Remember? I said that I reserved the right to get on here and write if I wanted to and if what I wanted to write didn’t take away from the James study. I do and it won’t, so there.
It’s a Saturday off after several really hard weeks of work. I relish the Life Today tapings once I get there because the studio audience is always fantastic and the PERFECT size. (150 maybe?) I am close enough to them to hear them groan or chuckle and to see puzzlement on their faces so that I know whether or not to clarify. I am close enough to see if any one of them has tears in her eyes and if something I said hurt too much to leave alone. I am right there to see the work of the Spirit when He moves at His own discretion and I’m on occasion left with chills standing straight up on my arms, all because I’m standing close enough to feel it. And because He let’s me. I love all these things about the Life Today tapings BUT they are just about as much work over a 20 hour period of time as I ever do. Even the skin feels too heavy on my bones to take back home with me. It’s so worth it but 5 one-hour teaching sessions is a hard task.
All that to say, having the next Saturday off is a beautiful thing. I took Thursday, too, but I had a lot to do out and about that day. I had fun but not exactly rest. I’ll often opt for the former over the latter but not today. Keith left early this morning for a sporting clays tournament and just shut the bedroom door and let me sleep in. I opened my eyes about 8:45 and said good morning to the Lord. I then smiled really wide at the thought of a first cup of coffee. It never tastes better than that first sip. Then I had my quiet time and reflected back on the evening before. CJ took Jackson “camping” at a friend’s land where a handful of dads around the same age brought their young sons and did all but sleep outside. That is my kind of camping, too. As my grandmother would say, “I’m right outdoorsy till I’m sleepy.”
AJ and Annabeth came and spent the evening with my man and me. I’m just not sure little kids are ever any cuter or funnier than around 21 months. She talks constantly and, of course, had the undivided attention of three adults. Everything she wanted read to her got read to her. She ate spaghetti like she’d been starved for a month and with such enthusiasm that she had to be hastily swept to the tub lest all in her path receive a baptism by marinara. I did not say maranatha. I said marinara. Aunt Melissa then called us all on Face Time (I-phone 4 – it’s one reason we got it) and she, AJ and I howled our heads off. I like to wear different hats when I talk to Melissa on Face Time because it makes her laugh and, because I can see myself in the little square in the corner of the screen, it makes me laugh, too. First I wore a stylish little straw hat with a thick green ribbon around it that Melissa bought several months ago then I put on one of Keith’s cowboy hats. I just hate to be predictable.
Annabeth was scared of Face Time at first and hid all but one eye in Amanda’s shirt but now she totally participates and loves to talk to Aunt Melissa and to wave to her. It’s almost more than Melissa can stand and she invariably laughs until she gets a lump in her throat and wants to cry because she’s so far from home. She loves Amanda’s babies so much. Annabeth blew numerous kisses to her last night and even told her she loved her. (“LUH- do”) She even said something to her about “Jedus.”And that’s part of what had me reflecting during my quiet time this morning.
Annabeth thinks that the greatest part of getting ready for bed is rocking with Mommy and singing about “Jedus.” I love how her little mouth looks when she says His Name. I want them to love Him so much. That’s the one thing. The one thing I ask over and over and over. I don’t mean it’s the only thing I ever ask but it’s the only thing I ask like a broken record. If they – Keith, Amanda, Curtis, Jackson, Annabeth, Colin, and Melissa and others of our family yet to come – and I love Jesus, and I mean really love Jesus, everything else will be okay. I am convinced of that. We can get through virtually anything on love. I often ask God to spare my dear family of tragedy but not to spare us of His glory. Tragedies do sometimes come but we must never think for a moment that they’ve come lightly. We must steady our reeling selves to the anchor beyond the veil and know, when we know nothing else, that somehow, some way, glory must have been at stake.
I hope your Saturday is, at least in some way, a sabbath to you. I finished yet another Wendell Berry novel this morning and let the time pass without much notice. I finished a book last week that simply said, “Stop hurrying so much.” And I’ve been trying to practice that. Even both dogs are sound asleep right now which is no small wonder, especially as I spy a squirrel at the bird feeder in our back yard. Shoot. I might go back to bed myself.
On second thought, I’m starving here. When on earth will somebody around this house go to the grocery store???
Ahhhh…isn’t an empty day a glorious thing? It just stretches wide out in front of you like a big, bright, blue sky. Thank you for your post. It reminded me to savor my Saturday as well. Blessings!
I still love hearing my sons (7 &10) talk about and to Jesus. After a long line of dysfunction and broken families it is a healing balm to a family line to hear the praises of the Savior on the lips of the next generation! May He be glorified by this line He has chosen to redeem!!
I love you, Beth. Thanks for sharing.
Well, I went to the grocery store today just to grab a few things. I’m making some homemade vegetable soup with homemade garlic-cheese rolls. Maybe I could air-mail some to you. 🙂
Hope you found something to eat and that you have a wonderful and restful weekend!
Take care,
Karen
Missed you, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for writing, Beth. I missed you 🙂
I was able to go to the taping of Life Today and it was wonderful. God did such a sweet thing for me. I had come to the taping by myself from Colorado, but as I was waiting in line for the doors to open I got adopted. A group of ladies from Denton Texas took me in like we had known each other all our lives. I struggle a little with belonging and I think this was God’s way of saying you belong here. It blew me away. God is so good.
Please if anybody is reading this I need urgent prayer for my marriage. Please pray for us.
You’ve got it.
Beseeching the Father even now.
Praying now! You’re not anonymous to our awesome God, know that many will pray for you this evening.
Praying right now!
Praying for you right now!
You are covered sister, healing blessings!
Yes we will pray!
Father i lift this love one up to you. God draw near to her as she is hanging on by a thread. Lord give her wisdom and discernment. Let her feel you presence in a mighty way. Place a hedge around her family, protect her from the enemy as he seeks to destroy her marriage. Lord remind her that You are there, give her the courage to rest in You. Heal this family, make Your power known to all those involved. Bring restoration! May your Glory be raised as she hold up the banner of trusting in You. In the one who Saves Jesus
Praying
praying for you and your marriage. i pray most of all that you and your husband’s individual relationships with Jesus would be so full of unfailing love that His love would spill over onto each of you.
Dear Father,
We come to you in the precious name of Jesus. Actually we come boldly bursting into your throne room because Jesus said we could. We don’t have to be afraid as the subjects of old did wonder if you will raise your scepter and gives us the thumbs up or thumbs down either sparing or taking our life. We clearly already have the thumbs up before we ever stand before.
Father we ask you to intercede on behalf of our dear anonymous siesta who I am going to call Siesta 4:48 since that is the time of her post. You know her full name, her husband’s name and you know every pain of her heart and event the salt content of ever tear. You know all about Siesta 4:48–you see her–her plight is not forgotten before you. You Are the God who sees, who hears and who is able to respond.
Would you do what only You can do Father? Let’s face it when we try ever so hard to make things better, we often don’t–BUT that isn’t the case with You. You can do the impossible and You can heal and restore hope. Would you do that for Siesta 4:48? Would you do the impossible for her and her husband? Would you bring healing and hope to their marriage? Would you get a hold of her, of him and so radically change them that when people look at them, they see You and your transforming grace and glory?
Father, you tell us that apart from you we can’t do anything John 15, but You God through us can do anything Phil 4. Father, do what only You can do!
Siesta 4:48 God loves you! He sees you! He hears you! He knows you by your very name. We are all doomed Jesus if you don’t show up in our lives and work to do what only you can do. But some days, like today Siesta 4:48 is more aware of that and more desperate for you. Would you show up and minister to her today in special way? Would you make Yourself so clear that she can’t miss You even if she tried? Jesus heal her and heal her husband. Draw them close to You. Heal their marriage. Let them live in the transforming grace of Your love.
Of course!!
Lord, You are able! I ask that You come near and be this dear sister’s Strength and Shield, a very Present Help in her time of trouble. Lord, may Your will be done in this marriage. Bring help and hope and healing! We pray in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Friend.
Been there just like you, prayer is the answer out of it! Prayer warrior on duty.
Praying as I see this now!
Praying right now…
Praying.
I can if I want to.. check out the blog & there you are!
I love to laugh & cry at the same time .. you seem to have a way of making me do that! Just imagining that sweet baby girl saying “Jedus” just makes me cry! My Prayer, too, has been that we will love Him.. really love Him! As our family continues through a very challenging season filled with many opportunities to learn to trust Him more, depend on Him totally, see just how Great is His Faithfulness & wait for His Glory to be revealed.. He is answering that prayer! I thank Him for you as a mentor & BFF! Just got my ticket for B’Ham.. can’t wait! See you then!
Oh how I so agree and trying to live it out that you can get through virtually anything with love…
In His love which never fails,
michelle in VT
I’m so glad you decided to get on here. I signed up for Twitter & it is ok but this is so much better. Thank you for spending some of your quiet day on us. My daughter moved to your beloved state from OK and we skipe periodically. It is funny but at least I can see the grandkids!
Enjoy your time off work, you deserve it & I for one so appreciate your hard work. You are a blessing to me.
Love you,
Lawan
Phil 4:8
I couldn’t agree more. There is no comparison between Twitter and an active blog community of Jesus seeking women. No comparison. I like it just fine but I love this.
I’m glad that you ‘wanted to,” but I believe God “wanted you to,” because He knew I “needed to” have the last two lines of the 6th paragraph. He is working in me fiercely and powerfully and the work isn’t done. But it will all end in His glory. Thank you for letting Him use you for a mouthpiece.
Blessings.
“I want them to love Him so much. That’s the one thing. The one thing I ask over and over and over. I don’t mean it’s the only thing I ever ask but it’s the only thing I ask like a broken record. If they and I love Jesus, and I mean really love Jesus, everything else will be okay. I am convinced of that. ”
Oh, Beth! Do I hear you loud and clear on this one. I have 5 daughters (ages 12, 11, 9, 6, 2) and my deepest, most passionate prayer for them is that they will come to know and love Jesus at an early age and grow up to love and serve Him all their lives and never stray. When they were infants and I would nurse them to sleep in the rocker, I would weep as I would pray this over them. It is my heart’s deepest desire. As of right now, the four oldest have come to know Jesus (3 of them at my knee and one in Sunday School). We’ll have to wait a few years for the 2-year old. 🙂 I homeschool my girls and tell my friends that the two most important goals I have as a Mom regarding my girls are to lead them to Jesus and teach them how to read and write and manage money. If I accomplish that for all 5 of them, my life will have been well spent. The four oldest read and write and love Jesus, so I’m well on my way. Can’t wait for the 2-year old to reach those milestones.
Thanks for writing! It was good to hear from you!
What a good mommy you are! You blessed my heart with your post!
So glad to hear from you! You are a blessing!
Beth, I love you because you are unpredictable and so very funny. The last comment was hilarious! I’ve just been to Super Target for the 3rd time in 3 days, and I still need bread. I love being a blonde, but I hate being blonde, if that makes sense.
Keep on resting, woman!
Blessings to you and your precious family,
Lisa
Hi, Beth
It was comforting to ‘hear your voice’ on the blog today. When you talk to us like this it always feels like we’re on a pleasant stroll with you, just passing the time of day by sharing the little stories that make up our day-to-day lives.
Here’s my little tale. My 3 year old granddaughter came to her mom this week and said, “I’m sad.” When my daughter asked “Why are you feeling sad?” she said, “Because I can’t feel God in my heart.”
Her mom asked her if she wanted to pray about it and, so they did.
After a short prayer together, my granddaughter got a big smile on her face, danced around in a circle and shouted, “He’s back!” and ran off to play.
So simple, so trusting. So full of joy!
And Beth, please always remember, as hard as the work of taping is, the blessings are multiplied over and over by those of us who are taught by you on Life Today.
Love you
Margie
How precious from the mouths of little children!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Margie!:)
I’m not Beth, but oh, you must love your granddaughter, precious!
I’m 14, so not quite the same season of life, but I’ve done Daniel and am in the middle of Patriarchs, Beth is such a blessing! I know this story was about your granddaughter, but I think everyone needs to hear to keep reading the Bible and studying even when you can’t feel God in your heart. Sometimes we won’t feel Him when we ask to, but when we don’t He is still watching you and holding you in the palm of His all encompassing hands, the times when we don’t feel His presence,those are the times when our trust in God increases. I’m praying for your family.
Your sista in Christ
AmyLynn
I love it, Margie!! What a fun story! It brought to my mind a funny thing that happened when my oldest was four. I had to wear a heart monitor for a couple days. I explained it to my kids by saying it was like a picture was being taken of my heart for the doctors. (I think it was) my oldest, Boaz, who straightaway chimed in, “Then the doctor will get to see Jesus!”
–Because he’d been taught that Jesus lives in our hearts : )
(I think that’s what I miss most about that age – all the adorable quips and quotes).
We love you Beth glad you got to sleep in you deserve it seista mama. I loved your post I can if I want to that was to cute. Thank you for spending sometime with us seista’s have a great weekend. I wanted to get an I Phone
But I am with verizon so they havre the droid x thats the one I have. I would appreciate your all’s prayers I am flying to Florida Monday for a 6 day time away I take care of my mama and I have the okay to go away for a while. I just had a new little niece born a week ago and then one that was born 2 months ago so I get to go see some babies and family that I have not seen for awhile provided I can get up the courage to get on the plane. So I would appreciate some prayers I leave early Monday morning . Thanks to all of you
Carol
Just last night in the “wee hours” I was praying for my family – after a time of random almost incoherent begging I sensed the Lord asking me “what is it you really want?” My answer was “Oh Father I want them to love you – love you first most and best! Love you always! Just LOVE you.” So you can imagine how I enjoyed your comment about asking over and over like a broken record that your family will love Jesus. From one broken record to another – we’ll just keep on playing and praying 🙂
You are so cute, Beth!!! Glad you had some time to share today! Thank you for that: “If they[/we all]…really love Jesus, everything else will be okay”. That does sound like the best thing to pray for consistently!! I’m going to start praying that for all of my family also!! And yes, today is a Sabbath for my husband and myself! Took a walk, pulled a few weeds (felt good to do that!) Working on some projects – all in a ‘let’s enjoy this’ attitude! May you all continue to have a blessed weekend!!
love, Barb
Hi Beth:)
Enjoy your break, but hopefully not too much!:) I don’t know what all of us would do without you writing Bible studies:)
Thanks for sharing about your family. A day off is a blessing, time to read, catch up on some zzz’s, go seeing sights, whatever you want. I’m 14, busy with school, but i’m doing the Patriarchs and LOVE it! I did Daniel over the summer and had a couple weeks until I started the Patriarchs.
The weirdest weeks of my life! It’s like I had all this free time, which I liked, but there was something missing, now whenever there’s a break when we don’t watch the video for 2 weeks I go crazy, nothing like getting back in the routine,
don’t over work yourself:)
Your little siesta
AmyLynn
What a treat Beth, to get a post from you! My eyes just welled up with tears when you wrote about Annabeth pronouncing his name “Jedus”. I am raising 4 girls and when they were old enough to say HIS name it was the most precious thing to me. Its my prayer too that all my girls and their future husbands and children love him too. I’ve told them that.. told them that no matter what … that is ALL I desire for them
How’s that for a legacy?
One of my favorite memories is of my youngest when she was two, singing with me the beautiful hymn “I go to the garden”. I sang it to them almost every night and this particular night she was determined to sing it by herself and quite emphatically told me to let her sing alone. It went something like this:
I go to da gahden awone….
while da dooo is still on da woses…
and da voice I heah fawing on ma ewer..
da son of God ignores us……
I swear I heard a Holy shout of laughter……
Love you Beth, I’m praying for you.
Heidi
That just put the icing on a wonderful day. How precious! I heard every note of it.
Oh my goodness!! I could hear it myself. Thank you…all of you for sharing your stories of children. I really miss not having them…the prospects are pretty bleak given my 56 years and my husband’s 63. But, we’ve known children in our home and others for 14 years when I was a Nanny.
A couple of the sweetest times were with a little boy who was potty training and as requested by his parents, when he asked to go, we moved swiftly to the bathroom where he would sit and contemplate…”nope, I think I need more training” or “it doesn’t work”.
I need another baby or two in my life:o,
Oh so fun to sing along so sweet til I got to the “punch line!” God was slapping His knee and Jedus was rolling out of His chair laughing I am certain of it.
It has rained here all day, so I am just finishing Mary Beth Chapman’s book. What a “good” day for a cry. I wonder how that dear family stays put together?
I especially feel so hurt for Will Franklin. I will never forget him. He is so fortunate to have a family like the Chapmans.(Especially his mom and dad)
Good to hear from you Beth. You are missed….Rebecca
Rebecca, wasn’t that a great book! I laughed, I cried and as my heart broke for the Chapmans, Mary Beth healed it. I love this family, what an inspiration to all of us.
It is so hard for me to fathom the love the Chapman family have for each other. My heart breaks for all of them. Did you notice how they called Maria’s body a shell when she was buried? That has so stuck with me. Thank you for sharing this with me…Rebecca
I JUST finished Mary Beth’s book 15 minutes ago. I just want to give her a hug that never ends…
Thank you so much for that. I loved the thought that when we go through something we can know “that glory must have been at stake”. He is so worth it.
Thank you for thinking of us and taking the time to update us- we appreciate it- if it is allowed, would you share with us the topic of your new series on Life Today and when it will air? Blessings, peace and rest dear Sister in Christ
I went with my daughters to a beach on the Gulf in FL. It was glorious. But it was made all the more glorious by a group of Spanish speaking young adults singing a contemporary Christian song praising our Wonderful God. For the first time in many, many years my oldest daughter was able to help me walk the beach (I only have two joints left below my waist). It was only through God’s grace I’m able to enjoy times like this. God has blessed me this summer by having my two daughters move from MO to FL to live in the apt. building next to mine. I stand in complete awe at the love and graciousness my Heavenly Father bestows on me.
I hope you enjoy your sabbath with Him as much as I have.
Amen! I pray that constantly for my daughter and her future siblings. Please let them love you Jesus. And while you’re at it, let me love you more!!
Beth, I agree that AB’s age is one of my favorite ages as well. I have a 3 children (ages 9,4 and 2). My 4 year old and 2 year old go around the house singing Jesus Loves over and over again. I LOVE IT!!
We usually spend our Saturdays catching up on yard work, however, not today. Today is our 11 year wedding anniversary and we have spent the day with our kids, having a lot of family time.
Thanks for sharing.
Beth our church had a women’s retreat this weekend and the theme “Life: One Hundred Fold”. WOW! Thank you for this study I walked away this afternoon feeling so encouraged and ALIVE — I want God’s word to be life for me in every area (even those areas of unturned ground). I have not had a morning quiet time for sometime now – but that cycle is about to be broken – I miss my time with the Lord. I AM A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE — I WILL TREASURE THE WONDER — PROTECT MY HEART — EXPECT THE TEST — DIG THE ROOTS –STOP THE CHOKE — RETAIN THE WORD — PRESS FORTH –TO MY ONE HUNDRED FOLD HARVEST!!!!!!
I was so excited to hear from you! Miss you but completly understand, can’t wait for James! Aren’t those Saturdays just fabulous! I even like the way it makes Friday night feel….just knowing Saturday is coming!
Yay!! Love that you wanted to talk to us today! Glad you had a day to rest. I’ve had a pretty much do nothing day except watch college football which I love! Still doing it as a matter of fact. I also pray that prayer for my precious family…that they will all love and serve Jesus! Praying for you and Melissa as you continue to write the James study. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
love you,
Martha
Beth, I so agree and pray exactly the same for my family and me. Let the love for Jesus run so deeply that the passion is unrelenting and directs every step of our lives. Our precious ladies group just started the revised Breaking Free. We are so fired up! Everyone is encouraging each other knowing we will all be transformed from glory to glory by studying these scriptures and accepting the freedom God so generously offers. Oh to know Him more! Can’t wait to see you, Priscilla and dear Kay in Birmingham.
Patty, Our bible group is also doing Breaking free. I love it!! At times it’s been very difficult but I know God isn’t willing to bring up hurts he’s not willing to heal.
Amen Angie! Today I sat under our big oak tree and studied day three of week two – satisfaction. Oh me. Very moving. Our Jesus provides all the satisfaction our brains can comprehend or our hearts can hold ~ the living water, the Holy bread so filling we will never be hungry again. Glory!!! I’ll pray for your group and you pray for mine. It’s exciting, isn’t it??
Hi Beth!
I am enjoying a delightful rainy day here in Central California! It is such a nice transition from the heat wave that we had through most of October. I am ready for the fall!!! Speaking of, I just hauled out most of my winter clothes from storage (in the rain mind you!) and am excited to wear long sleeves to church tomorrow! Silly I know but it is the details that God blesses us with that I am needing to rejoice in right now. It is helping me to keep my mind on what is true rather than worry about what is not for me to know. I’ve been diagnosed with a sickness that I need to make a decision regarding treatment about. I’m scared but if this, then Jesus.
So happy that you are having a relaxing day. Thanks for telling us about AB and Jedus! Love it!!
May Jesus make your best course of treatment so obvious to you, Bethany. I pray healing is in your next breath. We care so much.
Thank you Beth. I need the body of believers in a way that I’ve not up to this point and it is sweetness to my heart to know that I have amazing support and prayer coverage from so many in so many areas both here at home and around the nation!
Your comment of praying healing in my next breath is too significant to not comment on….my illness is in my lungs. My God really cares, dosen’t He?!!
Oh, my word. Well, you see, that builds up my faith, too. I love Him so much. He always knows.
Bethany,
I needed to come back and tell you I am praying. God be with you.
Also keeping up on the playoffs!!!! GO GIANTS!!!!!!!
Wasn’t it a great game????? So glad they won!!!
Yes!!! World Series here we come!!!
Beth,
What a blessing your post is to me today! I too pray that my family will love Jesus more than anything. And I know that it will be ok as long as we do. Our life for the past 5 years or so has been so crazy and so many things have happened but I trust that God has a purpose in every trial. I’m continuing to pray for you as you write the James study. We are doing the Revelation study right now and I am loving it! Some serious stuff in that book but every lesson leaves me with so much on my mind to think about. It is great! It is so good to hear from you. Love you siesta!
Will you share the title of the book that says to “stop hurrying so much?” I NEED to read it. 🙂
Darla if she lets you know will you post it or email me. I’d like to know too. Thanks. : )
Just got back to Texas Rangers’ (World Series, here we come) land after anything but a lazy Saturday of cherished memories with my oldest, who will soon be a graduate of Baylor University. This was the first time that I have gotten to share Homecoming weekend with her at her cherished Baylor. Several times I caught myself soaking in the goodness of the close relationship that Jesus has given me with her and how thankful I am for all that He’s given me.
When I read about all the time and work that you devote to Wednesdays with Beth, I felt that I had to tell you how thankful I am. I get so much out of those broadcasts and can’t tell you the number of times that I’ve watched with tears streaming down my cheeks because I felt my Lord speaking directly to me through you. I’ve bought copies of the broadcasts and watch them over and over, learning and receiving from them each time. I can’t begin to thank you for all that they’ve meant to me.
Thank you for sharing your life and your Lord with us!
That helps so much, Judy. Encouragement to press on! Jesus is so good. May He return that encouragement back to you.
I love you, Beth. Thank you. Somehow I just needed to ‘hear’ from you.
Love and holy hugs!
It was great to hear from you today. There is nothing like sleeping in on a Saturday morning and savoring that first cup of coffee. I believe Jesus did the same thing when he woke up… 🙂
My nine year old is in a singing group with her school. She sang tonight at a Church service. Oh what thrilled my soul to see my daughter clapping and singing about Jesus. I felt content with the spirit.
Enjoy your weekend siestas.
Shannon
This has been a wonderful, relaxed Saturday. I had the sweetest quiet time this morning, and it made my whole day peaceful and bright.
I love the marinara/maranatha play on words….. so cute!
Love and hugs,
Adrienne
You are such a loving encouragement to me, Beth. I love you. Thank you for just being you.
Hilary
Thanks Beth for sharing about your “down-time” day! That’s what I’ve always called days like you had today! I need them badly, yearn for them even more, yet they are few and far between! When my kids were little I told them I needed a little “down-time”. Wasn’t long and they were always making fun of mom and her much needed “down-time”. Nothing was ever planned for my “down-time” except just the unplanned. Maybe a little reading, a little tv, a little porch-sittin’, a little talkin’ with Jesus time. Time where no one hollered, “mama”. Now as I’m in my mid-50’s I don’t need the “down-time” as much as I once did (during my mama days) but when I actually get it – it is glorious! So thankful you had a “down-time” day!
Love you much!
Mammy
Beth, What a nice surprise to hear from you!!! I just “checked” the blog just in case and you were there!! Thanks for checking in, love hearing from you. You do sooo much good and have such a positive influence on so many people you aren’t even aware! Many blessings to you and your family! Love you, Rachel
Thank you Beth!
We had an “open” day here too…so we picked up a playset for our 2 little grandkiddos!! I’m more excited than they are!
I’ve only checked here on Tues…but tho’t I’d check tonight, just in case, and I’m so glad I did! I’m in a place to have to make some decisions, and to some it may seem that I’m not as in love with “Jedus” (love that!!) like I ought to be. But I’m wondering if in my decision-making, He wants to get me to a place where I truly know how much I love Him. Not sure if that makes sense, I’m just trying to make sense of where I am and where I’m supposed to be heading!
Love you tons Beth!!
Hope you enjoyed the rest of your Saturday, too! There is a reason that the Lord commands us to rest. We all need it – mind, body and soul. Thanks for checking in on all of us!
PS – I LOVE that you wear hats when you talk to Melissa! That is too funny!
Beth,
I know that all of your speaking and writing the studies takes up so much of your time, but please be encouraged that all of your work is not in vain. I viewed Session 4 of your Esther study earlier this week, and it was so HUGE to me – the timing of your words was beyond coincidental. I just now have to work at moving them from my head to my heart where they are so desperately needed as I work through a lot of connected stuff related to them.
I wish there were extra pages for notes, since there’s not a spare inch of room left on the video session’s page…
Thank you.
Beth – I often wonder how you do all those tapings – I mean I know it’s Jesus IN you, but what intense work! I sometimes think of you as the Energizer Bibby.
Today was the first Saturday I’ve been home in 3 weeks, and I went and picked up Zeke on my way home from work yesterday (Friday) afternoon and brought him home to spend the night. My man was deer hunting, so it was just me and Zeke. I had bought a cake pan in the shape of a big farm tractor, so we made the cake and had the best time. He was beside himself (and all that sugar just added to the zeal).
Then while he was napping today I cooked a birthday dinner for my youngest son who turned 26 yesterday. I fixed pot roast, hashbrown casserole, black-eyed peas, rutabegas (his favorite – yes), and homemade buttermilk biscuits. My whole family came and they all just left a little while ago.
I am slap worn out – but it’s a good tired as I’ve sat and thought about the blessing of just being with family this weekend. Zeke and I read so many books last night and then we always have to sing “Our God” as he calls it – which is Chris Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God.” He will say, “Sing Our God Gwan Jan.” You better know it – I’ll sing it till I’m about asleep myself.
Which is where I’m headed now! It did my heart good to see this post from you.
Love you friend,
GJ
This was so fun, GJ! Girl, are we living the same season, or what?? We all had church together and a quick bite of lunch and the kids are coming back over in a few hours so their parents can go see Secretariat. It is so good! Hope you have a great nap! I surely do love you, too.
Well i spent the day at an oil painting workshop. had lots of fun and didnt paint so bad if i do say so myself!! went out to lunch with the ladies in class after: french dip made of delicate prime rib with au jus sauce. yummyyy!! thats what i did. a great day! and i thank god for these blessings!
What a treat to open my mailbox and see a post! Thank you for taking the time to connect – and for reminding us to always be in prayer for our loved ones.
I’ll look up Wendell Berry, but what book told you to “stop hurrying so much”?! I need that reminder!
Oh, they are singing “God Bless America” at the ball game. Need to stop and wipe the tears! (That was a “look, there’s a bunny rabbit” moment – sorry)
Love you, Beth!
With love from Beth
My husband and I went to church with two good friends this evening. Our church is studying the Our Father. I am learning a lot! It was warm here in Wildwood, MO for October, but still a beautful day from God. Thanks for sharing your thoughts today Beth.
Hi Beth,
Thank you for your post. I am always either encouraged or laughing -or both- when I read what you so wonderfully write. Had a day to myself as well today.
Isn’t that the one thing that we want the most for those we love – and even those we don’t- to love Jesus with all their hearts?
Our 17 year old son ‘became’ a Christian at the end of last school year and was baptized this past Sunday. Of his choosing. Or should I say of HIS choosing. There is no greater moment then seeing your son make this decision with his heart….so blessed. I pray that he continues with his desire to grow and be in the Word daily….live his life for Him!
Thank you for all you do!
Blessings!