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.
God is teaching me not to doubt in the dark what I know to be true in the light (to quote Glynnis Whitwer who might have been quoting someone else, but nevertheless it’s very valid!)
Patience..I’m fervently praying for God to reveal my purpose now that I am an empty nester. Thankful that my children are on the right path, just want them closer to Jesus. Waiting for my husband to become the man God wants him to be.
It’s either faith or fear……Choose faith! Amen
I have to echo what Shannon said about trusting and taking God at His word about not being afraid. I too feel very much in flux personally and professionally. We are NOT alone!!
Obedience in all things! And He is definitely persistent – but I love that about HIM.
God is teaching me NOT to be about me! Studying James with you on Tuesdays and leading Daniel, (did that with you, too), on Thursday Mornings at my church. Love what you said in that first week of Daniel. “If we aren’t careful, we will do Bible studies asking ‘what does it say about me?'” Perfect!
I’m tired of me…I want to be completely consumed with HIM!
The one thing God is teaching me right now is that He knows the answers to the questions that I have for Him. Really comforting to me, without going into all the details. My major life battle seems to be depression, (clinical and general), and there are hard questions that I’ve asked Him over and over. He knows the answers, though I don’t and won’t until He reveals them or I am finally with Him. That’s comfort I can trust.
James 5:8-9 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
Also my next memory verse… My merciful Savior is teaching me to be patient, take the time to strengthen my heart, recognize and prioritize according to the fact that his return is near, to bite my tongue and stop complaining, and entrust everything in my life to most righteous Judge ever! God’s been busy with me!
The Lord is teaching me that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven…therefore now is not the time to do everything that I want or think I should!
God is teaching me to stop focusing so much on my circumstances and focus on what He is doing through them. A reminder that He gives beauty for ashes. He is faithful.
God’s teaching me that “sorrow lasted for the night, and joy has come with the morning”, and there’s a Psalm that says “i will awaken the dawn with praise”. God showed me that I’d still be in the darkness of mourning if I’d not praised Him through my journey. This dawn was indeed, awakened by my praise. Woop Woop!!!
God is teaching me that HE alone is big enough, strong enough, and willing enough to stand in front of those want to bring me down. All I have to do is surrender my fear and anger to God and He will take care of me. You know that saying easier said than done? I am also learning that by saying it out loud over and over does make it easier. God is good to those that trust in Him. He is teaching me to let go and trust His love will protect me from even the biggest foe. I LOVE MY GOD!!!!!
Confidence in Him and who He has made me to be is not arrogance.
Erin, Tyler
He is teaching me that “longterm victory is won one day at a time.” Give me THIS DAY Lord my daily bread. I can’t do it any other way.
Right this very minute He is teaching me to TRUST Him. This has always been an issue between us, one I’ve begged Him to heal, and so I suppose I’ve asked for this current situation I’m in. The husband broke 2 ribs and is off work, which means trusting God to provide financially. I’ve felt “let down” by God in this area so often, and I am desperate for a breakthrough right now. Also, we’ve been looking at a piece of land to purchase and build a home. We’ve been super excited, but the whole process has been delayed by two deaths (two precious grandmothers, both 93, who went to meet Jesus a week apart), and now the husband’s injuries. Got word today that another party is interested in the lot and has a meeting tomorrow. We are panicking and heartbroken. We are still waiting for word on our loan, hence the delay. The Lord said to me tonight, “Do you trust me that if this falls through it is for your own good? That maybe I have something better for you, or that I’m protecting you from something harmful? Do you TRUST ME?” Every fiber of my being is struggling to get on board with Him, to not just know He is faithful with my head, but also with my heart. Oh Lord, may I learn this lesson well, and may it change me forever!!
God is teaching me that with his love is perfec and that nothing can seperate me from god’s perfect love. He has put several difficult people in my life this week for me to love through his love. I sure couldnt do it by myself.
It’s more like what am I not learning. That might be easier to answer. I’ve been ill this week, normal cold weather northern flu type stuff. Stayed home from work Monday, but still went to Bible Study. Praise Jesus, no one in my group is sick. Slept an incredible amount this week and am still tired. I’m learning to be completely dependent on my Savior King. I also quit smoking. I’m extremely thankful that my Jesus saw fit to use an illness to get me through the worst part of any withdrawal symptoms. (All the non-smoking aids make me sick as well) I am only part of the way through Day 1 of Week 2 homework in “Jesus, the One and Only”. I had to stop and just worship my King as reading about how Jewish families have to buy back their first born sons. I was just completely awed at Mary & Joseph having to redeem the Redeemer. Still am, really. I hope I can get all my homework done by Monday. At least the Packers aren’t playing this weekend. 🙂
It’s *so* encouraging to read what God is teaching all of you. Thanks for sharing! He has been teaching me to focus on Him instead of my problem, and to be still and know that He is God. And He doesn’t need my help.
The Lord is teaching me humility, patience and love like he loves me…Praise the Lord, even through some difficult family times!
God is teaching me to stay ever so close to Him and EVERYTHING else will fall into place.
patience.
doctor has been telling us for 3 weeks our baby boy would be here anyday now…. we’ve been soo anxious, now we just realize that God will let our Isaac come into the world when He is ready for him to, not when we are or think we are … however, either way our baby boy will be entering this world in 11 days or less!
eeeekkkkk! so excited! 🙂
A long-term commitment to obedience regarding my impulsive habits..eating, shopping, etc. Made to Crave is also helping with the “comfort” eating! I desire God more than any piece of food I can put in my mouth!!!!
He is teaching me all about “Peace, be still”
He is teaching me to be obedient, in all things; big and small. My how difficult that can sometimes be! And to think I thought I had learned that lesson!
He has been reminding me the last couple of days of how we must know the truth, speak the truth, and live the truth because the deceived become deceivers.
Mama Beth – I just have to thank you for your transparency about the ups and downs in your marriage. It gives me hope and encouragement when I face the valleys with my own man. I love him dearly, but there are days when our deep love is covered with fierce ____ (I don’t want to use the word hate) I guess ugliness fits.
Thank you!
To trust and believe
Dear Beth and others
I am writing in response to sponsoring a child in Guatemala.
I was in a Christian store in Amarillo,Texas. They asked
me if I would sponser a child. I said I would. I felt a
nudge from God to do it. It is a wonderful experience from
God. When he calls you to do something you feel like you
need to do it. The child lives in Guatemala and is a pretty
young girl. She was born in February and on the 29th in the
year 2000. It just crushes me to see and hear children suff
ering. Especially when they are pretty and precious. Children are a gift from God. They have alot to offer the
world. Well I will let you go for now.
Sincerely Cheryl a friend in Christ. ps I love your Bible
Studies they are really uplifting. by.
Praise God, He is so good and just puts a smile on my face. Sometimes I get down about the silliest things and I can read something like this blog and realize that thanks to Him, the joy is mine! And how can I so easily forget!! Ugh! Thank you Jesus! And thank you Lord for the blessing of my Siesta Sister/Momma of Beth 🙂
God is teaching me this week that He WILL equip me to talk in front of small groups of Christian women (that I am doubting his calling due to fear). I think He is telling me my attitude on serving is luke-warm. I am going to stick with it and trust Him!
Hi Beth! God has used you & Lysa tremendously to get all of my heart. I’m currently in Daniel right now and leading Made to Crave at Panera Bread every Monday night. And Kari Jobe is me and my daughter Alivia who is 9 our favorite cd. (sorry Travis):)
I just saw Lysa last week and she is such a blessing. MTC is incredible; more than a good read, it’s life changing WHEN applied.
I’ve been blessed to be on the planning team for Lincoln,Nebraska & we can’t wait to have you come to our city in June. A city full of those so desperate for Jesus. A city so evident that Satan isn’t taken serious. Committed to pray for you.
Love you,
Lelia
This week I’m learning/realizing that the DISCIPLINE of spending time in God’s Word each day results in the FREEDOM to be able to minister to people who “just happen” to need the same encouragement I received through God’s Word that day/week! (with the additional blessing of this daily discipline becoming my greatest joy!)
God is teaching me that he is my portion and I’m made to be a mighty woman of God who has authority to move mountains in his name! Oh and may I just say that I love to soak up as much godly teaching from you as possible, I absolutely love Kari Jobe, and Lysa Terkuerst is one of my favorite God’s girls and reading about you all in the same blog post made me cry! It’s like God intersected all of my favorites in one little place to touch my heart today.
He is teaching me that after I have done all- then I am to stand. And wait upon Him, without fretting.
Contentment. Right now. Ohhhh, it’s a goodie. Thanks for the delightful post, love the honesty!
How crazy! There are over 700 comments and counting. God surely does work for those who are smart enough to look to see it huh?
Right now, God is teaching me about all the labels I have given myself, or allowed Satan to convience me that I have anyway.
I was watching Lysa TerKeurst’s Made To Crave Webcast and the proverbial board upside the hairdo moment happened. She was responding to a twitter comment from a woman that feared she was made too lazy to commit to an exercise program. She said, in Typical Lysa fashion that she needed to open her eyes to the fact that lazy was a label and lazy was a lie from Satan. I call myself lazy all the time. “I’m being lazy today”, “I feel too lazy to worry about it”, I’m too lazy to __________”. That one was obvious. I wrote down “Lazy is a label, Lazy is a lie.” Then I thought, if I am not lazy what am I? Immediately, “filled with power” came to mind. Well, dang. That is true. My next one was “uncommitted”. God gave me “obedient”. And on and on it’s gone.
Sorry my comment was so long, but well, God isn’t a short-answer kinda Guy sometimes.
🙂 Shannon
I’m reading Made to Crave and doing the new David study. whew! I’m learning so much and loving this new journey with God that sometimes I think I might explode! Really looking for some friends to keep me accountable with Made to Crave…..I keep praying. 🙂
Just yesterday I found a card I’d made when I was reading So Long Insecurity last spring. It was Psalm 112:7-8 about having no fear of bad news.
Then today as I found myself very unexpectedly sitting in a hospital room waiting for my husband’s heart test results, God’s allowed that verse to come beautifully to mind:
“they have no fear of bad news,
their heart is stedfast, trusting in Him.
their heart is secure; they have no fear.”
(I’m still in his hosp room w/o my Bible so please forgive if that’s not perfect)
The word “Heart” jumped to mind as I watched my husband’s heart beating on an ultrasound monitor. When God goes to teach something, He just doesn’t mess around, does He?
Thankfully, my darlin’ is stable. And God is holding his heart–and mine. And if any of you sweeties feel led to whisper a prayer on his behalf, my heart is grateful…and secure.
I will surely pray for your husband Kathy B. And I’m loving that verse, thanks for sharing.
To trust Him completely. That no matter what He is allowing in my life, He is always good. He will take this difficult season and bring good out of it in His time.
How very rich and relevant His word is! I am so hungry for everything of Him and want this to be a way of life and not a season. Beth thank you for being a vessel for Him…I never grow weary of your studies or blogs.
I love how you shower us with love. It ministers to me!
Right now, God’s teaching me that I need to try on some wings and try a little flyin’! This is big to me…I’m a big let’s-just-stay-on-the-ground-where-it’s-safe kind of girl! Ha! I’m nervous, but sometimes you gotta step out on a limb to get the fruit, right?
Love you girls here!
God is teaching me that waiting on His perfect timing is sooo worth it!
He’s teaching me to just follow … Follow Me. Lover of my Soul … Sweet Jesus 🙂
God has showed me that I should live out my faith in front of those at work . Sometimes our actions speak louder than words. People tend to be shocked when you show kindness to them.
I have found Church Online based out of Edmond, OK. I LOVE it. This week, Quit Complaining. Very convicting. I am also doing the new Breaking Free, and the day I read about Experiencing God’s Peace, I also read about God’s peace in my daily reading. God is so good. I love Him dearly.
Patience while I wait on His will. This is my first Siesta Memory Team Verse b/c it’s something He’s shown me over and over in my quiet time.
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Currently God is teaching me to hold on with all my might while he is going to stretch me further then he ever has before…some days so much that all I can do is to whisper in my small voice his name, “Jesus”.
It’s not all neat. There are some huge glorious messes that are desperate for His intervention. Potential glory at stake. Why does He wait?
Things, events and people I unknowingly depend on for contentment just DON’T cut it. Only God satisfies — to stop living in waiting for the end of the journey. Take advantage of each day.
I have just devoured the book of Malachi all week…It’s my first time to really ever study Malachi. Oh, what a word God has had for me this week as he has convicted me about lip and half hearted service. He would rather somebody shut the doors than for me to be offering my leftovers or sacrificing as a burden. He is the Lord Almighty and will be exalted among the nations. What a privilege to be his!