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.
I am learning how to enjoy just HIM! Him being my all…my true satisfaction. 🙂
He is teaching me that sometimes He runs ahead of me……….and it’s ok to chase Him….
God is teaching me His faithfulness right now. We have bought a new house and are remodeling it and I became quite overwhelmed. Spent some time before the Lord committing the plans to Him and He has shown up big time. And I LOVE seeing his hand in it all. Such a precious walk with Him.
And a side note … I came to Esther when I could, a few of the Psalms of Ascent, last fall’s three sessions and the first two weeks of James. I must tell you … last night was the most fun I’ve ever had …. I actually laughed out loud this morning that we covered one verse … and OH IT WAS GOOD … all the way to the “Greetings” part … even that was good! There was a real “relaxed” sense … I don’t know if it’s b/c it’s not being taped or you were in a very funny mood last night but I had a blast. I have four kids and basketball playoffs are coming quickly for two of them and I don’t even know how I’ll survive missing a week of James.
Last thing … bless those police officers outside. I walk from practically the Galleria to get there 🙂 and they make me feel safe. I wish there was a park and ride … cuz girl, you pack ’em in. 🙂
God is teching me that dry sseasons will pass to just keep in the Word and wait for renewal. Thank You God
God has informed me recently through a NUMBER of sermons, blogs posts, chance encounters and Facebook updates that I am to join a mentoring group.
So, tonight, I did just that 🙂
Could Kari Jobe be any cuter?! I have heard her songs, but never have I seen her picture. Adorable.
God is teaching me to listen to Him. Be quiet and listen for His direction.
I learned while studying Revelation that in 2:17 that I will have a new name in Heaven – at least after much digging in our Bible Class “Here and Now…There and Then”, we think that’s right????? Could it be? We all got a kick out of thinking what our names might be. You know girl’s – some were such a hoot! Lot’s of lively discussion on these studies after your DVD – all I can say is WOW! You are preaching the Word girlfriend!
God is showing me that He can be trusted, even when it seems like everything is coming against you and bringing the kitchen sink along with it to throw in for good measure.
Donna
anotherbattlewon.blogspot.com
Self discipline. That’s my word from God this week. Had our weekly bible study tonight covering session 9 of David-Seeking a heart like his. One of the girls decorated a big chocolate chip cookie that said “We love Beth Moore” in pink and white frosting.(and yes I showed “self-discipline and just looked-no eating!) You would have loved it Beth! And you would love our group! God is amazing!! Every time we get together there is an absolute annointing of the Holy Spirit. So wish we could make it to a night of your Houston study. That would be incredible. Can’t wait until The James study is available! And I am just tickled that you’ve got your baby girl close to home for a while. I know you must be on cloud nine having her near.
God is teaching me that He will show me day by day how to live for Him. This past Monday our “Stepping Up” study partners stood shoulder to shoulder and vowed to follow the way of Jesus and not our own ways. He is the way!!
He is teaching me that He is walking with me even if I don’t feel that He is. This is a rough time right now for me, and He’s revealing He’s been with me the whole time.
Beth, please don’t ever feel like you HAVE to be here to talk to us!! You are so busy and we have our “big girl panties on” so we can wait until you have time! LOL! We know and appreciate so much all your are doing for His Glory; I just don’t know how you do everything!!! Anyway, I feel like God is showing me the “little things” that bless me so much! The last few weeks I have been working out on this elliptical machine and it is a killer! Oh, how my legs burn! But I tune the radio in to this christian station and I noticed the last few days the message is just for me? I had a “tantrum” with my DH the other day and as soon as I got on my machine the message was about being rude to others that we care about!!! Thank you Jesus!! Sorry so long….love you!
I always love it when you take a few minutes to say “hi” and care enough to ask what we’re doing or what God is teaching us.
One thing (out of several that He has to keep re-teaching me) is that after I have my time with Him, be flexible with a smile on my face and love in my voice.
Thank you for sharing with us! I love to hear that you and Keith are on the upside of the roller coaster! As a newly married woman, I wish more people would share the truth about marriage… Thank you Beth!
~thank you sweet beth for your depth of sharing, it means a great deal. ~
the last two years plus my husband and I have been going through a long season of waiting…..helping each other to renew our hope when we are faced with yet another dip in this valley. It’s possible this time is nearing to an end, but I’m wise enough to not assume God’s next move. I feel full that my heart is blessed to see the contined provision God is allowing for our little family. But I’m brave enough to be honest that at times I’m tired and this feeling of treading is exhausting. And just when I get to the point that I say those words outloud God allows such visible comfort to occurr. Needless to say looking back, this season will provide lessons for years to come. I’m thankful for my husband and I to be growing stronger and not breaking under the pressure. And that we can package these lessons in a way that our four year old can grow too.
As you said in a previos bible study….God uses trials to burn away what is fake and bring out what is real….I’m thankful for this!
I am divorced (3 yrs now) and I don’t enjoy being alone. The Lord is teaching me that right now, I need to be alone. I need to learn to love Him and see my worth before I can love anyone else. My confidence and self esteem has taken quite a beating over the years, so I tend to think I’m not worth much. And its soooo hard, I get so lonely. I just trust and pray that its a season, a learning season, and that I won’t be alone forever.
Oh Tara, I’ve been there too. I pray you will begin to see your immeasurable worth day by day, moment by moment. You are a precious daughter of the King of Kings! No one can take that from you. Believe what God says about you and reject the lies of the enemy. And I hope it helps to remember that Jesus is with you always.
I’m pretty sure that you would never catch Michelle in a tutu. Am I right?
Waiting and trusting…..
NEVER. EVER. 😉
He is teaching me so very much, but the thing that comes to mind right away is how if we will just be open and transparent about our struggles, we will find out how many hurting people there are out there who just want to be cared about and prayed for. I am thankful that for now we are on the up side of our trial…hope to get to the study next Tuesday!
i am learning that you have to place your trust in God and that people are going to surprise you and let you down. Even during those toughest times, I am not to be shaken by the circumstance but still in the presence of the Almighty One for “I know what ere befall be, Jesus doeth all things well”
He’s teaching me to follow my husband’s lead even when I REALLY don’t want to but I know deep down that he’s right. It’s so hard to be submissive some times. 🙂
I’m learning that too, Kim. The Lord will honor you for doing that.
mama beth-
He’s showing me huge that we are not an island to ourselves,
and that when we place others on pedestals we are still alone,
they can’t give us what Jesus can…He places every person
where they are in our lives.when we fall no one but HIM can catch us!
We need people who can relate to us on a personal
Level. Siestaville is amazing, and friendships
online are great, but we isolate ourselves when
we only let our relationships be so centered around that.
I’m asking for prayer for probably the first time in awhile Siestas,
I’m going to start going to a different church…some
sweet people are there and I need more
connection in my life.
This has come after much thought and I’m standing
on my SSMT verse…He’s already gone before me.
Deuteronomy 31:7-8. His Word is truth…I trust it!
xoxo
Angie
Tonight God taught me — again! — that my girls at church are always ready for a challenge. I’m loving being part of SSMT for the first time, so adapted it for the middle/high school girls I work with on Wednesday nights. I had a small group tonight, but they all seemed excited. The promise of a celebration at the end of the year probably didn’t hurt either! 🙂
We officially kick things off next week. I’m praying that they’ll be drawn to the Word and want to hide it in their precious hearts.
I’m learning today that God continues to be exactly who He says He is! I can trust Him, and my husband said it well when he said, ‘I’m really not surprised when God answers prayers because when we pray them, we really are EXPECTING Him to answer them’. It made me think about my prayers. Do I REALLY expect an answer, or just hope for one? My outlook was refreshed today, and I really saw God’s faithfulness…again! I don’t mean expecting to ‘get what I want’, but rather expecting to see God at work in my life and really marveling at it all! Sometimes my heart just breaks out in singing those old hymns, like “Great is Thy Faithfulness”! I’m so glad I’m His, and He is mine!
Oh, Beth! I love that you love each new study group more than ever. I know exactly what you mean because I have taught young adults in high school and college lo these 36 years, and every semester, I love the new class more than the last class. LOL! That’s all God; in myself, I wouldn’t love anybody because I’m just too ugly, but through Him, all things are possible! Gotta love it!
I don’t know what I’m learning (except a lot of Scripture and that I CAN still memorize it, yeah!!!). My father is lying in a hospital bed preparing to meet the Lord, my mom is struggling to see Dad this way, and I’m just sitting here trying to be helpful. Death is not my thing; though I love Jesus and know He’ll call me Home one day, it scares me, well, to death. Watching it happen to my dear dad is hard, but He is carrying me. Praise His Name.
Thank you for being you!
How to proclaim His name everyday! Not just God, but Jesus.. so the world knows the difference (since most have a “god”). Mentioning something to others wherever I am about His love, His protection, His grace..etc. Do you know where I learned this from? My 13 yr old son.. his Bible study guys group at church! Love the things *I* learn from that group. 🙂
That He IS always there to help us, even when we are being tested–often beyond what WE think we can stand. My 2nd Siesta Memory verse says it all–
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I’m enjoying my very first experience with SSMT so much. I decided to put my verse to a tune and was singing it while walking my dog the other day; let’s just say I got a funny look from one of my neighbors.
The Lord is showing me how to be more open to what He has to give me, and more open to opportunities for giving it back out to those around me.
Jesus gives us grace upon grace!!! It’s humbling and awesome! John 1:16
I have learned that God CAN, and now I am beginning to believe that He WILL!!!
God is teaching me to learn from my mistakes…but also all the friends I have…their mistakes are teaching me so much about God’s love and forgiveness and goodness!! So many people are living proof to me that God is there helping them, protecting them, teaching and sometimes scolding them….so surely he is doing the same for me and I just didnt see it or appreciate it! Thank you God for always being there for me and my needs. And….thank you for Beth Moore too!!
God’s currently teaching me to prepare my field for what He has coming. I’m not sure what’s around the bend, but I do know that by keeping myself in tune to what He’s got going on around me and following as He leads is the best path for me right now. My worry and control won’t help the situation at all.
“Sow your seed in the morning and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed… banish all anxiety from your heart…” (Ecclesiastes 11)
Oh, if I’d only grasped onto this years ago… 🙂
He is teaching me that He knows what is going on in my life and He cares. I am mourning the end of what I thought was going to be a relationship that would lead to marriage. So many “random” people have reached out to me just to ask how I’m doing, people that had no idea what was going on with this relationship. I know that God sent these people to me and He has reminded me that He is my husband and that He cares about my heart break. He is such an awesome, amazing, wonderful, caring, loving God. I am so very blessed to know Him!!!
You are such a blessing. So many of your bible studies and books have been life changing in how I view God and circumstances. What a blessing it must have been to have Lysa at your bible study too. She’s such a doll! You are truly blessed to get to minister with your daughter. Now that my mom is saved (hallelujah) and has her own homeless ministry in Vegas (way far away from me here in OR) I would so love to be side-by-side with her serving our mighty God. Who knows, maybe someday!
Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God
Amazed at a truth that just “popped out” at our last ladies bible study…..funny, though, because it wasn’t even part of the lesson! The three of us are re-doing the Living Beyond Yourself study. We were discussing the question about finding Him in troubled times in our lives, and the joy that comes from that discovery. We realized that God marveously protected each of us as children–that is, “chose” us (me!) We were awe-struck to realize how it was as if “he put a hedge around us” in our crazy childhood up-bringing and allowed each of us to come to know him-while protecting us from the events that could have and probably would have us in a different arena…certainly not studying His word! We thought of a passage in Job….so we “jumped” over to Job and found in Job 1:10 how the evil one answered to God that Job was faithful only because “God put a hedge around him and blessed him…” to God’s question, “Have you considered my servant, Job?”……we named ourselves the “hedgehog sisters” with a smile, thankfulness and joy in our hearts that only comes from our God because it was true~He really did choose us and set us aside to be his very own!! Our names were written in the book of life even before time began! We have discovered His joy in us and through his filling of the Holy Spirit we have His joy to share with others!! We are loving this study (again!)
I relunctantly attended a Divorce Care small group this evening after comitting to a friend (who did not show up) that I would go with her even though I experienced my separation from my ex years ago. The facilitator had two questions on the board. Do my circumstances define me? or Do I define my circumstances? As the group progressed I could not take my eyes off those questions and finally I answered inside of myself and stated within myself neither. I want God to define who I am, my circumstances (good or bad) He has said who I am and whose I am regardless of my circumstances and He has plans for me that I cannot even fathom that have absolutely nothing to do with my circumstances and I can either believe it or not. It was a light bulb moment for me tonight. I will be going back next week, whether my friend goes with me or not. That is what God is teaching me right now 🙂
I’m going into week 4 of your updated Breaking Free bible study at my church. I’m so totally blown away by God and how He wants to set me free in an area I didn’t even really consider bondage! How wrong I was, and how excited and a little scared (OK more than a little) to go forward with God!
Right now it’s all about GRACE! The deeper I dig in with God the more my sinful struggles show. And then I tend to beat myself up over it. Trying to accept his grace and move on in it knowing He will help me obey in the future.
The Lord is teaching me that His GRACE is enough. I just got out of a beautiful relationship. It was everything I had ever desired. Everything I had prayed for. When we ended it, he made me feel like I was worth nothing and that my flaws were unacceptable…Jesus and His loving Kindness has shown me that He will never forsake me in my weakness. That He will always be patient with me. He will always show me grace. He will fight for me. He will love me when I don’t love Him…He always keeps asking me to trust Him with the desires of my heart. He will take care of them. I have to desire Him above all else…He is worthy. When everything else has failed me, He is the only One I have to run to. Oh goodness, why does it take these places for me to see just how amazing my Savior is?!
Wow, that is a loaded question. 🙂 As of today my eyes were opened a bit to the plot of the enemy. He picks our basic needs like food for example to lure us into his ultimate plan to fall just like he did. No one likes to pity party alone and it is especially true of him. It truly isn’t that his goal is to keep us from honoring God but to show God that we will all try to be God like him and fall head first with whatever lure we sink our teeth into. The enemy is merely fishing and we are attracted to shiny objects. But the assurance I have from my Father is that He can remove all hooks and mend every wound.
Abiding Still, Chel
Learning to live with chaos and be content! Our 29 year-old daughter and her 2 children (1 on Friday & 4 1/2) moved into our home 5 months ago. She has been a stay-at-home Mom, but is searching to create a livlihood for her children and herself. She began school this semester and will be in school for 2 years before graduating. The children are precious and God gives me several gifts each day that sustain me. My husband is a Senior Pastor of a 600 member church. Our lives were hectic before. Now they are just ridiculous! Last night, my 4 year old Grandson told me that he was going to go to his “God-place” to pray for me to find something I had lost. I listened to his sweet prayer as he lay prostrate on our bed, and knew, once again, that I will cherish these weeks, months & years beyond any stress that might arise. He is so faithful!
That He and only He is the Joy and Love of my entire life!!! He is my EVERYTHING! jd<
Please also pray for little six-year-old Jensen Anderson. I think that, Beth, you may have met them while they were in Texas for radiation treatments and they went to your church. Jensen is dying and in such pain; his parents continue to be incredible examples of faith and trust in the Lord. Here in our community, everyone is praying for mercy and comfort for little Jensen as he endures these hours, but we can have even more people lifting up this family in their prayers. Jeff & Julie are his parents (Julie went to the same Bible Study I did last year – yours on Esther) and Jensen has 4 siblings as well. The Lord has healed him once and we know He can do it again, but it doesn’t appear as though that is in His plan this time around; even Jeff & Julie are praying for the Lord to take Him home if that’s what it takes to spare him the pain he is in. In addition, he is experiencing a huge personality change, in the form of anger, and they don’t know if that’s due to the meds or to the radiation or to the tumor pressing on his brain stem. So patience and grace for the entire family are obviously urgent items for prayer. Thank you.
” I, I AM”. Teaching me to keep my eyes on HIM, my everything, who is presently happening. Oh how I love Him! And I love all my Siestas 🙂
Where to begin??? VALUE and REFLECTION would be the best place to start: my Value to His growing Kingdom on this earth and a Reflection (or Incite) to the path that my life was going had I not let God step in and take control (said path was going no where good at a right busy speed).
Like so many, I was out of work for many months. 5 weeks ago I landed a job in a field that I did not endure 7 hard years of school for nor have any interest in, much less get a Master’s degree for it! Now I am confident that I am where God wants me to be at this very moment but I still wonder WHY? Since the week before Christmas it has been my constant prayer that God SHOW me WHY He has me at that particular job and place and this past Friday, He showed me. More like slammed it in my face and left me a puddle on the floor under my desk. Be careful what you ask for because He will give it to you. And, more often than not, it is NOT how you planned on it happening!
For some reason (the Holy Spirit, I believe!!!), a coworker of mine (whom I have now known for 38 days)opened up to me and shared with me a deep, buried, scary wound that she has been carrying with her for more than 2 years. I am the fourth person that she has ever told. Ever. Throughout our lunch (that went for 2 hours, shh, please don’t tell!) she shared with me some details that were horrifying and I don’t doubt that many of us have been there before. It could have easily been me in the story. I am beyond thankful that it didn’t happen to me but hearing it was like God saying ‘See where you were headed? When I said I am THE WAY, yeah, I wasn’t kidding!’
At that lunch, God revealed His Right-Now-Purpose Plan for Ellen to me. I believe that I am there for my coworker, to exemplify the peace, love and grace that God has shown me. That He can show her. I’m telling you I have been so excited these past few days; was so excited Friday evening I just nearly exploded when I met with one of my dear friends later that night for dinner.
I could go on and on and on and on about His love and all that He is revealing to me right now but I’ll leave room for others to share. But, if you’re interested in the rest of the story, I could always go for an afternoon Chai Tea Latte 🙂
One big theme this season of life is waiting on the Lord. But here is what God keeps saying to me over and over again: don’t just wait upon me beloved, wait WITH hope and expectation! Yes and amen. We are called the daughters of the king. That is teeming with possibilities! Its time to believe it. Right now, there looks to be an impossible mountain standing in my own promised land, but by His grace, I’m finally believing HE is bigger then this circumstance. Praise Him!
That He doesn’t expect me to do it *all*. I only have to be who He is calling me to be. If only I knew…
“I know, O Lord, that a mans way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” Jer 10:23
He is teaching me to keep my eyes focused on Him. Sometimes He has to gently cup my face in His hands so I will look at Him. I’m learning.
Right now I’m in a season of waiting. This is what He is teaching me. I know God is up to something, but not knowing what. Isn’t that always the interesting part?? I’ve been here before this shouldn’t worry me so much. He has proven Himself to me over an over that He is the Faithful One. “My soul wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him” Ps 62:5.. So He is teaching me to wait…and I’m willing.
There is so many things that God has been teaching me right now – probably because we are in survival mode. But I will share one that He showed me last night at Percept Bible Study in Kings and Chronicles. ‘Don’t forget to remove the high places!’ It’s not good enough to just remove the idols – need to go all the way and remove the high places. It is right to take care of the external things but make sure your heart has been changed in the process.
So glad Tuesday night is going well – sure wish I could be there! 🙂
Trust. With every breath I have, trust Him.
Trust Him to heal and be faithful.
Trusting Him that my babies will be born healthy and that I will make it 2 more weeks.
Every breath I take I pray for trust and favor.