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 is teaching me to trust Him.
One truth He’s revealing to me at this season is to trust in Him. I believe we (the body of Christ corporately and individually) are heading toward a time of testing and sifting. My husband has a family business that has been in his family for over 60 years. His banker told him that he probably only has six months to be in operation. He is devestated and is feeling very vulnerable right now. I know that the Lord provided this business to him and will reveal Himself through this time. Please be praying for us! Bless you1
He’s teaching me to take Him at His Word. I believe it…I just don’t always act like I do. Dumb sheep.
Beth!! God is teaching me that “anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”. (James 1:19&20) and my kids remind me when my road rage kicks in 🙂
Trust…He’s teaching me to trust in Him in so very many areas but primarily in the things that I have NO control over…but would love to (cuz I’m a control freak like that!).
You’re mentioning of M.D. Anderson made my heart jump. As you know, my little sister has cancer and is struggling so. Just recently a doctor from M.D. Anderson has moved to SLC where she lives and has agreed to take her case…she thinks because her case is interesting and challenging. Praising God for a glimmer of hope in her situation. Trusting Him!
Melana
I continue to pray for your sister and wondered how she was doing. (I sure can relate to you about the control freak thing…why are we wired like that??)
Thank-you for praying for her. That is so sweet to hear.
I think we’re wired this way, cuz God knew we would need to give over this control thing and let Him be God, instead of us…and that produces TRUST.
🙂
angel…michigan
Through the scipture memorizing I’m learning afresh how awesome and powerful our God is….I mean, I KNOW it, but the verses He’s been giving me are really working on my heart to see Him as the God of the old testament. HE is God! He ALONE is God!
He has a hope and a future for me….He also is God, there is no other…He is God…there is no one like Him!
Praise His Holy and Blessed Name…LOL!
I am learning to bite my tongue and blurt my verses instead!!
Patience. Odd thing is I hadn’t even been asking for it. I had too many other requests I thought. As I’ve drawn closer to Him though, He has been giving me patience with my three young boys and my husband. It is changing our whole family.
Jesus is teaching me about heavenly wisdom that James 3 talks about. I don’t want to be bitterly envious or full of selfish ambition, so I’ve been asking for His wisdom. So thankful that He doesn’t leave me the same, but takes me to deep places in my guts to show me who He is!
He’s teaching me to be “head strong.” I’m heart strong, I need to know that I know and not doubt.
Learning how to take my mind captive to Christ as I walk a journey to freedom in Christ. A long life of being held in bondage and many strongholds by that liar, Satan, but I am on the journey and finding joy in Christ! Never thought I would say those words — Thank you Jesus! Freedom, Freedom, Freedom!!! Oh how I love you God=))
to wait well.
He’s teaching me (again) that I’m responsible for my own emotions and actions. I can not allow others to become bigger than God especially in how much power over my own emotional stability I give them.
God is teaching me how to love well and much! Praise Him he is so sweet,tender, gentle and loving.
Learning to trust Him and wait upon Him – that sounds like two but it is so tied together it is clear to me this is the same thing. Within the next month my life will be completely altered, out of my control, in a way I cannot predict, but He is in control. As you tell us in the Esther study I am wrapping up, our LORD is responsible for the How, and I need only obey. But oh this is so hard. Without Him, it would be unbearable.
He is showing how much pride I still have and how much bigger his grace is. Praise his patient, ever faithful name!
I am typing this from a hotel in Guatemala where I am with the Florida Baptist Children’s Home on a mission trip. God is teaching me that I cannot fix everything and that is okay becasue He can. My heart is breaking over the children that we are working with, but God knows each child and their needs and HE IS FAITHFUL to complete the good work begun in each one of them.
My faithful God is teaching me that everyone’s story is unique and different. I know…a lesson that I should have fully learned at this point in life, but for some reason I try to “make” my life look like those I respect or admire. What’s even more interesting is that it is those very people whom I respect and admire that God chooses to use to remind that His storyline for my life is all its own. You are the author Lord and my life is a blank page…continue to write!
Beth, I just finished the Believing God Bible study 2 weeks ago. I’m still wearing my blue cord…can’t bear to part with it yet. Because of that study and because God is so sweet, I realized that he has either directed my path or has protected me from the paths that I had chosen my entire life, even and especially when I was determined to do my own thing! I’m part of your SSMT, and my second verse of the year was Deuteronomy 1:31, “There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” (from memory!) That scripture is my life verse now! I had revelation after revelation of how He has carried me through every aspect of my life while “remembering” and doing the timeline in your study. I was blown away. I’ve never felt closer or truly believed God more than I do at 50 years old. You are precious, and God is the Father I never had. Bless you!
“Most of my revivals come from survivals.” –amen.
God has been reminding me of my desperate need for Him DAILY.
from changing jobs, to helping a very troubled youth, to living with roommates, and every detail in between–God cares about it all. there is nothing too insignificant to bring before him, and nothing goes unnoticed by him.
God is teaching me to really LOOK at my priorities. That my involvement in ministry can not come before my ministry at home with my husband and my little ones. There will be a season for me to serve in certain areas but God’s first calling on my life is at home. =)
Here it is…He’s teaching me to NOTICE the details…
And I LOVE it when I listen to Him.
http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/go-fish
Lori/Atlanta, Georgia
God is teaching me to see my children for the beautiful creatures HE created them to be. Our oldest is starting HS next year, and it feels so HUGE and scary–we have to map out classes, and balance academics and extra’s and church and youth group and scouts….and it all feels just Giant–but God showed me a lovely boy, MY OWN, at the open house last night, and I saw him a bit differently, with eyes that God gave me, and it was so calming, to see the beautiful boy that God gave us to raise, to nurture, to guide, to lead. God is in charge, and there is peace.
Plus I still have a mischevious 4th grade boy who climbs everything, snowboards like there is a career in it, and makes me smile, even if I’m MAD!!
God is gracious!!
Beth,
I’m learning that when God plants a desire in your heart, and you wrestle with him about it for awhile; you finally come around to where you are praying for that desire to be fulfilled with anticipation. Then, when He begins to do just that, you realize you are actually so ill equipped to be used in such weakness, that discouragement begins to creep in. Does that make any sense?!
Good thing my God is FOR me. Claiming His word and praising His faithfulness…by faith.
thanks for asking,
xo rene
That if I seek the Truth, I will find it and get to know it, more and more.
I just love reading your blog Beth and the comments, I feel a deep connection to you and the women and I am so thankful that we are there for one another 🙂
That I am a sinner saved by grace – created in the image of God for his pleasure – weak and dependent relying every moment on His grace and mercy.
He is teaching me to wait for Him.
To stand confident in the One who called. Not in my calling, but in my Caller!
God is teaching me ” to stand firm in one spirit”. I have a great desire to get closer to the ladies in my life. I want to suffer along side them and also to rejoice with them. I want so much to have deeper bonds and closer relationships! Thank you for letting God use you in a mighty way. I love you.
He’s asking me to trust His plan in this next phase of life. My last day of working in a particular dental office is tomorrow. It’s been a roller coaster for me to say the least. Specifically He is teaching me 5 important things:)
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God’s Word is alive and active in me.
I’m. Believing. God!
By faith… Angie in Michigan
xoxo
p.s. Thanks for this gentle reminder, Beth! I’m pretty sure I will sleep better tonight!
God is stretching and stretching me while teaching me to love unconditionally! Especially those who hurt me. It’s the whole thing from the first post of the new year about not allowing ourselves to get into that downward spiral of thought that we get into when someone we love hurts or offends us! Boy, that’s tough! That’s exactly why I am memorizing “the love chapter” these first few months of scripture memory. And by the way, I am LOVING my spiral!!
Quick funny story, Beth….I love Steinmart! A couple of years ago when I saw you in Orlando for Deeper Still, you had on my red ruffled top that zips up the front from Steinmart…so, i was in Steinmart today looking around and out of nowhere came the thought….wonder what new spring thing caught Beth’s eye? 🙂
PS…I need info ~ what bible study or book did Beth tell the story about the handicapped young man running a race and finishing last, but winning because he stayed in his own lane? Thanks for helping!!
Wendy
Albany, Ga.
Hey Wendy, I’ll see if our Resource team can help locate that story for you…
I think Beth told that story at passion 2010 in Atlanta about her doctor friend’s daughter.
Double check that KMac. 🙂
One thing God is teaching me: return to your first love.
God keeps reminding me that He has everything under control. I thank Him for reminding me when I so easily forget.
Authenticity… and INHERITANCE… I am re-watching your Inheritance series and really rocking it this time…. I WANT A WILD RIDE, too! Is God a giver or a taker… I have to admit, I have played it safe with God for too many years. I am learning to fall in love with him… Thank you Beth
God is teaching me that He is Good, all the time, regardless of my circumstances. He is also teaching me that it is better to be myself and be real and have the possibility of rejection then it is to pretend to be someone else. good stuff! Thank You Beth for living out loud.
I am learning to be patient (again!). I seem to have to learn this one over and over again. His timing is not my timing but he is never wrong.
To turn to Him in all things, no matter how great or how small. To be sold out to Him in my work. As the sole income provider (my husband is a stay at home, home schooling dad of 3), the job is big and stressful, but my Lord is stronger. He showed me particularly today that He is mighty and when I turn the small things over to Him, he will take care of all the big things.
Tammy
Strangely, I was asking God what He was trying to teach me through a trial I’m going through right now. As I prayed, He started filling me with thoughts of what He had taught me 20 years ago when my son, Jason was killed in a motor cycle accident. What was so strange is, I knew most of what He was showing me, but this time He had me write it down. To see it all written was mind boggling and my heart just overflowed with gratitude at all He did for me and taught me. I will be sharing just one point tomorrow at our Bible Study tomorrow. It is that we ARE the Body of Christ and I literally felt God’s physical arms around me and heard His audible voice through the Body of Christ when I needed those physical arms and that audible voice so desperately. God is so absolutely awesome and to think that He is the one who chose to put His Spirit within us and allows us to co-labor with Him in ministering to others. I never cease to be amazed at that mystery.
He is teaching to me to carry my ministry on my open hand instead of ruling over it with a tight fist. I’m realizing that the open hand allows it to grow but the closed fist strangles the life ot of it!
Oh sweet Beth…
God is teaching me His might, His power, His healing hand, His mercy, His grace and His provision….beautiful and outstanding to see Him in all His glory for our precious Joanne, Toben, Audrey, and Emma.
He is also showing me how to fight hard. He goes with me. He equips me. He shows me the way to courage when I’m scared to death. He shows me its ok to fight for Him and with Him when I have no clue and completely out of my comfort zone.
He is just extraordinary to me right now. How in the world could I imagine not having Him before, with, and after me?
Love y’all like crazy. You have NO IDEA what some of these siestas mean to me. They have my back and they love me like crazy too.
What a gift we have here in Siestaville.
Hi to that precious Melissa.
((hugs))
Fran
TN
I’m learning how gracious God is when he delivers me THROUGH the fire (think: Daniel!), especially when I run into His arms and He knows that I was the one who set the fire in the first place…
Continuing to trust….when there is no difference, in what you’ve prayed, fasted, wailed & waited for.
To not let my feelings boss me around but let the Holy Spirit be the boss of me. In a nutshell – who’s going to be in charge? Thank you Lord for making it possible to have victory over my feelings!!
I had one of those moments when God speaks to you today. My first verse I memorized for January was Romans 13:11. I wasn’t sure why I picked it, it was just “the one”. We had our first day back to Wednesday morning Bible study today and we are studying “Downpour” by James McDonald. We were taking apart Hosea 6:1 “Come, let us return to the Lord;” And as I was taking my notes on acknowledging the Lord and blessings from God, James McDonald quoted Romans 13:11! “Wake up from your slumber”. God put a fresh word on my memorized verse. I do believe God is looking for a revival with me. I love it! God is so awesome when He reveals himself in such a poignant way.
I think that God is trying to teach me to believe him for the impossible in a fresh, new way. I saw the newest Alice in Wonderland movie a couple of night ago and the phrase “I try to believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast” really hit me. I’m not talking about wishful thinking and belief in the imaginary, but believing according to Luke 1:37 that God is able, and that nothing is impossible with him. It brings to mind memories of reciting bits of Romans chapter 4 when I was in the middle of Beth’s “Believing God” study and on a wild ride of faith with God in my own life. I’ve asked God to give me six impossible things to believe him for this year. 🙂
i like that, Rebekah! someone said to me this morning that a situation was ‘next to impossible’, and i thought ‘well, God can do the impossible, and maybe He wants to show off!’.
Beth,
This week God is teaching me patience, and I didn’t even ask Him too! Thank you God for your patience with me. Teach me your patience.
Jan
I can’t believe it! I just downloaded Lysa’s 21 day devotional challenge Craving God eBook from Amazon yesterday. I think maybe God is trying to tell me something. He sent me to the free Kindle download and now our Siesta Mama is talking about the books?!? hmmmm
from study of Isaiah… the reason God tells us so much in Scripture “Fear Not” is there WILL be things we encounter that are fearful… Praise our God that HE is greater than anything we can fear…
love ya back
Since I am called to be a soldier, I am not to be ENTANGLED with the affairs of this life so that I may please the One who has chosen me to be a soldier in His army.
God is showing me that I am an introverted person and my husband in an extrovert. And how to celebrate what He has made each of us to be. How it was, His plan all along to put us 2 together. It has only taken me 28 yrs to listen…..LOL!
Sherry