Good morning, Sweet Things! I’ve sure had you on my mind this morning. I just got back from a long brisk walk with Star and took in the wonder of God through stormy thick clouds and heavy winter winds. (Think South though. Everything’s relative here.) I had planned to work out on my equipment in the garage but once I saw the cool wind whipping the leaves off the trees, I couldn’t resist getting out in it. I thought I just might feel a hint of God in that great northern and I did. I told Him how mighty I think He is and how wonderful. How capable He is of doing utterly anything. How nothing is impossible for Him. Then I asked Him certain things and, even though I don’t know exactly how He will answer, I know that He will indeed answer.
Oh, Sisters, we are among the most blessed people on this planet. Do you know today how blessed you are?? We have the King of the universe to look to and to be loved by. He planned for each of us before the foundation of the world and even chose the works we would do in His great name. (Eph. 2:10) He intentionally set us in our generations and planted us with divine purpose in our parts of the earth. (Acts 17:24-27) I am amazed by Him this morning.I don’t want to take divine intervention for granted. We – you and me – are the stuff of miracles. Even to discern the living, breathing voice of God through His written Word is a wonder.
I am anxious to hear from you through today’s Talk To Me Tuesday topic! I’d like to know about a time when you were desperate for divine wisdom in a particular area (whether relational, work, ministry, or otherwise) and you had no idea what to do. You sought God and you received wisdom that you are certain only He could have given you. For all you women who have walked with God for ten or more years, one thing I’ve noticed on this blog is that we are actively mentoring our young women whether we realize it or not. We have many college-age women in this community as well as a number of high school girls that post comments often. Have you seen them on there? It blesses me every time! They are looking to us to help them learn how, among other things, to hear from God and discern direction. Share today (as succinctly as possible!!) how you received wisdom from God to do something that you know you wouldn’t have figured out any other way. This is not limited to all of us mentor types, however. Scripture proves through examples like Samuel and David and Timothy that God speaks to the young as well as the old.
Talk to me, Siestas! When have you lacked wisdom, petitioned God earnestly for it, and known without a doubt you received it?
PS. I almost forgot! If you used one of your Siesta’s recipes for Thanksgiving, tell her, too!
Pam
Campbellsburg In
This time last year I had no hair was taking Chemo had had a mastectomy. God was there every step of they way. He gave me great Dr’s family and friends . There is NO doubt in my mind it was all from God. One example one morning as I was waiting for a pet scan the young man taking care of me ask if I’d like to listen to the radio ( I had to lay an hour before the scan after the injection) He loved K-Love station and turned it on. How cool was that. The plastic surgon (which I’ve not had reconstruction yet that is on my do I need this do I want this list asking God) anyway she is a breast cancer survior !!! Just on and on for a year it has been. I am well now and have hair again but I have sureley been on a ride by the Grace of God. That is Great Grace isn’t it.
If there is anyone going Through that right now Just know that God is right there holding your and guiding you and you can do it !!!
The recipie I used I didn’t take the proper information to remember whose it was but it was early on in the list of the left over turkey soup. You used the broth off the turkey and a can of cream of chicken soup cut up turkey and cans of green chilies and shreaded cheese Yum. My daughter in law and I mixed it up that night and had it ready to just heat up after we shopped 🙂 Yum
Love you all and love this blog
Thank You Beth Moore 🙂
Wonderful testimony, Pam. So Glad God has helped you get better. What a sweet spirit in the Lord!
Thank you Joyce. I am amazed everyday when I look back at that journey 🙂 God is so good.
My choice of college. I had applied to 7 my senior year and had been accepted to 6. The decision was up in the air between Drake University in DSM, IA and Wheaton. I hadn’t heard yet from Wheaton until New Year’s Eve when we got home from vacation. I had been praying to God to make the decision for me. “Make it abundantly clear where I’m supposed to go, Lord! If I get into both, I don’t know how I’ll make the decision!” As grace would have it, I was rejected by Wheaton, became a Drake bulldog and met my husband in the church that we were both attending. How else could a California girl meet up with an Iowan farm boy when they went to separate colleges in the first place? God had provided him a job near our church and a friend recommended my church to him. It has now become OUR church because of HIS goodness!
Good Morning Beth and Siestas!
One of the times I sought God’s wisdom and revelation was through my season of cancer. The doctor who told me I had cancer was also the doctor who after telling me that proceeded to tell me the process of what I would go through and that he would have to amputate my leg. He gave me no hope. I went home unsettled with that and I began to pray and seek God’s will on this. I sought out my family and church family for their prayers. God gave me the wisdom to seek another doctor and another hospital in Nashville. I told my first doctor that and he wasn’t pleased with my decision but I knew that God was bigger than that and God led me to a wonderful doctor who looked at my x-rays, my reports and said, this is manageable. God gave me peace about my decision and praise God he healed me and saved my leg!
I may have to “tweak” this a little bit because even though God has always been faithful in giving me wisdom when I needed it, in this particular instance, it’s more like he gave me a “divine understanding.”
A few months ago, our Women’s ministry hosted an event and I was helping clean up afterwards. Our church has a very large cross complete with stakes that is occassionally put up on stage and it was up that particular evening as well. Another lady and I moved the cross from the stage to backstage for storage and when we set it down, I sighed and said “whew, that cross is heavy!”
I instantly froze and was speachless after that. What a divine moment when God spoke to me through what I thought were just simple words but He turned them into one of the most powerful realizations I’ve ever had. I thought to myself “I just have no idea how heavy that cross really is!”
Thank you Jesus for carrying that cross for me!
Hmmm…I seeking God’s wisdom in so many areas right now. A relationship, overcoming strongholds, and looking completely to God right now for wisdom. But you know what He’s teaching me? To trust Him even when I don’t know all the details right now. And that is hard for me. Because I want to know, oh how I want to know how everything will turn out before I step out and trust and risk. But God is saying that I need to risk first, seek Him first, step out in faith first, and then and only then the answers will come. So…that’s what I’m doing. I’d like to say I’m handling it well but that would be a lie. I’m like an emotional and spiritual roller coaster. One day, I’m good. Then the next, a total mess. OK, I’m a total mess most of the time but some days are worse than others 😉 Just asking Him every second to give me wisdom, peace, joy, and to be my Guide.
That’s *I’m* seeking. Good grief 🙂
Hee hee. 🙂
I’ve gone on the record here about being in a season of extreme doubt, but this is one of the things that keeps me coming back to figure IT all out because I can’t ignore it.
When I was 16 and foolish and difficult(is there any other type of 16?) I moved out from my parents home and into my grandparents -800 miles from my parents home. The afternoon of the move I was left alone for a few hours in my grandparents home, and I laid down on the floor and sobbed. After enough wailing I heard, “Be still.” That was for me, comfort, strength and everything else. It seemed so real, I still hope that it was.
I was desperate for divine wisdom about whether to go to grad school and get a Ph.D. or whether to go teach for Teach for American in Detroit. Both acceptance letters came the same day, and I was stuck. At that moment, a wise, older woman called and said that God had given me a gift with language and poetry, and I needed to go to graduate school to “fan into flame” that gift. I chose the Ph.D. and knew that God had led me with that wisdom. http://www.livewithflair.blogspot.com
Some specific time I asked for wisdom and know that I received it. Well, when I was unsure about what my spiritual gift(s)are (was unsure about that for way too long!) I told an older woman that I was frustrated after one of your conferences cause I really don’t know what God is calling me to do. I can’t “fan into flame” anything cause I didn’t know what I was supposed to be doing! I kind of suspected it, but was still unsure, but she flat out told me, “Shellie, you have the gift of teaching! God is preparing you to teach!” It was so obvious to her and apparently many others who had been trying to hint at it with me for months. I don’t work that way. You just have to tell me, mostly because that was the one gift I DIDN’T want. I’d picked up on the hints, but pretended that’s not really what they were saying and that’s not really what God was saying. It’s been more than two years since then and as you so beautifully pointed out in Spokane “Some of you are supposed to be teaching!” Ouch! It’s way past time! God made that clear to me, too, but I’m still scared half to death. I did volunteer to teach a Sunday School class, though, the very next day at my church. And I’m attempting to write a devotional book. (I’m still scared half to death, just for the record)
Joyce Meyer always says do it afraid. 🙂
Thanks! I’ve been meaning to read some of her stuff! The only thing I’ve ever heard her say that has stuck in my head is “stinkin’ thinkin’! And, boy do I have a lot of that!
Thanks for the Word.
Here is my practical example: My firstborn was having weird symptoms and nursing seemed off somehow, but I had looked for answers and couldn’t find any. I prayed about the issues and I was literally led to the answer. No doubt God ordered my steps and provided the answer that helped him and then also my subsequent children!
(I did try the turkey roasting method posted here from living on a dime.)
Blessings,
Corrie
Several years ago, my husband became very discontented in his job. God showed us He was up to something when one day “out of the blue,” we received a phone call asking us if were willing to sell our not on the market duplex. We ran the numbers and coincidently the sale would pay off all our debt. So, we started to prepare for radical changes in our careers.
Because of a variety of things that were happening in our life at the time, we believed God wanted us to pursue to be a short-term, foreign missionary family. During our preparation, the company heard my husband was quitting his job. They contacted him and explained they wanted to hire him as a CFO, a position my husband desired for a very long time. This job would require us to move to an area totally out of our comfort zone also. Now we had two good things to chose from, and we needed God to show us which one was the best for our family.
The interview and the acceptance of our missionary application were going to happen around the same time. We prayed for two weeks before going to the interview. We asked that not only would the job be a good fit if it was offered, but that we would find a place to serve in a church. There were only two Christian churches in this 3,000 people town. At the same time, we were studying H. Blackaby’s Experiencing God. In faith, we believed and applied the principle that whatever happened first was God’s answer.
During the interview and our short stay in this small town, God confirmed He wanted us in that town by answering both parts of our prayer. He used several “unexplainable” circumstances, ones that would make your jaw drop. The confirmation of the missionary application happened five days later. By the way, God has allowed us to serve on two two-week missionary trips, one to Honduras, just my husband and I, and the other to Argentina as a family.
Praise and glory be to God Almighty!
Oooooh, yummy topic! I can’t wait to read the replies. Of course, I doubt I’m alone in thinking that I would LOVE to see a paragraph from Beth too! 🙂 Pretty please?
Oh I love this question. Only a few times in my life have a heard God speak in my heart quickly after asking Him for guidance. After many years of trying to get a degree, with moving around, time, money etc. I wasn’t able to get classes when I could take them. I was driving in a Target parking lot. Out Loud I said, God if you want me to have a degree I need you to make my schedule work. God right there told me, Erin for what I want you to do you don’t need a degree. Now for years I longed for a degree , everyone in my family has one. My immediate change of heart is one reason I know it was God speaking, right there in my car I felt such a release, peace and joy. I’m still thanking God for such clear direction and I continue to ask Him,,, God do you want me to keep this stuff, God do you want me to spend my time doing this…not always do I get as quick an answer , but over time I’m learning where God wants me to focus and go deep for this season in life.
Oh Beth – so many times!!! I really could write pages and pages. God really does do this – give wisdom when we ask for it. And I’ve asked ’cause boy oh boy I’ve needed! (I have 5 kids).
I had been betrayed by a dear friend a few weeks back and knew that I needed to bring this up in our relationship, but not being a ‘conflict-loving’ person, oh how I sought the Lord on how to go about it. What to say and when to say it. His Ways are so much better than mine!
Well, He gave me the perfect opportunity and led me so gently in my words. The conversation resulted in repentance and restoration and forgiveness. And seriously, had I handled it my way – trust me it would not have had that ending. I had been deeply, deeply hurt!
He graciously gave me the wisdom needed and He’s already been at work in my heart ahead of time.
To think that the Spirit of the All-Wise God lives in me. Hallelujah! I bow my knee.
Happy Tuesday Ladies!
Hi Beth, There are so many times that God has directed my path that I dont’ have room here to print them. Just right now in my life (after a season of battling breast cancer) God is working in our area to open a Christian counseling center. I’ve been serving on a local committee for this need and He has just shown up and blessed beyond measure. It was only after much prayer, reading of His Word and seeking and listening to Godly advisors that God has worked all of this out. If we will just be patient, He’ll handle everything we ever need. Like you said, the King of the universe if who we look to and are loved by.
KaRetha
P.S. I can’t wait until this weekend. We’ll be in Birmingham at Deeper Still. Looking forward to it!
I had an unhealthy relationship with food during high school in college. I would go on bizarre diets to lose weight – like the grapefruit and egg diet or eat only cabbage soup for days on end. The best was my hamburger and diet doctor pepper diet. One hamburger for lunch and one for dinner; and then loads of diet dr. pepper in between. No cheese on the burger and no mayo to make it low fat 😉 I was a yo- yo dieter with the worst eating habits, and a large measure of guilt in between the yo’s.
Finally I said, God please help me!! Help me to crave nutritious food and to eat like a normal person. I will do my part, but please help me and give me wisdom in this area of my life!!
I KNOW that God intervened on my behalf. 30 years later, I do eat normal portions and the majority of the time eat nutritious, sound foods. I do indulge occasionally, but will eat one piece of pie rather than think I need to finish off the whole pie. Plus, I no longer carry the guilt of good vs. bad foods. Only God my friends could heal that broken part of me.
Girl, this is the right culture for that testimony!
When past events, decisions and mistakes threatened to destroy my marriage I felt God’s hand on me. He guided me to a strong, Christian friend who offered me Godly wisdom that, I now see, only she could have had. She is such a blessing! And I’m so glad that I have enough Truth in me to let Him guide me over what seems “natural” to me.
I had been praying for God to lead me into ministry. You must know that I am not real hospitable but do have a great desire to open our home and help others. I had been praying for both and then was asked to lead the service side of our ladies ministry team. Shocked I needed conformation. I asked like Gideon several times and God prevailed each time, a note from a friend who I hadn’t talked to recently and had no idea what I had been praying for and praise from a friends husband on how nice it was to be in our home even when I forgot to offer him a drink right away.
I didn’t use a recipe but I did use the crock pot to keep my mashed potatoes warm, it was the least I have ever felt hosting a holiday dinner. When the guest arrived I made gravy and served the meal.
You know, I am trying not to write a whole book on here, but it is hard not to__but I am grateful for all Siesta Sisters and for this ministry. What a blessing it is to have friends_ so many sweet sisters in Christ.
As a Chrisitan there are things that I have learned and I am still learning. For one thing, God is sufficient for all our needs. Also, We can trust God in the midst of testing, trials and tribulations. God is able to use all situations and individuals to further His purpose for our lives. God will not fail us,but He is our Companion, Comforter and Protector.
As a young teen-ager I was undecided about alot of things in my life. I was very insecure, had low-esteem, and did not feel I was good enough. One Sunday a visiting preacher came to our church and said these words: When you decide to go to college ask God about a Christian college or where He wants you to go. When you are dating or thinking about marriage, ask God about who He wants you to date or marry and make sure you think the world of them. Ask God for all the decisions you might make and if you do not feel right about it_ wait and ask God before you do it. Read God’s Word and pray about it first. Have peace in your heart about things.
For some reason that stayed with me and I prayed about alot of the decisions I made, but if I had not been a Christian at the time I probably would have made a lot of mistakes.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
We are to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and with all our strength. Commit your way into the Lord.
These verses effected my life. I had to love God before I could get married. I chose a Christian college to go to, because that is where He wanted me to go. I trusted God to help me through when my mother died of cancer.
I am still trusting God with the future.
Lord, bless others that
You might conquer their fears,
comfort their hearts
and surround them with your love.
Bless those that are lonely,
those who have broken hearts,
those who hurt and need a friend.
Bless those that need your forgiveness
those who need your love
those who need your protection and care.
Thank you for those friends
who share in Your love
Those who strengthen others,
those who encourage and enrich our lives
Those who share in your blessings
those who share in prayer needs
Thank you God that
You love us and care for us
Help us love You more everyday!
~joyce~
I know that God intervened and made His will known to me almost two years ago. I’m sharing this in the hopes that someone will read this and know that if we seek Him and His will, He will direct our paths …without a doubt.
After 36 years of marriage, my husband quite suddenly made it clear to me, through both his actions and words, that he no longer wished to be married to me. I won’t underplay the emotions that followed, even to the point of questioning God and His purposes for my life.
I continued in prayer and waded through the tears and sorrow, amidst the feeling that there was no hope. I sought Christian counseling and prayer and continued trying to hold my head up high. After all, I thought, I was the “wronged” party and so I ended up in the lawyer’s office seeking a divorce. Everyone seemed to agree with this. Not one human being who counseled me suggested another course.
But the Great Counselor kept speaking to my heart. He gave me Ezekiel 36:26-27 to pray for my husband. He made known to me that I was to forgive him, not expecting anything in return. He also told me quite clearly that I needed to apologize to my husband for any wrongs that I had done to him over the course of our marriage.
None of this was in accord with my earthly counsel, or the state of my emotions. But at God’s command, I chose to obey all that He asked of me, and He answered the prayer that I had been sending up for month upon month. God gave my husband a new heart, just as my prayer from Ezekiel had asked. And, best of all, God put a new Spirit in him, and, for the first time, he professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
We have been reunited for 1½ years. Beth, I know, without a doubt, that God answered my prayers by directing my actions to conform to His will. He gave me the wisdom I sought, and by following His commands, He rewarded us both richly.
The God we serve is so full of wisdom and mercy!
As a pastor’s wife, we’ve had several situations when we thought God wanted us to serve in a different church. We cetainly did not want to make the wrong desicion and be out of God’s will. During those times of uncertainty we had to ask Him to give us a peace that only comes from Him and once I “put out a fleece” (unbeknownst to my husband) and God delivered in a mighty way that only He can.
I will be attending solo at Deeper Still in Birmingham, AL this weekend. If any Siestas are going and would like to get together…please let me know.
Thanks
Donna
[email protected]
Hi my friend, I have had several “seasons” that so required the long hugs and guidance of my Lord. My momma died when I was 9 and she was only 28 from a car accident that left me alone and on a journey in darkness for many years. Then, God showed me through forgiveness I could push through the darkness and use my journey to help others.
In 2006 my beautiful daughter, Katherine was told she had leukemia. David and I went daily to the Throne Room and cried in Jesus’ arms. Today, she is on the “other side of that dark mountain” walking in health and is an amazing 18 year old. She went through 880 days of chemo. Her interbody is worn out but She is one of the most beautiful things I have even seen with my eyes. David and I will celebrate her being cancer free for two years on December 18th.
Our family has been called to ministry to many families who fight the ugly beast called cancer. Katherine has climbed up in to numerous beds with dying teenagers and loves them as they pass on to the arms of Jesus. Many teenage friends don’t know what to do when it looks like they will only be healed through death. Katherine can look beyond no hair, mouth sores, crippled legs and yellow skin and see in their eyes they just want to be a teenager, so she gives them that opportunity.
This comment very well could turn into a novel so I will stop here. I will have the pleasure of sitting in Birmingham this weekend enjoying your smiling face. I cannot wait, it will be a weekend to relax, sing and soak up God’s word.
Love you to pieces Beth.
Hi – I’m enjoying this because over the years God has guided myself and my family so faithfully. I can identify with Donna (and I’m praying for you friend!) because right now we’ve been in God’s waiting room for provision/guidance about a matter for the last 8 months. We’re believing God that He’s up to something good because that is His character and He always HAS in the past.
Beth, again your topic is pertinent today. My life right now is one huge question mark. I need a job. Should I move? How should I be involved in ministry? I hope for a husband. I am desperate for divine wisdom.
I am hoping to hear from God at Deeper Still. I am anxious about going because the absence of a maternal influence in my life combined with the powerful ways God has touched me through your studies, seeing you in person but not being able to hug or meet you wreaked havoc with my emotions at SSMTC.
But I believe God wants me in AL-TN this week, and Chuck Swindoll had a great message today on faith. So I’m going to bring a good Charles Stanley book, my ipod, a bunch of tissues, and head on down to hear from God, trusting that His grace is sufficient for all my needs.
p.s. – and the most important thing – memory verses! Got to get me some key Scriptures for this trip!
Sounds like an amazing trip! I am so going to miss meeting you at DS this weekend! I wanted to go, but our church is putting on The Bethlehem Experience and my family is in it. {{hugs}}
Michele,
I do wish that I could be at the Deeper Still conference, I will tell you this, I will say a prayer for you that God will give you wisdom and point you to the path that you need to walk down.
Expect God to show up and provide that wisdom. Can’t wait to hear what God does.
Your Friend
Tracy
When I was in college I changed my major seven times. I struggled and struggled with what I was supposed to do with “the rest of my life”. I became a Christian while in college and deciding a major was one of the first BIG things I ever asked God to help me with. I prayed and prayed and kept feeling lost and empty. One day I finally said to God “Ok, I’m just gonna wait for you to tell me what to do…but until you do I am gonna keep doing what I’m doing.” Shortly after that a friend came to me and told me she was changing her major. She had been majoring in Elementary Education and her words to me were “I just can’t be a teacher. I am not compassionate and patient at the same time like you are. I don’t even like to learn.” That day I changed my major to Elementary Education and fell IN LOVE with teaching! I have been teaching for four years now and no matter how hard it gets I wake up every day excited that I get to hang out with the future of America all day long! I am so thankful that the Lord used the people around me to show me what I should be doing!
Love your story!
Thanks for your delicious pumpkin cheesecake recipe!
Georgine East from Austin, Texas
One of my favorite things is cheesecake, girl you out-did yourself. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Back in May of this year, I received a phone call asking if I would consider the pianist position at another church. I politely said, “Thanks, but no thanks — but just in case, let me pray about it.” I did, and began to feel the stirrings of the Holy Spirit. It was daunting, because to accept would mean loss of relationships, misunderstanding, and rejection — just to name a few. And so I prayed, sought Godly counsel and WAITED. And through that period of “white space,” God spoke: through His Word, through friends and family, through circumstances, through writings of Godly men and women. Fortunately, I was given time to make my decision — and God knew exactly how much time. I woke one morning and heard “Today!” And so I made the return call, told them I would move ahead with the process and I have now been at the new position for 4 full months. My heart still longs for “home” — my own church family, but in His great mercy, there is much healing as well as a sense of excitement knowing I am in His will. Indeed, He calls us forth from the beginning of time, yes, for such a time as today.
Honestly? I am asking Him right now (in bold and underline). We have some treacherous roads ahead that scare the life out of me, nearly. So Saturday, as I was talking it all out loud with Him, I distictly heard these words, which are simple, but they gave me courage to make it through the day (so glad He speaks in the midst of our trouble, aren’t you?): “Deal with the facts you’ve got and don’t dwell on the possibilities that might be.”
Perhaps they will bless you sisters, too! I will share more on this story on the other side of it (a month or two), for sure.
There have been many ways that God has spoken to me through the years, but of this I am sure: When He speaks, He does so in ways that I cannot miss it. I must acknowledge or ignore Him and thereby be responsible for my own choices – wise or not.
One instance it was almost audible – “There is something more you need to know.” So strange, so unreal, but so undeniable! Yes, there was more I needed to know, more that caused a great deal of pain but it also brought cleansing and healing. I was sure He was right there with me in the midst of all the tough stuff.
It does tend to be that “still small Voice,” does it not?
Oh Donna, I know your fear all too well while you wait for medical answers that seem to take forever. I have prayed for you this morning and I will continue to. I’m also praying that you have good christian women in your life to love you and support you. I had never been one to lean on other people in the past, but I do now. I believe that is part of God’s plan. Praying for your healing……God is good all the time.
I had a job situation that I prayed months for. It was exhausting and confusing and frustrating. I had no idea why God had brought it to me when I was so happy where I was. I just couldn’t find peace about what to do and prayed numerous times for God to give me a definite no if it wasn’t His plan. And to close the door if it wasn’t supposed to happen. My prayer was answered in a definite no that was obvious. In fact, it was so obvious it took me back a little. I remember talking to my Dad about it, in shock at the obvious no I received, and he said “well, you’d asked for a no and you got it. And this time it came like a brick through a window. You asked for an answer and you got it for sure.” It took some processing, but I was so thankful that God made His path for me known in a mighty way.
My Dear Siesta Momma and sisters out there in cyberspace:
Im extremely new to this blog world and not too experienced with computers but thought from Beth’s comments that maybe even a 54 year old could still get help from the Siesta Momma herself…like that’s gonna happen or from a wise woman of God’s Word. I’ve been asking God desperatly for divine wisdom in answer to if we may see our pets again someday in Heaven. I’m so confused for I find many pet lovers will say yes without a doubt they will be there and other say the biblie dosentdirect address this issue. I ‘ve been wonder and wondering why would God allow us to have this question left so vague if he knew our hearts would be aching over it? I lost my beloved Sandy (A mini collie…Shetland Sheepdog)4 months ago and cry and mourn her loss as if it happened yesterday. I got tears pourin down my face like a waterfall that the keyboard is all blurry. I think of Romans 8 where it says all creation is groaning etc but dont want to take that scriptue and make it means something it dosent to give my itching ears what it wants to hear…please send me a scripture reference, a book or SONMETHING to help me. I hope Im not out of line here asking for this here on the blog but it just spurred me on to respond for the first time on this site ever for this concern out there. If its allowed pls respond to my email at [email protected] and this greiving siesta will humbly thank you for the help, compassion and time you give me today. Peace to all who read this.
Kathleen in NJ [email protected]
Hey, Kathleen! I am a dog lover, too, and grieved so deeply over the loss of both our dogs several years ago (in a three week span) that I was embarrassed to tell anyone. These years later, I have another shadow that follows me everywhere including to work. I cannot offer you a definitive Scripture but I do know this: Heaven will be glorious and extravagant beyond all imagination. There will at least be horses (Rev. 19) and, I write this smiling, one Lion. (Of the tribe of Judah) Whose to say (but God) what else will be there? I’ve never known my husband to love anything more than his bird dog, Beanie. I asked the Lord in a pool of tears several years ago when we had to let go of that wonderfully spoiled brat if He’d mind just having her waiting in Keith’s mansion when he gets Home. I don’t know if He will answer that request affirmatively or not. But this I know, our lives will be complete and we will no longer long.
Kathleen, I know how you feel as well. Just a few weeks ago I lost my beloved dog Cindy. We had been together over 16 1/2 years. I too have had cried many tears and still miss Cindy like crazy.
I agree with what Beth says and idk if I will see my Baby Girl in heaven, but I know this: God doesn’t want you to just hang on to the hope of seeing your pup again, he wants you to be filled with his love, comfort, and joy now, right where you are.
Pour out your broken heart to Jesus and ask him to comfort and heal it. He is faithful and he will respond. There will still be tears and times when your heart aches, but the powerful abiding presence of Almighty God who lives inside you will comfort you with his peace and love. And then, when you least expect it, you will laugh at something. And you will realize that it doesn’t hurt right now. And he will give you hope. And although there might be down times, trust that as God works in your heart and you experience his divine healing, things will continue to get better.
God is right there with you, trust him to help you through this. He will.
Michele…thanks for the kind reply and taking the time to do so. Im not a blog person,. twitter or email for that matter, so may I pleasse ask you to call me to talk about the passing of your dog. I saw you blog and didnt know how to relpy tp you there plus talking can be so much faster than typing at least fpr me. and the nature of this is something we have in common the passing of our beloved pets. Can you please call me I’ll be home all day Here’s my # 908-630-0489 Im in NJ thts EST I can call you back if you dont want the charges on your phone can you please reach out to me? Thanks for understanding and sooooo sorrrry for the passing of your precious dog. Gulp Im sobbing again!!!
love,
Kathleen
Beth, thank you for replying to this here instead of emailing! I’ve wondered the same thing and appreciate you taking the time to share this. I remember when you lost both of your precious puppies and I could totally relate to the losses. My prayer is that we will see them in Heaven but if not, God has His reasons! He makes them such loving, loyal critters!!
Kathleen,
I love dogs, too…my best friend’s name is Reagan (see photo) and have a hard time imagining what life will be like after he’s gone. I tear up at just the thought of it!
A Scripture that comforts me is Job 12:7-11
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
IN HIS HAND IS THE LIFE OF EVERY CREATURE
and the breath of all mankind.”
Will our furry friends be with us in heaven? I don’t know for sure, but I know the God of those furry friends certainly will….and He cares about them. And He cares about YOU.
Hugs!!!!
Redeemed, thank you for these verses! What an appropriate time and place for this. It’s amazing to me how close we grow to these creatures that give unconditional love. We’re in the time of ‘do we get a puppy, do we wait’ although I’m not sure now what we’re waiting for! thanks for sharing!
Redeemed
Thanks for the reply and for caring enough to respond to me this is my first use these past few days of this blog site, read it many times but never can quite get the hang of communication thru cyberspace. There’s a certain degree of contact missing this way of communicationg. Who knows if you will even see this post Im making. My # is listed earlier…give me a call Im such a phone or face to face person this computer stuff is not my style at all…but yhanks for the kindness. In closing ANIMALS MUST BE IN HEAVEN…they simply MUST!!
Kathleen
Last school year I was in my 13th year of teaching, and I had no plans to stop teaching any time soon. My husband had been telling me that he would like for me to able to stay at home, but I couldn’t see why since I am not a mom and had no reason to stay home. (I want to say CLEARLY that my hubby did NOT demand or even ask in a heavy-handed way that I stay home. He simply let me know in a quiet way what he thought God was leading him and me to do.) At first, I scoffed at the idea because our budget was already TIGHT and I could see no possible earthly way it could happen. And besides, why should I stay home with no one to stay home for (again, remember I am sadly not a mom). Little by little, God began to work on my heart. It happened so gradually I am not even sure how to explain it. Until one day, I KNEW that’s what He was calling me to do. I mean, I KNEW IT DOWN TO THE CORE OF MY BEING. I told my husband and then gave my notice (though through many tears to my Christian school admins). They could see God all over me as I spoke and knew, indeed, that this was from the Lord. I can’t go into detail, but just weeks later some devastating things happened at school and it ended up having to close (that came out of no where). I KNEW God had made a way for me, even when I didn’t even know that I needed it. He is SO good. And, if we are watching and looking, HE SPEAKS TO US!
My first response to your question today was the time when my eldest child was struggling during her high school years. My husband & I were holding on to threads worried about the poor choices she was making and just praying that consequenses would not bring devastation.
We would receive mail for her from all types of military recruiters and DH & I thought that it may be a good avenue for her to ‘get some discipline & focus’ so I showed it to her and she instantly said “no way!” I wanted her to consider it so I prayed, “Lord, I think military is a good idea, how do I talk to her about it?” Father’s wisdom came to me in 4 simple words, “Keep Your Trap Shut!” So I bit my tongue (and blood oozed from the sides of my mouth) and within a matter of maybe 2 weeks, my daughter came home and told me she had talked to a recruiter and he was coming over to talk to me to enlist in the Army Reserves.
It’s been almost 2 years since then and she has become an amazing young woman. She still struggles with choices and consequences but I praise God for teaching me to ‘keep my trap shut’ and to allow Him to do the work that needs to be done in her. He’s much better at it than I could ever be anyway.
Where to begin? There have been SO many times over my 22 years of life, that I have had to seek wisdom that ONLY God could give me.
One stands out above the rest. There as a situation in which everyone wanted me in a relationship with this certain guy. He had professed feelings for me over facebook. Everyone around me throught it was great and that he was the one that God had for me. I felt so confused and my heart was starting to become awakened. I took a two week seperation from the topic and the situation. During that time I sought God, desperatly. In those two weeks He gave me wisdom that I could have only got from Him. He spoke to me that now is not the time and that he was not what He had for me. Also that I was awaking love before its due time. I felt such a relief and the burden was lifted at that moment. I praise Him still and He is my guide and light in this fallen world.
God Bless you, mama Beth and all the other amazing women who read this.
This is a great subject Beth. Four years I had good job, I had received raises, bonuses and promotions. To be honest I thought I had it made, that was until I lost my job, then lost the friends I thought I had at that job. I remember crying out to God not only for understanding but to also point to the path that I needed to go. During this time as I drew closer to God, He began teaching me and tenderly telling me that there were things in my life that I had placed above Him. My job had become my priorty. God was so tender when He answered, He knew just how I needed to be corrected. I love doing bible studies, and my sweet Lord took me on a journey through a study called “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha world”. Through this teaching He brought me back, setting my sights back on Him. Through this journey, I ended up rediscovering just how much I had missed spending time with Him. How I had put my job above not only God but also my family. Now I spend quality time with my Father and such a deeper love for Him and His word. My family and I are closer than ever. What did I learn, first, nothing can go above God. 2. We need to make sure that we are on the path God wants us on and not our own path. I look back now and I see how difficult the situation was and how at times my heart was hurt, but Jesus never left my side, He stayed right with me. When I look back through that study, I see the tear stains, I look at my journal and see the times I cried out and to this day I am thankful for each tear and cry. I asked God to give me understanding and to point me to the path I needed to be on and that is what He did. Praise the Lord.
Tracy
I had been approached about changing work locations within my area but wasn’t sure as I had been at my location for 12 years and loved it but things were changing and it wasn’t very convenient for my family anymore. I started praying over the matter. In just a few months, God literally spoke through the TV (audibly) over a basketball game confirming my decision. I knew it was Him as the only topic on the game at that point was the mascot of the team – which was the same mascot as the high school I would be moving to. Right before that aired, I had been praying for God to confirm my decision as I felt it was Him leading and it was the right thing for my family. Sure enough, He spoke and I listened! God does use all kinds of resources to get our attention if we are open to listen – and wait.
Oh goodness, how do I even begin to answer this!
I think from my own experience that anytime I
have asked for wisdom in prayer…God has answered,
by speaking a bible verse to my heart if not at that
moment then usually by the next morning somehow:)
The deal if I lack wisdom it’s because I haven’t asked for it,
or have run ahead of God.
My mom coming to church is a prayer answered on
wisdom, because I was at a loss on how to reach
her. It wasn’t about anything I could do but God alone:)
See you soon Mama Beth and siestas;)
Xoxo
Angie
There is nothing quite so profound as hearing the voice of God. I am not talking about the audio voice, no, but the Holy Spirit driven voice that pricked my heart, mind, and soul on an airplane in the spring of 2010. I have bee walking hand in hand with Christ for three years now and He draws me nearer each day…PRAISE HIM! To hear Him is to seek Him earnestly. I needed an answer to a question that not only directed mine and my husband’s lives, but our children directly; private again or public school? He heard my desperate plea and He knew I was being tossed to and fro. In order to make the right choice, He knew He was going to have to speak directly to my heart because my mind was cluttered! It was my first time to hear Him. The best time!!! It has been one of the, if not the, best seasons in my family’s life. HE chose public!! He can and will lift us up in due time, (I Peter 5:7-8)…His ways are righteous. I long to hear Him again. This season I make an extra effort to have BE STILL AND QUIET AND KNOW THAT I AM time when studying His Word to seek His direction for my Kingdom building purposes/ministry. He is faithful. He is all knowing. Jesus is our servant (John 13) and we are to use our gifts and skills to serve Him and His people (2 Timothy 2).
I love you, Beth and LPM, and adore your heart(s) for Jesus Christ. I am a Titus 2 woman of God and lean on the LPM blogs, studies, books, DVDs, etc. for wisdom and encouragement. I thank our God for you all!!!!! May the next 40 days be Spirit-filled…
This is not something big, but it has made a lasting impression in my life. Last year a group from my church went on a missions trip to the Ukraine to minister to the Gypsy people. I have always had a love and a passion for international missions and I desperately want to go on this trip. How could it NOT be God’s will for me to go minister to hurting people and love on beautiful children?? Much to my dismay my husband said he did not think it was the right time for me to go!! He didn’t feel good about it. Also I would have missed my little sister’s high school graduation and several other family events. I have not always put family first in my life over other “things” and I have regretted it every time. After much prayer and searching for God’s will I knew in my heart that I shouldn’t go (especially if my hubby said no). Yet I was still fighting and holding on to this trip, I just needed a confirmation from God, I needed peace about this decision. I had taken Beth’s “Esther” Bible study several months before and I decided to sit down and look over it again. I flipped to the lesson where Beth taught about balancing passion with patience. BAM! It all made since. As I read through that lesson again, I heard God telling me that he gave me this passion for missions but I needed to have patience. There would be another time for me to go, but for now, I needed to stay.
Here’s an amazing grace story about how I received wisdom from God to do something in His timing, rather than in my own timing. Just last week our “Siesta Mama” Beth asked us to give a public acknowledgement to someone you highly esteem. I chose my husband…he needed the encouragement more than anyone else I could think of, and no one deserved it more. Being in women’s ministry, usually I would choose a Christian sister to encourage, but the LORD directed in His wisdom to honor my own dear husband.
Well, I was late in submitting, so the comment was not published for a couple of days due to the holiday rush, but finally today I found it posted on the blog. I had specifically been praying for a couple of days about the right timing in sharing this public honor of him, knowing that after 39 years, now and then he can be leery of my motives. (I think that might be a guy thing…) LOL! I so wanted the Holy Spirit to break down what I perceived as a wall of partition between us.
This morning, I just “so happened” to have run across a Christian bookmark laying on my desk with a picture of a beautiful big lion and across the top the word “HONOR” in caps. I don’t recall ever seeing that bookmark before, and not sure how it got there. I turned the bookmark over and on the reverse side it said: “God chose you, and we keep praying that God will make you worthy of being His people. We pray for God’s power to help you do all the good things that you hope to do and that your faith makes you want to do. Then because God and our LORD Jesus Christ are so kind you will bring honor to the name of our LORD Jesus, and He will bring honor to you.” 2 Thess. 1:11-12. I knew it was a sign that the timing was right to honor my husband and see some walls fall down…God had graced me once again with His wisdom and His perfect timing, and even the sign of bookmark. My husband was touched and a little teary eyed as he read and thanked me for the public expression and we had a sweet and tender kiss…and I was honored too! Sweet peace ruled and reigned.
It’s a good thing to wait on the LORD for His wisdom and His timing which is always perfect! Blessings all mine and ten-thousand besides…Honestly I stand amazed how God uses this blog for eternal purposes in my life and in the lives of all who enter Siestaville. Truly a mystery at work!
Pam H.
Buena Park, CA
So sweet, Pam. I am a romantic enough to like the “sweet and tender kiss” part. I’m sort of puckering up just thinking about it.
Sweet Peace ruled and reigned!
I was in London last year with OM, and while there I prayed about whether or not I was to return & serve long term in Tunisia. Over the course of 6 weeks it was looking like that wasn’t the Lord’s will (which kind of hurt my feelings.) The idea of Morocco began stirring my heart, but felt that if I went all the way to North Africa and didn’t go to Tunisia that I’d be cheating on my sweet little country. 🙂 Days pass and we have a guest speaker who spoke on Missional Living- teaching from Acts 16 The Macedonian Call. Which seemed so appropriate and timely. So much so, that from my seat I prayed, “Lord, you know where I’m supposed to be. Just give me wisdom.” As soon as those words left my head the speaker (who didn’t know me from Adam) said (and I quote) “If you choose to go to Morocco instead of Tunisia, it’s okay. The Lord isn’t going to be mad at you.” (I still get chills over it!) In that moment I realized how much the Lord is in the details, and meets us right where we are! And sometimes He just wants us to take steps of faith.
Lynsie
Jackson, MS
Lately, God has been reminding me of the prayers I use to pray as a little girl. Ones I have forgotten about, but were answered. I asked to be a singer – I wanted to be one so badly – and I’m in an adult choir. I asked to be a dancer and now I dance praises unto Him and love it! As a child I wondered about God – although I didn’t come from a very spiritual, religious household, and a young adult (28) – HE has shown up in MAJOR ways in my life. I have to say in this journey – HE has shown me my answered prayers from over 20 years ago. HE has reminded me that HE has kept me all along. Even the silliest prayers HE answers. So if HE heard my small childlike prayers – can you imagine the BIG adult prayers HE will answer? I just love HIM.
I love what you shared!
Blessings,
michelle
We found out last year over thanksgiving (while we were traveling)that we would have to move to a new city in 15 days or be out of a job! (I had always lived near my mom and church and friends) So I prayed and asked God to lead us in weather we should move (harder) or stay put (easier). 🙂 In 10 days He provided our house to be packed. Our house to be rented out. Our new house in the new town. All the t’s crossed and i’s dotted. Off our family of 5 went to a new city by Christmas. And it was all in answer to a previous prayer! I had asked God to help my husbands TERRIBLE work office environment. Now he is in a GREAT one! God is sooo good, wise, right, awesome, amazing….
Well Beth, you made me think immediately of a time when I was deeply involved with a dear & precious young woman and her children’s lives. Without divulging too much info…her life was a mess(if she only knew mine),anyway, she had two very young children who, as I mentioned were an intricate part of mine and my husband’s lives. We adored these babies and helped with them often. The story takes a twist when this mom of 2 becomes pregnant for a 3rd time by a different father. I was very angry and really had no idea how to handle it. I wanted to run…how could she??? Then one day, as I was driving home from church, I began to sob. I cried out to God and said something to the effect of “what is she thinking…I am so angry”, then, I asked “what do you want me to do” and the Lord’s answer was very clear…”just love her”. I pleaded with Him with an emphatic “I can’t”!! Again, He said…”just love her”. I went home, talked to my husband and we agreed to send her a card with a check and instructions to spend the money on something nice for herself…not the kids. My friend suggested we give her a baby shower (at this point her sweet baby boy had already been born). This frightened young woman was moved to tears. She called us within a few days and asked if she and her young family of 3 could come to church with us. Our beloved church family embraced her and loved on her children. God gave a very clear and concise command to a weak and not so willing daughter (that’s me) and in turn did not judge or reprimand this young mom, He “just loved her”. I’ve come to expect to hear God’s voice wherever I am, am particularly fond of the ‘on my knees’ times in my car.
Ok….will try to be succinct! Several years ago, my then 19 year old son was in need of deliverance from a relationship that was just wrong. (think unequally yoked) I came to the point that I knew only God could work this miracle. I looked up the word “deliver” in my concordance and spent all afternoon with my Lord talking to Him about how He “delivered” in one way or the other….and asking Him to deliver my son. I even wrote out my prayers in my journal. The next afternoon, I started the same thing again…writing my prayers. At some point the word in the concordance changed from “deliver” to “delivered”. And after praying several of the “delivered” Scriptures, it was like the Spirit of God dropped in my spirit that it was done. I broke out in a smile and His joy just filled me! I waited patiently and about 1 am got a phone call from my son (he was living out of town at the time) and he told me that he and the girl had broken up. God is so faithful! But that isn’t the end of the story……months later, my son was home and we were just talking about the Lord and sharing. I had never told him any details about my prayer time over this matter. I shared my journal with him — mainly because I thought it was so cool that when the word changed from “deliver” to “delivered” that was when God let me know it had been accomplished. While I’m talking, I was looking down at my journal, just excited about how good (and just amazing!) God is and I looked up and tears were just running down my son’s face as he got the full picture. He understood the power and love of His Lord. That has been over 5 years ago and some days I just have a praise service all my own over it again!
I found it a bit disheartening that I could not think of a single time that the Lord God gave me divine instruction/wisdom. Then…I realized that there are so many…it just was hard to explain with words what happens in the heart without those words sounding “cheezy”.
So, I just want to bundle them all to gather into one Word of Wisdom that often ends my current turmoil, decision making, direction, etc.
That powerful instruction is to simply wait…rest. ‘Tis hard but to me the most wise/divine direction that I’ve ever received. Often, the answer is “right around the corner”…I just need to wait. This “divine rest” has mysteriously helped me as I’ve walked through life for many years.
I do love that Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.” What an honor…to hear the voice of God!
Dear Beth,
You are so wonderful!!! I have learned so much since a couple of years ago when my daughter and I did our very first Bible study of yours.. I was warned at church by some others we would have to work hard that you were no lightly go easy kind of gal, that you went deep in the word, but wonderfully given a beautiful talent from God above to teach his word and understand so much more of it. This is the first time I have ever wrote a note and I’am nervous so I hope I convey the time you wanted us to respond to okay.
My husband and I have been married for 37 years high school sweethearts(no didn’t have to). He had a well paying job for 36 years at a big utility company here in Columbus Ohio.
We had been struggling for alot of years as we also had a part time business going on for 30 years and something had to give has we had little time for our God or or each other with all the work (which we were very grateful for in this day and age).We had been praying for a long time about what to do keep our business or what because actually the electric co took more of his time than our business did but we are to young to retire also. This last May he was given a choice as many other’s to retire with a package or maybe take a chance of being let go anyway. We believed because of the offer God had answered our prayer on what to do, while our income is cut in half we are making it but we are litterally trusting on God day to day for our making our living no more Big Company money. We have been in church our whole adult lives but it doesn’t make these times any easier is what I would want to let young people know and that no matter how long you have believed and loved God there are always things that will test us to stand strong and now is one of those times we and many others are going through with jobs. I pray for all of those who are experiencing any kind of problems that may bring us all to our knees and ask our faithful God for healing for us all.
May God Bless You Beth and keep you going for you are helping heal a world of women through his word. Blessings Always Charlotte Ray
Someone came to our church sharing the need for missionaries to America. I know it sounds strange, but America does need the Lord! That night my parents shared that they felt God wanted me to go and God confirmed it to me as well. I was thrilled at the opportunity, quickly planned my wardrobe (unfortunately, always of great importance)and with great confidence I requested my visa to the USA. I was quickly denied. How could this be? I had heard from God, had it confirmed & even my wardrobe was in check? Why did God deny me the visa? Because I hadn’t prayed and I hadn’t sought others to pray. God wanted it to be a God thing.
So my advice is..once you really know how God is leading, be careful to keep in prayer. Just because it’s his will, doesn’t mean it’s a free ride.
I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was 12 years old. A miracle in itself b/c I did not grow up in a Christian home. I knew I was saved, but never knew or understood how to walk with God until much later. When I went off to college, I realized how empty I was without a relationship with God…so I began searching. I was open to just about anything…unsure what I really believed. I remember having a counselor that tried to get me to join her unitarian church. It’s scary to think where I could’ve wound up!
Looking back, I can see the hand of God and the Holy Spirit guiding me and directing my path toward all Truth. He summoned me back to Himself. I found an amazing Bible believing Church, where I met my husband. We have been married now for over 10 years and have 2 awesome boys. We’ve definitely had our share of adversity, but praise God it is HE who has directed us every step of the way! And I thank His Holy Spirit for living in me, even when I didn’t realize He was there. Forever He is faithful!
I pray all the stinkin time for wisdom and that GOD would be obvious, and HE is. Its hard to come up with specifics. I have experienced times when HE spoke to my Spirit and just told me, quiet, or breathe or pray for them.
I am eager to hear HIM speak more. I am in the midst of praying and earnestly seeking GOD’S will for my life. My mom always shares with me what her Pastor from years ago said, if you are wondering what GOD has for you on the horizon, “you pray, work and wait.”
I am preparing and being prepared and in the right time, GOD will make it known.
HE is obvious! I love that! I usually end up thinking, HE’S been telling me this for months!