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.
He’s teaching me so much about love. The benevolent, charitable side of agape love. It really helps me love those who’ve hurt me or just plain disappointed me. It helps me love when I don’t want to. It reminds me of how He loves me. Last year He like to have slain me with revelations of His love for me. This year He is leading me to focus on sharing that love deliberately and intentionally with others. Especially the others that are hardest for me.
We returned from China four months ago with our daugthter, Hope. Hope’s orphanage pictures were deeply sad. No light in her eyes at all. I was on my face for my baby girl before we arrived. Asking God to just do it…do it Lord! Place your joy in her heart and your Light in her eyes! You are crazy about her, so just do it Lord please! Within 48 hours, our sad little girl was LAUGHING! She was smiling, grinning, giggling and loved her new pretty clothes and hairbands! God you are not just good, you are so good. Witnessing how His love and His love through our family has literally changed her entire life has changed mine. There is nothing His love cannot overcome. His love never, ever fails.
Congrats! How exciting! And PRAISE THE LORD! HE DOES BRING THE LOVE, doesn’t HE?
Thanks so much for sharing my joy!
The Lord is showing me about hiding sin. How cleaning out leads to freedom through forgiveness.
God is teaching me that no matter what, no matter how good, bad, or ugly things are, He is to be praised and exalted for being my comforter, my Lord, my Savior, my All in All. And I shall not be afraid or ashamed to praise Him in everything, every way, and everywhere I go.
Beth, my husband had an appt at a huge Dallas hospital recently. The parking lot was full … people driving aimlessly trying to find a spot … others parking illegally after giving up. Husband getting irritated as appt time approaching. I told him to get out, the girls and I would find a parking place and meet him inside. I was nervous as I am a small town girl and don’t like traffic. I had been praying previously, and Karalee told me she had been praying, too … but we decided to start praying out loud. Immediately, I saw a parking space … figured it was handicap because it was right near the door. But it was a normal space … and as soon as I pulled in, with not another car to compete with in sight, two more spaces opened up in front of me. Just reinforcing that when two or more are gathered, the Lord hears and moves on our behalf. He gave us not one space to choose from, but three. Glory! You never saw three girls hooting and hollering praising God like we were … well, you probably have!! 🙂 He’s so good …
That is AWESOME!!! Praise the Lord! Way to be faithful to Him and to call on Him in every situation! 🙂
TO LOVE HIM LIKE CRAZY.
God is teaching me patience! My baby girl (who’s 28)is having a baby next month and I can hardly stand the wait!
Also, my step-daughter is getting married this Nov. and I have to let that go and let God take care of it. The dynamics of that relationship are explosive at times, but I have to keep my mouth shut, because I have learned the hard way about commenting, if you know what I mean. I have a habit of saying the wrong things to her. But I have learned that much, to keep my opinions to myself, unless I’m asked. She is the mother of my 2 beautiful grandboys, whom I love dearly.
First of all, I love Revelation Song. It’s my favorite.
And God is teaching me faithfulness and complete dependence upon His Word. I’ve tired of my own strength and realize that His strength is found and tapped into when in His Word. It is my daily bread and my only source of survival/victory. It is the only chance I have of achieving the obedience He calls us to walk in. And I’m hungry for some holiness. Hungry to see all the the blood of Jesus can do to be done in me.
Oh my goodness, am I ever getting a lesson in patience right now. I was born and raised in Texas and trying so desperately to get back there (I moved away from there a few years ago) but for whatever reason, God hasn’t made a way for me yet. I know that God has his reasons and everything happens in His time, but the waiting and wondering gets a little overwhelming at times. I’m sure you understand being a Texas girl yourself, there’s no place like it in the world. I haven’t figured out what He has in store for me yet, but I’m anxiously awaiting the blessing…
Sometimes the wilderness you’re called to is your church! Learning to receive passion for Him from Him to pour out for Him through Him. It’s all about Him!
Amen!
That it’s ok to be angry, but not to let it consume me!
God is teaching me be a servant. My husband has been physically healed from esophageal cancer, which is a miracle! Now, months later, we are barely moving forward as a family. I am being taught to slow down and to serve my husband and 6 year old daughter by being patient, kind and compassionate as we heal as a family! The LORD has allowed me the privilege to be at home during this time and I think He wants me to really get that this is not all about me!!! I so want to learn this lesson!!!!
God is teaching me to follow HIS lead and quit doing things in my own strengh. He calls and equips us to things that REQUIRE us to rely and seek Him with everything we have. OH, and to remove obstacles whether people or things that hinder me out of my calling aka promised land. I worry too much about what others think and if I am worthy of their opinion.
Worth…that He loves me…I know it in my head…I’m learning it in my heart.
God is teaching me stillness, patience and balance. Pretty timely since our first baby is on its way and will be with us in May. I am assuming that this little munchkin will take lots of patience, balance and stillness before the Lord.
TRUST! A friend made a comment earlier this year “What would happen if we took the myriad of times God says ‘Do not fear’ less as a suggestion and more as a command?” This is the year for me to learn to trust more deeply – so much is influx with me professionally and personally. God’s hand is so obviously upon all of it that I’m foolish to fear, but I’ve never been a big fan of the unknown!
That is so helpful to think of it that way!
I am also being taught PATIENCE, and COMPLETE RELIANCE on the LORD…neither me or my husband are working,My husband is disabled, and I have had to take a 3 month leave of absence from school( I am in school to be a Substance abuse counselor), because of having to appeal a background check(for something that happened over 20 years ago)before I can qualify for my internship and graduate..!! It has been real SCARY to do ALL of this WAITING and TRUSTING for God to take care of us and all of our bills while waiting to see if I will WIN MY APPEAL..I KNOW that God is in control and that he KNOWS WHAT IS BEST…BUT..The WAITING and WONDERING what is going to happen has been HARD…!!!
First off, I LOVE Kari Jobe! She did an event at Colorado Christian Univeristy, where I work, and we got to spend a few days together. So fun, such a blessing, loved every second of sweet time with that sweet girl who I now call friend!
God is teaching me, too, about words! “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing?” Provers 12:18. It all started with your September simulcast, and the Lord just keeps brining it to my attention again and again! Just listened to your “Wisdom with Words” series this week, actually!
God is teaching me about His love for me in even the smallest details. Each little surprise, even some that others might think are disappointments, show me His sweet, sweet presence. I’m not “doing” as much (busyness was a way for me to keep boredom at bay and be a people pleaser). I’m spending that time listening to praise hymns,memorizing scripture, and just being in the moment.
Praise you Lord for your abundant grace!
This is my first time posting but definitely not the first time reading! The Lord is teaching me that if He still uses me even when I am not on the best of terms with Him then imagine how He could use me if I stayed close to Him!
Beth! I’ve been in your Tuesday night bible study of the life and book of James. It’s MARVELOUS! What’s wonderful, is that has always been one of my favorite books, but when asked why, I didn’t have any fabulous explanation. I would say, “Well, I can read it, and usually do, in one sitting. It is poetic and poignant. It’s choc-a-block full of truth, and somehow it ALL feels completley applicable to my life ALL of the time! I’ve also identified James as the one writer of the Word that I would love to have coffee with. (Second is Paul, but that may be little too intense for coffee!)
Now, what is the Almighty doing in my life? Well, everything, but I have been most aware of the refinement that is happening within my very heart. I can feel him burning away the impurities. OUCH. That does not feel good, but boy, do I feel beautiful everytime He takes me out of the fire to examine me. He has always been my maker, my lover, my deliverer, and my eyes are starting to see Him as such. Praise the Lord.
Can’t wait for Tuesday,
Mandy Mae
God is teaching me that he has granted me righteousness and I don’t have to earn it! Finally I get it loud and clear and it’s so awesome 🙂 Rev 19:8
God is teaching me to trust him more! It is hard to wait for him to work things for the good of everyone involved especially from a “control” person like me. So I keep humming the words of a song I heard Babbie Mason sing, “if you don’t understand, if you can’t see his plan, if you can’t trace his hand, trust his heart!”. If you need someone to pray for, remember me. Love you all!
God’s teaching me to trust Him when it comes to my grown children and their marriages. If I hurt when they do, I’m glad to know that He does as well and that He’s watching over them like I never could. I’m learning to pray, pray, pray, with faith, believing….and to wait on Him to direct me, as their mother, if I’m asked for advice.
That I am to build up my husband and encourage him and be the wife God created me to be even in the midst of trials and storms. Because I am the light in his life right now and my love for him reflects Gods love for my husband. And this is to be done no matter what my hubby is or is not doing.
It’s a tough lesson but I have the greatest teacher of all, He is so patient with me 😉
from one diana to another thanks for this reminder and encouragement!
Hi Beth,
I know what you mean about being so close to God when we
are in a trial. My big revelation was the other night when
I was reading your praying Gods word book. In the unbelief
section you said not only to believe in but believe God.
I am quitting smoking on the first and I have been really
close to God while preparing because without him I am already defeated.
God Bless you and could you say a prayer? Thanks
Cheri
Praying Cheri that God would supernaturally take away all desire to smoke. Way to go…. Linda
Lord – I lift up this sister to you! I have been there – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 says Now it is God who makes both us and you remain strong in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership upon us and placed His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come. You love her more that she can even imagine and you want the best for her not just good. Bring people into her life to give her accountability that she does not want this in her life anymore. In Jesus name!
That He is with me, Always.
God is teaching me to be patient-one of the fruits of the spirit I learned in the first week memory verse. He answers in His time; not ours.
His grace is sufficient, is what Im learning, (at times minute by minute 🙂
LOVE Lysa T, and MTC is awesome. I am so thankful for her ministry!!
I am learning how amazing it is to Love HIM!!! Psalm 18:1 I will love you OLord MY STRENGTH!! Just pray that I will let Him be my first love.
To Trust Him!
That there truly is power in the Word to put the enemy to flight, especially in my thoughts!
To shut-up! Love him for it tho!
The first part of January I had been listening to a cd series you did several years ago, Beth, titled “The Lord God Made A Woman” and I had already been so blessed with what I was learning & a few weeks later I received an e-mail about Lysa’s new Bible study “Made To Crave.” These two combined have been just what I needed to get me started in the right direction. I know it’s time for me to concentrate more on healthy choices and God is teaching me to pay more attention and to quit neglecting my body & my health. Until I hit about 35 years of age I could eat anything I wanted and never gain a pound. Suddenly every year I added a few pounds and before I knew it I had gained way too much. The study is about craving God instead of food. I honestly think for the first time in a long time I have the “want to” Lysa is talking about.
Lysa was so sweet to write an encouraging post on my blog.
One of my Houson blogging friends sent a picture from her iphone last week of you and it said “Look who taught me tonight!” I sure wish I lived closer. I’m happy all is going well and you have a great group. I can’t wait for the study of James!
God bless!
Valerie
Patience and dependence on Him.
Patience while I try to figure out why I’m so incredibly tired all that time, and none of the usual reasons seem to be it this time.
Dependence on Him to make it through a day at work and get stuff done at home after work when I’m so tired.
God is teaching me that His Word is useful in every situation…the scripture I have memorized will calm, refresh, teach, remind, satisfy, influence,and refocus me if I remember to call upon it!
God is reminding me of how to handle a great amount of stress at one time and still be thankful. We are dealing with my recovery from major surgery (Mama Beth will understand this one), my husband’s continuing health issues, my mother-in-law in her final stages of life (possibly final days), a relative being treated for an aggressive form of cancer, a relative newly diagnosed with Alheimers Disease, and having my husband’s medical disability checks cut off. Despite that, God is still gracious and merciful and I am being reminded to continually give thanks no matter what! GOD IS GOOD!
God is teaching me that He loves me and that I MUST remain fully in Him to grow to complete freedom from the way too long list of strongholds…especially as I am 100% determined not to pass these down to my sweet children!
Oh Siesta Mama, I love how you love your man! At this very moment God is using that to remind me that I need to LOVE my man and not just live alongside him. I have a tendency to focus all my energy/attention/affection on my two girls and my husband gets pushed to the side. I need to stop that! Their needs just seem more…demanding than his, but I am trying to learn to put him first (well second, after God of course)! 🙂
It has been a difficult season for me. God has been teaching me so much, but I think the one that has been impressing me this right moment is out of Proverbs 30:7 (actually my scripture memorization for this month)
“two things I ask of you, oh Lord! do not refuse me before I die; keep falsehood and lies far from me. Give me neither poverty or riches, but give me only my daily bread”.
Are we able to live pay check to pay check (not more, not less). We work as missionaries and our financial support right now is just not good. But we are trusting the Lord for his provision… Sometimes it is hard to say “no” to your kids… I understand Lord…
I am learning.
One day I will get to meet you Beth, face to face… and I just would like to hug you… Thank you sista for ALL the LOVE and care that you give each one of us…
Denise – Colorado Springs
Denise…before I read your post my post was about daily bread, and I posted one of Beth’s quotes on the back of one of her devotional books. “Longterm victory is won one day at a time.” Thanks for posting your testimony…oh how I needed that and the verse! It may very well be my next one! Praying for God’s provision for you!
God is teaching me that He has a plan for my life, and more specifically my daughter’s life. That His plan is not my plan, and that His plan is so much better.
My daughter is 3 1/2 and has Down Syndrome. She is awesome, but what a ride the last three years have been. I catch myself looking back over the time and wondering when God fixed me. I was a very self conscious person before she was born, a slave to many sins and a captive of many negative thoughts. Through my journey to understand His plan for her I think I have learned to accept His plan for me. He is so cool.
In the words of my favorite Aaron Shust song,
“I am not skilled to understand, what God has willed, what God has planned. I only know at His right hand sits one who is my Savior”
Thanks for sharing your post Rachel. Blessed my soul tonight! He gives us what we need WHEN we need it!
That’s awesome Rachel!
He is teaching me that it really is so easy to LOVE HIM!
To enjoy the normal days. And to not beat myself up at the end of a regular old day. There will be victories, defeats, laughter, etc., but He who began a good work in me will see it through to completion. Also, that I can have a huge impact in my little world by just NOT being irritable.
Patience……..waiting and trust. He will provide.
Oh, Beth, how can I pick just one thing? We are going through the heartache of a precious, prodigal daughter who is so, so very far from the Lord, making enormously destructive choices. The excruciating pain of it is causing me to cling to the cross like never before in my life! And yes, God’s word is more alive than ever before, as His sweet presence comforts and sustains me and my family. He is teaching me to trust, trust, TRUST Him, and to even find — dare I say it? — joy in the midst of the sorrow. I could go on and on about all the things God is teaching me and my family through this agonizingly painful experience, but I would sum it up by saying that I’m learning this: I am not in control. God is. My heart can rest.
He is teaching me how to have a more intimate relationship with Him — everywhere I turn I am hearing the message that I NEED this, and what a blessing it will be.
God love us ‘old’ women and He is still is using us!
Hi Mamma Siesta,
I’m scrambling to finish Week 1 Jesus the One and only. I just read about naming the first child Leon or Minnie. OK, John the Baptist’s family naming – circumcision passage will always make me smile in the future.
Sanity prevailed!!
I am a nanny of three kiddos. God has been teaching me patience.
To be still and know that HE IS GOD! To take in the day & moments one breath at a time, and not get so caught up on what could of, should of, didn’t and most likely wont. Be still is such a sweet lullaby. Father knows best…
TRUST. My BFF was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer. I immediately sent out word to all of my blogging friends to remember her with prayer. We all prayed unceasingly, while at the same time worrying what the test results would say. Her surgery was successful. The test results were clear! But if she had not been diagnosed with cancer, the drs would not have found the scarring on her intestine from her Crohn’s disease which would most certainly have caused a ruptured bowel — which would have been fatal for her. Praise God for her cancer….and for complete and infinite trust in him! ♥
God is showing me the reality of my anger. It is time to get control of the beast. It turns me into a bully. It heardens the hearts of my kids. It does not bring peace. It is time to break this habit.
God is teaching me that even when I give up on my prayers being answered, He doesn’t! Since I was a teenager I have longed to go to Israel. Unfortunately I never had the money and my husband had no desire to go. Recently he was injured in an accident and received a very painful injury. I prayed with all my heart that God would work something good from this “bad” situation. Well, siestas, He has! My husband just received a check compensating him for his injuries AND a change of heart. Today, after 40 years of painful longing, I wrote a deposit check for a 2 week trip to Israel this spring! GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!