Hey, Sweet Things! I’m sorry I’m not able to check in more often during this season! It’s mostly just me on here with you these days and the balancing act of a heavy writing and work schedule with a very busy family imposes some sizable limitations. To say that we all miss AJ is a vast understatement! I’m still so proud of her for the decision she made on behalf of her family. It was the right thing but we surely do have a gap around Siestaville. Thankfully, I don’t have a gap in my heart and home where she’s concerned. We all live life in pretty close community. Her little family is unending delight to me. We have LOVED having Melissa and Colin back! Their apartment is just darling and we so hope they stick around a while. Something really fun happened last night. Melissa and I knew we were going to be out much later than usual because we were hosting guests after Bible study so she asked Colin if she could just spend the night at our house. She lives much further out than Keith and I do and, after dropping me off at my house, she would have been super late getting back to her apartment. Colin blessed her to do that then called back a little while later and said he’d just come, too. So he packed a bag and they both stayed at our house. That is one reason why we love him to no end. He is a family man to the bone. Hopefully Melissa will be able to say hi a little more often on here in the near future. We are keeping her hands full but she has a soft spot for Siestas. That’s a fact.
I’m just sitting out on my back porch having a few minutes to myself. I’ve been throwing the ball to Star and watching her and Geli chase birds and reflecting on the last day or two. God brought us another astounding group of women last night. I have never seen a larger group with a smaller feel. What I mean by that is, they participate like they’re all on the front row. If I ask them to repeat something, they do it LOUD. They stay right on point and they’re happy to tell me if I miss a blank on their handout. (I love that. That means they’re paying attention.) Honestly, I think this is one of my favorite Tuesday night groups ever. I know, I know. I say that a lot. I fall in love easy. But my worst nightmare is that I’d just keep “teaching” the same people the same thing year after year after year after year and nobody’s heard a fresh word in five years but everybody’s too fast asleep to realize it. O Lord, deliver us. This is one reason why we have to study under many teachers and why teachers have to serve different groups. Sometimes we need to shake it up. It’s so easy to grow dull of hearing even a voice we dearly love. Sometimes all it takes is a break. Other times we need a change. Knowing the difference is critical.
I am so relieved and grateful to our merciful God that, for now, He’s bringing numbers of people we’ve never seen before and even their presence there stirs up the ones who have been around a long time. I love the familiar ones and the new ones alike. My concern is that women be in the best environment for learning and living the Scriptures. When we’ve ceased hearing or changing, we need a new environment. I am also mindful that, as I beg Him to keep me fresh and thrilled in His Word, that He often uses difficulty to answer that prayer. About the time I’m feeling a little lifeless or dull, something happens to make those words jump off the page again. Most of my revivals come from survivals. I still need Him so much. I need His Word. I need His Presence. I need His help. I need His deliverance. It’s weird to realize that sometimes our desperation for Him is an answer to our very own prayers to love Him like nothing else. He is so faithful. I shake my head at the wonder of Him again today.
Last night we had a treat that many of us are still talking about today. Kari Jobe and her band led us in worship. Many of us were first introduced to her through “Revelation Song” and are familiar with her through the Gateway worship projects. She is tremendously gifted, blatantly anointed, and absolutely delightful. Amanda had the joy of hosting Lysa TerKeurst at Bible study last night and afterward for a quick bite while Melissa, Michelle, and I hosted Kari, her mom, her sister, her coworker and several lifelong friends. By the way, you guys, Lysa TerKeurt’s book Made To Crave is flying off the shelves and into the hands of women who are being deeply effected by the power of Christ. It is one of two books I plan to read next. Made To Crave recently hit the NY Times Best Seller list and we praise God for drawing attention to this powerful message and messenger. I noticed that a number of you were reading it in your comments to the last post. We got to have Lysa at Bible study last night because she was in town for interviews all day today on our local contemporary Christian radio station, KSBJ. (89.3 FM – find it on line. You will love it.)
Here are a couple of pictures we snapped with our iPhones last night after dinner with Kari. We took several of the whole group with a regular camera but those haven’t made it to me yet. Is she the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?? (Yes, single, but not presently interested in everybody fixing her up with their best single guy friend. It is a shame though, isn’t it?) I was so glad that I changed my mind at the last minute and didn’t wear my tutu. She might not be ready for us to dress alike yet. I am going to get me one of those headbands, however. Just think what a poof I could get going with one of those.
This is Kari with Michelle who did indeed wear her tutu. You just can’t see it in this picture.
Well, my man is acting like he’s hungry and I’m supposed to do something about it. I am especially taken with him right now so I’m going to hop off of here and tend to him.Keith and I ride a roller coaster…and it’s sort of on the upside right now. Thank You, Lord. I don’t know why but I’m laughing out loud.
I’m so happy to touch base with you today! I love you guys like crazy! You know what I’d like to hear this week? One thing God is teaching you right now. Just one. Do tell.
Your Mama loves you.
The importance of being thankful for everything, the way memorizing scripture isn’t just words you can recite but Words you absorb and make part of you, and the importance of being humble. It’s all about Him (not me) and I am so grateful for that.
I couldn’t agree with you more! Things really change in your relationship with Christ when you give thanks in everything “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” And, when we realize it’s all about Him, it’s freeing, isn’t it? We don’t have to let the cares of this world get us down, because we desire His glory!
To be thankful and find joy in the every second. Reading the book one thousand gifts by Ann Voskamp – WOW!
Me too, Vicki! Eucharisteo! Praise Him! Thank Him!
What a fun, sweet post – and pretty lengthy for a girl as busy as you!
One thing (of many) that God is teaching me right now is that I am his girl…that I am worth waiting for (I’m a 45 year old divorced mom, and YES – I am STILL worth waiting for)…that I am made in His image and am beautiful (not necessarily physical beauty).
That’s it… 🙂
Doris, I have a good friend who always says she’s God’s favorite! We always kid we’re going to make a t-shirt out of that saying.
Doris, you ARE beautiful!
I have always known that God loves me, but He has been showing me that He really wants me to grasp that concept, to really KNOW it. To KNOW that He loves me so much that He desires my company.
Wait. To find out and follow his will for the next chapter of my life.
As I contemplate the one thing God is teaching me right now, I would have to say Love. He has been teaching me this for a while, but I am growing more and more in love with Him and all His children each day. I have the absolute best job in the world- I am the Principal of an elementary school filled with over 1200 students and 150 adults. Every morning I am privileged to stand in the hallways of our school and greet all the children and teachers as they arrive. When I have a chance to look into the eyes of the children, my heart explodes with amazing love for them and for the teachers. I can only imagine how much God loves us by the incredible love that I feel for each child. I am truly blessed. My prayer is that the love that I am pouring into the people in this school will translate into learning and into the proof of learning through the testing. As the date for the standardized test comes near, I have to constantly seek God and His lead for what we need to do in order to have the students perform well. When I get anxious, I am reminded of God’s love and I rest in that truth.
Dianne, I have to disagree with you about having the best job in the world…I think I do! I’m a 3rd grade teacher and love my babies. What a blessing!
We are both tremendously blessed. I not only get to love my students, I get to love all the teachers and staff! God IS Good!
God is teaching me the importance of tearing down walls, some of which I did not even know were there. At Bible Study on Monday evening our teacher, Rhea Briscoe, taught on tearing down the walls. She used the scripture from John 4 which talks about Jesus encounter with the Samaritan woman. What a powerful annointing she had from the Holy Spirit. You could feel His presence in the sanctuary. Hearts were being pricked to come to terms with the walls and them allow Him to tear them down!!
Oh Lord I pray this again now, that You would bring to mind walls that I have built to protect myself. Please give me the strength and desire to have you tear them down and rebuild them!! I know that it is for freedom that you set the captive free, so please set me free from any and all areas of bondage Thank you Lord, Amen.
Miss Beth, I sure do love your updates.
One thing: How to think like He does… the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5)
Hi Mama Beth – I’m still amazed with this community of believers! Right now, God is showing me what it means to have a child-like faith. It’s a beautiful picture. Children love audaciously and trust implicity. They have a precious innocence that has not yet been tainted by the cynicism of society. God wants us to come to Him like this. Ready to love Him with abandon, to trust Him without fear, and to hold on to the innocence that we have from knowing the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Wow! He’s rockin’ my socks off! Sweet blessings to you!
That’s awesome Casey…HE is awesome!
He is teaching me that just because the limitations of my brain only allow me to care deeply about one or two matters at a time, He is infinitely able to CARE — DEEPLY. And He cares deeply for me and all my trials and heartbreaks. He is ministering comfort every day in fresh ways … today in part through a new CD by Kari Jobe! Just got it in the mail. <3
One thing, He is totally worthy of all my trust and worship even when it doesn’t look like it or feel like it, even when my hopes and dreams melt away and are replaced with something I can’t comprehend or grasp–especially then. I am grateful He doesn’t give up on His plan for me when I don’t get it and don’t trust. He is worthy of all my trust and I am thankful for the moments when I sort of grasp that and He lets me see a little of what He is up to. He alone is worthy.
I am learning this exact same things. Keep holding on sister!
Showing me that my morning time with Him is a treasure.
Hi Beth!
I wish I could help you, I have time these days. I actually just registered on Houstonjobs, although idk where/if I’ll end up moving yet, but please let me know if I can help with the website or other things.
Just started Stepping Up after finishing A Woman’s Heart, amazed at how well they blend as God continues to invite me into the Holy of Holies. He is teaching me about how he uses the trauma/pain of life; something about when I hurt, that’s when He is most near to me and we’ll be closest. I’m not sure if I grasp it all yet, but it’s something in that arena.
Or maybe it’s as simple as He’s trying to tell me I can’t always avoid pain. Still digging my heels in on that one.
That He is my strength…I have been clinging to Isaiah 41:10 and also really relying on my first for January 15-31st…Psalm 36:5-7,9–nothing escapes God’s notice; I am not forgotten! 🙂
me too! nothing goes unnoticed by him. nothing. hallelujah!
To trust Him with the details of my life.
That the storms we encounter are because He wants to draw us closer. if we could handle the storm on our own, we wouldnt be able to give HIM the GLORY!
Can’t tell you what a blessing memorizing Scripture with the SSMT is. The Lord is really driving home the fact that His Word is true. That His ways are right and good. I know that may seem pretty obvious, but somehow, lately, He has been showing me this and it is actually going deep like never before. I am more grateful than words can possibly express for His goodness in answering my prayer in this.
Sure do love you, Beth,
Gretchen
God has been teaching me to be patient, to beware of complacency and to know that the comfort He offers is available to me NOW.
God is showing me, teaching me and instilling in me that he loves me. He. Loves. Me. Me.
Yes, Ma’am. I promise you He does.
Amen.
God is teaching me how blessed I am! The blessings don’t always seem like blessings, but I’m learning how to see them and feel them. Big and small, I want to be grateful for each and every thing God blesses me with.
Beth,
I adored your paragraph about Keith. The words just perfectly described the way I feel sometimes. I always love my husband, but definitely there are times that I am indeed “taken” with him and just giggle at how that feels. It is truly a roller coaster and the upside “wind in the hair” times certainly help us prepare for the speeding downhill crazies that can sneak up on us and make us despair.
Please know that you are definitely a blessing and I am thankful for YOU. 🙂
It’s so nice to know that other relationships are like roller coasters. I always had in my head a “perfect” marriage… and needless to say, it never happened, so I was always finding fault with my guy. Then I started realizing that maybe the person with the faults was… (gasp… ) ME! Since then, I have been madly in love, again! Such a blessing that God will open our eyes and renew us!
God will prepare the way for me.
God is teaching me to take him seriously and be creative and intentional about it. I’m so tickled, my Sunday School class has been chatting about how if you put one of those Christian fish emblems on your car, you’d BETTER drive nicely…..and the Lord just won’t leave me alone until I go buy 10-12 of them and take them Sunday to class and see who will join the challenge with me! I’m not always the nicest driver and this has convicted me so much, and I know I will have to change. But thank You God for Your help and grace.
Wow.
I had to comment since when I read this post there were 0 comments. What, me, the first one? No way. Thanks Beth. Your words always fall fresh on my heart and usually I am feeling much the same way. Oh, how I wish Jackson, Missouri was closer to Texas. I am not in a study this year for the first time in oh, I’d say, 10 plus years. Why, I am scared. My 2010 was over the top in emotional highs and lows. I just felt led to spend selfish time with the Lord but we all know that doesn’t really help the recovery. Rumor has it that our church will be beginning the Priscilla Shirer study “Jonah” very soon. I had already bought the study guide before I heard of the possible study at my church. Hopefully, the Lord will place me just where I need to be and in the meantime my “selfish” time with Him will not be pushed aside like any other daily chore. My daughters and I are participating in the scripture memory year and so far love it. God Bless You and I can’t wait till January 2012 to celebrate God’s Word together. Hope your dinner with your man was delicious and filled with sweet conversation. With much adoration, Lisa
One of the many things God is teaching (or re-teaching) me right now is to trust Him. Might sound boring, but it’s not. It’s scary. But I’m so grateful for Him.
Relying on Him for all of my cares. I am learning to put into practice Philippians 4:6&7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I need a renewed mind!! This week has been very demanding.
Hi Beth,
Well Im kind a new here. Ive been reading the blog for a while now and of course decided to join the SSMT and what a bless this has been. Im from Brazil and its just so cool to be able to be a part of that! One thing God’s teaching me right now is how to be patient and trust. To wait patiently trusting He has it all. To trust we gotta know, and to know we gotta have relationship. “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 He is trustworthy! May we learn how to trust this worthy God!!
We’re so glad you’re here, Karina! May Christ be evident in this community!
How to KNOW and love Him more through His names!As well as Spiritual GROWTH is the goal of all believers.
One thing huh!?! I guess I should preface that couple of girlfriends and I are going through your Revelation study and this last weeks session you said something, “God will allow us to feel the loss so that we can appreciate the game” and oh how much I am living this right now. He is teaching me how to truly appreciate the game (game of life, love, parenting, you name it) because all too often we try to rush through, missing some very important plays!
Thank you so much Beth for your words!!!
God is telling me to be thankful for all that I have and as often as I can; through gratitude I will find joy and be a blessing to others….Learning all this from Ann Voskamp and “One Thousand Gifts”!!
Yep. That’s another book i want to read.
That even when He says “no”, it’s because He LOVES us and wants only the best for us, and obviously, that wasn’t it.
That I honor HIM by tirelessly serving my family. Doesn’t matter if they notice and appreciate—HE does
Well. I wish I could sit on my back porch but I would freeze in the snow. Another 2 inches of snow in Ky. Ok well I feel God is telling me to continue to pray and rely on him during the planning of my daughters wedding. Which is March 5
I’m feeling your pain in Eastern Kentucky… I’m so ready for warm weather, but then as I was watching the “blizzard” (and I know those in colder climates are probably laughing at this) I was thinking how miraculous God is… all that fresh, white, pure snow… it was so beautiful. Best of luck with the wedding! =)
Thanks so much for the wedding wishes. You are right the snow is beautiful. But it sure does test our patience the more snow we get and the more this kiddos miss school.
challenged with looking at my words and actions to my husbend and seeing if they are thanking our Lord for him (as i did ask for him) or complaining about what He gave me..
God is teaching me that when expecting and preparing for your first child-there are MANY lessons to learn. I look at my sweet sono pictures and just marvel at what is happening and wonder what my little boy will be like. And, I wonder what God will use his precious self to teach me. For now, my biggest lesson in this realm is one day at a time. I cannot be the most amazing mother all at once. God has to teach me how to be a mother after his heart a little each day! Such a precious time!
Hi Beth! The Lord is teaching me just how much He can use His children even through bad circumstances. It’s amazing to me how we can see so clearly His plan later on. It reminds me of how He is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path; He only lets us see a few steps in front of us. The rest of the plan is in His hands and that’s where our faith comes in.
This past year, I lost a good friend to suicide. She was not a believer but the Lord brought her into my and my husband’s life to help her out of a bad relationship and for support. We became close friends (as close as you can for a non-believer). She was presented with the gospel several times but never received Jesus as Savior as far as I know. The Lord knows though and maybe she sought Him before but I’ll know when I get to heaven. I still think of her every day.
Well, recently I and my husband also came to know the wife of the man my friend was in the bad relationship through the most unlikely of circumstances. It seems the Lord keeps bringing women into our lives that have been relationship victims of this horrible man. I kept wondering why but, Praise God!, I was able to see this man’s wife appear at our church recently saying how much she had been seeking answers and is being touched by His hand over the last three weeks of Sunday teachings. I know now I will be able to share with her much more than I ever thought before and be able to comfort her as well as she goes through tough times in leaving the life she had with her unfaithful husband behind.
Even when we can’t see what it going on in hearts and how He is using us, we can be sure that He is working. He is such a wonderful Lord!!
Love you, too,
Kelli, Kalispell, MT
P.S. My friend, Crystal, turned me on to the Siesta scripture group and I just ordered the cards from your store. I look forward to posting a scripture soon.
His power is made perfect in my weakness.
Oh, how he loves me…oh, how he loves me…
That’s been one thing He’s been showing me too!
Sorta David and Goliath thing…” the weak
Will lead the strong”
🙂
Love this!
Hi SiestaMama –
I have been reading the Bible in 90 Days with my Mom and my Dad — which— that ALONE is the answer to years worth of praying! And I am just in awe of the majesty and Holiness of our God. I know that I take for granted to the fact that I can approach my God, that I can commune with my God at any time. How AMAZING that is. I love that my eyes have been opened again to His Glory, and Splendor!
And when I read about Kari, I just about died… I have been worshiping in mind, heart and soul, with my whole voice to “revelation song” for DAYS!
Wish I lived close enough to go to Bible study with you all — but I am in Maine, waiting for more snow. 🙂
It’s so good to hear from you! Since you announced your James study for the Spring I have planned to make that 90 mile trip every Tuesday! That plan has been put on hold with my shoulder repair! It’s was two weeks ago today, but I’m not up for much riding in the car yet! And wouldn’t you know, I had planned to meet one of my precious nieces there! She hasn’t missed a night and loves it! I’m still going to try to be there, praying for some relief.
I just opened my Made To Crave that came this afternoon, reading the intro right after supper! Can’t wait to get into it. Thanks for checking in-we do miss hearing from the girls, but know they’re busy and both with very good reasons!!!
I think God may be using this time in my life to repair my relationship with my man. We weren’t having problems, but I see him with more of a loving heart now. What a gift he is! I would say that we are definitely on the upside too!
Hope to see you next Tuesday!
He’s teaching me that He can and is taking my ugly mistakes from the past to weave a beautiful tapestry for His glory!
🙂
God is teaching me i need to respect him more. also how to love my husband better. cindy
For today, He’s teaching me that sometimes He calls us to things and sometimes he calls us away from things. I don’t alway understand it, but I’m just choosing to trust Him and lay it down. 🙂
I totally get that, Elaine.
Thank you, Beth – something told me you would. And, I totally get that husband/roller coaster thing. We just celebrated 25 years of ridin’ the roller coaster! Ain’t God good 🙂
One thing that God is teaching me right now, is finding a balance in my life. Between me and Him, and Him and me, first and foremost, then having secondary support from friends and loved ones…. I so gravitate to friends first when I’m having a rough patch, or a joy… He is continuing to work on restoring me, after a long bumpy crazy journey. Finally, I’m starting to find myself again, find who I am in Him, some of it has always been there in me, other parts have been grafted in, added with life experience. He is ever loving and faithful, thats for sure!
Y’all are all too cute!
God is teaching me–and it seems to be an ongoing lesson, which I cannot grasp–that He has a plan for me. And that His timing for The Plan is not necessarily as my timing for The Plan. I’m praying and waiting.
Today I tweeted you from page 62 of the Daniel Study, because I loved what you said about Feelings and Dirty Laundry. It’s a thrill to find your blog!
Welcome, Sister!
Oops, that would be the DAVID study!
Wait. We have lots of questions that will be answered at some point: when to move to a 2nd house in town to be closer to schools and church while maintaining this house at the ranch; will I possibly return to work outside the home; if I return to work will it be teaching or a counseling ministry; will we someday be able to become sole owners of our 3rd generation ranching operation… lots of big decisions!
God knows I get antsy and like to be the one to arrange my life, so every once in a while He will do something big so that I have to learn to be flexible and do it His way! Right now, every indication is that I am just to wait, be quiet, and spend time with Him. And I have been, and I’m enjoying Him!
Beth- seriously…I love your posts and YOU! Tutu comments cracked me up! Love your honesty about Keith. My hubby and I are on the down slope currently. I believe what God is teaching me is “Let It Go!” I drive myself nuts 🙂
I drive myself nuts, too.
Covered by Him,
Marriage has been such a roller coaster for me as well, I’m lifting you up now to the LORD!! May He shower you with love and delight in Him
You are precious, keep loving that man and know the Lord is working mightily on behalf of your precious marriage!!
I’m not necessarily good at long story, short but I’ll try. God is teaching me that He wants all of me. I am an introvert and He’s been revealing to me that I turn inward instead of upward. It’s time to break that habit and I’m praying for singleness of heart and action.
Totally been there, babe!
See?! I had a feeling I just might find you here today.
God is teaching me once again about His kindness, sweetness, goodness, and grace. I let a whirlwind of family fevers, chicken pox, work, laundry, and day-to-day life keep me out of the Word for a few days and it made me feel so sad and guilty before the Lord – and all I got in return was grace upon sweet, precious grace. It is indeed His kindness that leads us to repentance and refreshed fellowship with Him.