Siestas. That was a special moment I will treasure forever. Thank you and may God give you special treasures always.
Angie who traveled from Orlando to NY and then drove to Boston but it was worth it and nothing compared to our Canadian sisters!!!!
Angie
PRECIOUS BETH ~ AMANDA ~ MELISSA ~ LPM
YOU PUT THE ZIPPITY IN OUR DOO DAH!!!!!
You are loved and appreciated for your AWESOME OUTREACH!
I am truly humbled and honored to pray for ALL OF YOU daily!
Harvest Blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Beth’s message was so pertinent to women today that I am praying HARD that she will make this weekend’s event into a tape for future use by more than the 2800 blessed women who came in person to hear it. I am spreading it on Facebook, and hope to use it at future ministry meetings….such good thoughts about treasuring our lives and the things God has given us…..Thank you, Beth and your team, for giving us a boost of faith and encouragement to look at our lives in a new way. Love and peace in the Lord,
Janet
Yes, and amen. I think we all know. This is one message that has SHARE ME written all over it. Lifeway – – – ? We’ll support you in this in ‘DVD’ ‘CD’ and ‘Booklet’ and ‘Bible Study’ and/or Book chapters’ – – – Beth, Lifeway, are you listening? 🙂
Beth,
This is a comment unrelated to your post, but it has to be said. Just finished your book on insecurity. I had something amazing happen! I had to face a difficult person, a family member who brings out my insecurity full blast. I said to myself, “I am clothed with strength and dignity.” Something happened inside of me. I felt like I was 5’10”. Thank you for the wonderful wise work that could change me in an instant. Looking forward to more changes in me.
Hi! This question is for Beth and Melissa. I am leading your Esther study and we have a question. Where did you find a reference to “Atossa”? We have looked in commentaries, in God’s word, and even asked our Pastor and have found NOTHING! Could you PLEASe let us know? THANK YOU! We love you ALL TO DEATH!
Hope you don’t mind me replying to this.
Atossa was queen consort of Persia. She was the daughter of Cyrus the Great. She and Darius had a son. I believe she lived 550BC.
Xerxes was the oldest son of Atossa and Darius!
Hi! Where did you get that info? I did not find it in the bible so where is you source?Thnak you!
Thanks Beth for the study of Treasures….It was a blessing to me after having been abused as a child and understanding I have to get rid of my toxic treasures and not miss my good treasures the lord has given me..I love You Beth…
I think it’s so sweet that you have a scholarship fund. That’s all I really wanted to say and yes you are an individual and you’re someone’s very very important bible teacher. thanks for your hard work and for never deleting my severely unproofread blog posts. they do prove that you love us and are unashamed.lol. sincerely, jessica
I love this post. I just relocated to Whitehouse, TX less than a week ago. For the same reason Keith whent to Boston all those years ago. Ohio is in big slump and jobs are hard to come by. My husband is in the fuel industry and brought us all the way to Texas. I am 1,000 miles from everyone I know, starting up house, getting my first grader in a new school… all by myself. To top it off no internet until tonight. I actually had to use a paper map (gasp.) So here’s to adventure and finding ourselfs alone with God. It seems wrong that I came all the way to Texas thinking I might get to actually go to one of your events and you are headed up north! Love you Siesta Momma, I have a lot of siestaville catching up to do!
Hi Beth,
I don’t know that you’ll read this, but I was at your conference this past weekend in Lowell and it was AWESOME. God spoke to me in huge ways while I was there…thank you for your role in that. What I wanted to share specifically was that you told a story about your Dad when he had a stroke and being at the hospital with him and you talked about the treasure in being with someone when they die while Jesus is there, in the room, to bring them home. And then you said, I don’t know why I told that story, but I hope it ministered to someone. Well, after you said it, all I could think was that God had you tell that story for me…though I’m sure it touched countless people in attendance. I lost my mom 6 years ago when I was 20. I’d found some treasure in the loss because of her incredible faith and what she taught me in both life and death, but I had never found the treasure before in the actual day she died and the pain I felt as I watched her slip away. But wow, what you said, how God spoke through you to me and brought healing this past Saturday in regards to that day in my life was just so amazing and beautiful and I just wanted to share it with you and thank you.
I hope you come back to the Boston area soon.
In Christ,
Crystal Mohrmann
Acres of Diamonds at the Tsongas Arena this past weekend. WOW!!! Too much fabulous to begin to account for, Praise Be To God!! AND a thousand more THANK YOU’s to you, dear teacher and the MANY, MANY people who team with you to bless us all SO enormously!!!
You had asked us, and some ladies in particular, on Saturday morning what the Lord had shown us from Friday night. Something He has been showing me of late is that there is more than ENOUGH of what I need in life: nurture, love, courage…etc, but that I need to be intentional about RECEIVING it from people and from Him. So, your message really reinforced what He has been showing me, that I have receiving “issues,” and that I must open my eyes, ears and heart to receiving ALL that He is sending me. Certainly no small part of that is availing myself to the dismantling of various defences so that, as you taught, the treasures can become my own.
“Miss” Beth, I had on the “gimme! coffee” tee shirt that you asked where it was from (please ignore that grammar, I can’t seem to unravel it..it has a life of its own!). HERE is a link:
http://www.gimmecoffee.com/Apparel-C32.aspx
(Their coffee is excellent–micro-roaster from my home town in NYState)
BLESSINGS and PRAYERS!!
Beth, can we have question and answer session someday?
We all have questions we would love to ask and I know it would take up alot of your time to answer all of us, but maybe you could answer some questions and it would be helpful.
My heart just goes out to some of these women and I guess I am a soft-ie or just plain weak…I just keep thinking how can I be more encouraging and do what God wants. How can I be less self-centered and be more God-centered?
The Lowell weekend was awesome!! I am a single mom of 2 children, my youngest just finished college this summer in Boston. I’ve been financially strapped for years and never have vacations or getaways. I decided to treat myself to this seminar with 6 other excited ladies from my church who have done two of your studies so far and plan on doing more. I don’t make a habit of deifying stars or getting excited about them, but I was thrilled to see you in person and was a bit sad when it all ended. I love your enthusiasm and your passion for God’s word. The “treasure” topic was a blessing to hear and I will treasure this time for a long, long time. Thank you for working so hard to Bless Us!!!
Beth, thank you so much for this past weekend in Lowell. I flew down from London, Ontario, and met my sister from Saint John, New Brunswick, who came in on a bus trip with her Bible study girls. And I have to say, God knew just what I needed to hear, just as I knew He would. You see, I moved to London 6 months ago, from New Brunswick. I left all my friends and family behind, all but my sweet husband and two precious children. It has been an adventure, but it has been a lonely one. And I have gotten very good at feeling sorrry for myself and believing that there is nothing here for me in London. That’s why I have to thank you — because you reminded me that there are treasures out there! Even here, so far away from so many of my loved ones. And I have been missing them. And I haven’t been letting them get by my defenses because I don’t want to love London. I don’t want it to be my home. But I understand now that if I don’t start letting those treasures in, I’m really going to miss something great that God has for me. Clearly he called me here for a reason.
My sister will attest that I was red-eyed and teary from the very opening song on Saturday morning until we said goodbye at noon. Then she got on her bus and I drove to the airport, determined not to miss any more treasures.
Thank you so much! And my hubby and kids thank you, too. I hope I’ll see you again sometime soon!
Leanne
That so happened to me and so I relate with you. A few years ago my husband and I went on a trip to Washington, DC. He was in meetings for two days and I was on my on. I book the big red bus tour and took in all the sites of Washington all on my on. It was the first time I really felt like a grown up doing just what I wanted to do..all day long 🙂 . Thanks for sharing your story Beth! I totally get it.
Hi Beth
I’m not much at blogging but I enjoy you so much, I just had to stop everyting and “talk” to you. I have a page on fb, but rarely have time to even log in. My life is just out of control from the “time to do it all” standpoint!
I just want to tell you how much you encourage me…bring me to tears…make me laugh. I am continually amazed at the teaching gift God has given you, along with your passion to do His will and share that gift. You are a wonderful blessing in my life.
I just turned 60 this year. Wow. How’d that happen?? I started life out as a Southern Baptist, wandered into Roman Catholocism (not a God-centered first marriage at all), then finally found my painful way into a wonderful fellowship where the Bible is taught “line upon line”. I have grown SO much in the past five years, and you have been with me through much of that growth whether you knew it or not!
Thank you, Beth, for your diligence, passion, and selflessness. You are both blessed and a major blessing. God be with you and the team on your trip to Mass. I can hardly wait for the next opportunity to attend another of your engagements.
Blessings and love in Christ.
Donna Curtis
Oh, I never leave home without my fan, either! A couple of weekends ago, we went to Fayettevile and I forgot my fan. I can’t sleep without the noise so instead of running to Wal-Mart to grab a fan, I installed a white noise app on my iPhone and one of the selections was “fan”! YAY!:) Slept great! How wonderful that you have a Siesta Scholarship Fund! I get to go hear you when you come to Little Rock in April!! I’m SOOOOOOOO excited!!!
I am smiling about you never, ever leaving home without a fan….I am the same way. Have you found a good one to travel with? I have tried the lullaby sound-makers, but it’s just not the same as a trusty fan. 🙂
Dear, dear Beth – – – the treasures God had in mind for this past weekend in New England were also historic, weren’t they? Mm. He knows how you love that history! Was very much hoping you got the word about the treasure that Lowell itself was/is, and how poignantly historic for women, that there, in that small industrial New England town, women were freed – just like you realized for yourself, walking around Boston those years back – to become individuals. Perfect, no. But there they came out from under being second class citizens to be free to make a living, to earn a salary away from the family farm or business, and to pursue learning and growing and thinking and being. Many gained education and became nurses, teachers, and yes, missionaries for the Gospel. Hmmm. (I’m writing this after the weekend, having only just now read your pre-Lowell/Boston blog.)
Amazing, this God of ours…..!
So, we worship. What exquisite timing. What intentional purposes. Yes, Daughter of the King, He used you this weekend to come to this historic place to bring that historic message of what Treasures we are to God as Women. (and men! How precious our dear ‘George’ in the front row!) Hmm. Only He could arrange such a feat.
So, come again. When God says so. New England is oh so very ready to dig up more treasures. Beth, thanks for being a great Shovel in His Hands……… You heard well.
With warmth, a paperclip, and a hug at the end,
~ Suzanne
Wow! You brought back so many memories of my “first adult” experience in Boston as I explored on my own. I was at a training for my fresh out of college CPA job, and I went exploring alone. Very beautiful and thrilling. Thanks for the memories!
The first part of your blog posting spoke to my heart. I’m feeling bogged down and overwhelmed as a working mother of two small children and a wife of a husband who works nights. I long for independence; for a day or two to have only one person and one schedule to think about. Your blog posting is a gentle reminder that many of us feel how I do. I am reminded to stand up a little straighter and reflect on those times when it was only me; I was lonely and I longed to be someone’s mama, wife, daughter, and sister. i am OK where I am, right now. Thank you.
Thank you so much Beth for coming to Lowell Mass..I had trouble getting the body to want to go..I felt why should i go with girls that really I feel weird around…I was quite most of the trip..When we finally got to the Conference center i felt a little better..Hearing you speak went right through me..I cried most of the time i was there..The treasures i were missing were in front of me all the time..You are a wonderful teacher and have loved your work for years..I am rereading so long,insecurity..Please pray for me I really need to change..
Tammy Putnam Ct..
Dear Ms. Beth,
I have two things to share with you; one, above you wrote: “I guess because I went straight from my mama’s house…to the dorm room …down the church aisle… to the hospital where I had one baby…and then another. Independence was not even a word in my vocabulary.” Whoa. That stood out quite unexpectedly to this young lady who is wondering where God could possibly take her. Ditto, friend, ditto. I wonder what in the world God would have me do with that little phrase? Sometimes He just makes things stand out and all you can say is, “wha..? Why..?” Anyhoo.
We are doing Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed in group this fall…just previewed your 1st video. You are on a roll here! The last time the girls watched you was last fall, we did Breaking Free…what a surprise ride they’ll receive! 🙂 It’s wonderful, love you, thanks for sharing your life.
love,
jane
Just saw in a restaurant bathroom this week….I am only as strong as the caffeine in my coffee, the hairspray on my hair, and the girlfriends in my life!
Hey Beth,
Your post made me homesick. I lived in Boston for 10 years….even drove a Taxi for Checker Cab there. I walked by the Old North Church in the North End, on a vacation, went back to Denver, packed my bags and moved. I love history too! Had I gone to college I would have either majored in English or History.
I walked in tremendous darkness there oh but I have seen a great light. When I first came to Jesus I did not think anyone in Boston was a Christian, funny who one hangs out with when the lies are so real all around.
So grateful for LPM in Lowell and to know God has a remnet everywhere, I don’t know who prayed for me there, but God has been faithful and held me, even the one voted least likely became His Beloved. Roman 9.
What kind of God is He???? One I N-E-V-E-R could have made up.
In the Beloved,
Anastasia
What a marvelous story teller you are, Beth! You transported me back to a similar time in my life as a young mom who left her preschoolers with Grandma back in San Diego to embark on a brief business trip to Boston with my husband. I too did historical sight seeing alone in that lovely place while my husband was in meetings. I was also a new believer so I had new eyes to see with and was able to appreciate God’s gifts to me in ways that I couldn’t have before. Thanks for the trip back in time. : )
Blessings,
Janet