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.
Pondering “the weight of His Glory.” My mind is overwhelmed by that visual.
In the last post you asked what we are up to and this one what we are learning. Well I have one word inheritance. Yes our womens bible study at church is doing your inheritance study. I have been so excited to do this study ever since it came out. After you talked about this at an LPM my life has been forever changed and through this study I have learned so much more.
Just a side note my daughter who was in PICU just before Christmas is doing very well. We go to the specialist this week to get the results of the rest of her blood work. She was diagnosed with Addison disease in case you are wondering. She should be able to lead a normal life. Praise God for his many blessings and that she is alive. Anyway, please pray for her as she deals with the changes that have come into her life.
Beth thank you for all that you do.
Bless you Beth. You are a delight. Stands to reason when you consider who your Daddy is! What one thing is God teaching me? Well, aside from the fact that He is still working on reminding and teaching me that HE is in fact GOD, He is reminding me that when it’s beyond me the two most important things I can do is Pray and keep my mind fixed on His truth (that means on HIM as He reveals Himself and His truth in His word). He is a great and wonderful God. He is who He says He is and He does what He says He will do. Can I get an “Amen!” (throw in a Hallelulija too!)
Thanking God for His work through you and the grins He brings to me through you…Debbie
I’m getting married in TWO months! And I’m SO SO excited to be married to my man!!! He is the most God honoring and God pursuing man I have EVER met and I love him with all of my heart!!!! So I’m just praying like crazy that God teaches me to love my man the way He meant for wives to love their men- and to love HIM (Jesus) always FIRST with all of my heart. It feels like such a tall order but I can feel HIM slowly changing me!
Beth, do you recommend any books I should read before I get married?! 🙂
He is teaching me that to be renewed in my Spirit, I must be thankful in all things.
I waited PATIENTLY for the Lord.
I am trying anyway.
After visting with the infertility doctor this week, for our first visit … God is teaching me that life isn’t all about our wants/needs/desires. It’s about winning lost souls and bringing Him glory.
Thank you Mindy. You are so right. But I do pray the Lord blesses you with Children. And in return those Children will be used to win lost souls and bring Glory to Him!
God has been giving me this verse almost every time I turn around–Ps 139:17-18 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me. Oh, I want to receive this from my Holy Creator and let this reality live with me as I walk each new day.
How desperately He loves me.
God is reminding me that “He is able”. Fill in the blank…He is able. Able to meet my daughter’s needs away at college, without me being there to “help” out. Able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ask, think, dream. He is able.
He’s teaching me that I am valuable to Him, even if I am not valuable to anyone else. He’s teaching me that His mercy is greater than the mercy of anyone else, even though He is the one who has the right to be the least merciful. Most importantly, I am learning that when I feel no one understands me, I have a Father who always will. No thought, feeling, or need goes unnoticed; there is no such thing as being neglected because I have His undivided attention at all times. It’s comforting to know I am never alone.
God is teaching me that being single is not about lacking relationships, it’s about appreciating the relationships I DO have. Women are so often defined by their relationships to others- being so-and-so’s wife, and so-and-so’s mom. These are great labels! But I got stuck in my late 20s, and began to feel like I was lacking so much. It hurt to be the only one among my close friends without a husband and children, especially when I felt like I wasn’t included in certain things because I was “without”. I wanted those relational ties more than anything in this world! I wanted to belong to someone, and have them belong to me. The Lord reminded me that in His presence is fullness of joy, and at His right hand are pleasures forever. He must be first, no matter our marital and familial status. He is the only one who can fulfill my every need and longing! And He reminded me that I have a responsibility to others- my parents, friends, and my church family. It is still hard (being single in your early 30s is not easy!), but my perspective has changed the past couple of years.
p.s. I just bought some new books too! “Made to Crave” was one of them, but today I started “What are you waiting for?” by Dannah Gresh.
Through the story of Hezekiah, that God really is moved by our prayers and by our tears. He really is a compassionate God. I struggle with this, but He is being so kind to me right now. I so don’t deserve it!
God is teaching me that no matter what the physical evidence – He is my provider in all things and in all situations! He fed Elija via the ravens (using unclean birds – who wuda thunk) I am learning that where God points He provides … thank you Lord for the privilege of your presence …
to be at peace & rest in his goodness. i’m 12 weeks pregnant with our first & there are about a thousand decisions to make over the next few months: a home, a car & everything a baby needs… just to name a few 😉 but He’s teaching me how to be grateful in the moment & completely rest in his timing! thank you for 9 months to figure it all out!!!
ps: my hubby just watched you on his catalyst dvd’s and he said he really needed to hear EXACTLY what you said! Thanks for being brave and talking to a bunch of boys!
Waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing…my husband is currently deployed and my three year old and I are awaiting his return, yet his date is like a moving target and unfortunately, it seems to be moving away from us rather than closer to us!
I know you said one thing, but here is another: rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn. Dear friends recently gave birth at just 24 weeks and each day is a blessing with their sweet little one. They have been an incredible example of praising Him through a storm. Lift this precious family up!
Loved Loved Loved bible study on Tuesday night!! Loved you, Loved Kari, Loved the Holy Spirit meeting us all there! My one thing…..just believing God and KNOWING that HIs will is perfect and the ONLY way. I’m such an unintentional manipulator – also known as a control freak. I have had to learn this the hard way – just to GET OUT OF THE WAY and let God be God! It’s really hard!
Blessings to you my dear friend!
Mammy
i saw you from afar and smiled. 🙂
That He is good.
Mama Beth, you are truly a blessing to me.
God is teaching me to just let go and trust Him. Time to quit thinking that I have to be “perfect” at everything I do.
God is reviewing with me what He has taught me long ago… He is in control! Nothing is happening outside of His will for me, mine or anyone else. So much happening to other families all around me… disease, death, dilemmas. God is in control of all and in all!
Thank You Jesus!
Fasting and praying, fasting and praying… never fasted before, and I am humbled and amazed. Looking forward to more concentrated, devoted time in prayer and in the Word.
Thank you, Beth, you are a blessing to so many, sending ripples out across the miles, turning many of us into ripple-makers. God bless you.
My name is Allison and I’m 19 years old and in my first year as a student at Moody Bible Institute. God has been teaching and convicting me about submitting to authority. My intro to discipleship has been speaking so much truth into my life these days. God has been showing me that even though I go to a well known Christian bible college with strict rules that don’t mesh with my secular university background, I still need to be able to submit to the school’s authority in my life. If I can’t submit to the school’s authority I will never be disciplined enough to fully obey God. I have a lot of talking to do with my roommates about our less than Godly life style. I am praying that God restores my contaminated relationships, heart, and desire to know him more with each and every day.
Thank You for being a continual source of encouragement. I have really been enjoying listening to your audio books on oneplace radio. You’re great!
-Allison
I’m right in the middle of living and learning that sometimes God will strip away things in my life that need to move to a different priority rank or leave my life completely. Even though it can be so very painful it is because He loves me and is preparing me for His perfect will to be done in my life. One of the most amazing blessings has been that He has made Himself so very real to me in super tangible ways during this time! Oh how I love Him!
God is teaching me to deeply support and get even closer to my husband. We will celebrate our 40th anniversary this year and have recently moved to our cabin in Montana permanently…it’s moving home as we both grew up here.
Settling in to retirement is like dating again. Remodeling the cabin to settle in permanently occupies us and is exciting. But God has opened my heart to how blessed we are and I am so thankful. I truly want to be beside my husband in this transition and simply enjoy him and making plans for our next steps. Amen.
Learning how to have a heart of flesh even though it will undoubtedly bleed. It’s my biggest challenge to having a heart like Christ. I want to serve, to love, to be humble; but I hate being vulnerable because you get hurt.
I have a feeling that God is TRYING to teach me a lot right now but I’m having a hard time hearing. I’m in a waiting hase where I am in a job I dislike while I wait for my husband’s job to be in the right place for a move that would help me find something I enjoy and am good at. The waiting has been over a year already and I am tired, worn out, de-energised. I know God wants to speak to me and teach me through this season but it’s so hard to hear when all I want is an opening door…
God is teaching me that He is in control, not the world. My mother died from pancreatic cancer the last week of September after a short, valiant fight. She did not have any life-insurance and therefore, I paid for the funeral and since then, I have been making her house payments (and other bills that needed to be paid) while getting the house ready to sell. My husband and I are not rich and this has put a strain on our budget – especially since we have a son in college whom we are trying to help. I truly did not believe the house would sell for a while, because of the housing market right now. God not only sold it the first month it was on the market, He sold it to people who are paying cash!!!
God is teaching me patience. Now, this is not purely prayer for a “want”, it is definitely a big need for me. I have not had a car in 5 years. I miss so much. My sweet husband drives me when he can, but there are so many opportunities to serve and learn about the Lord that I miss. I haven’t seen my grandchildren in over a year and they only live less than two hours away. My Daddy has Alzhiemer’s, and I have not seen him and Momma in almost two years. With the economy the way it is, we can’t afford a second vehicle. So, I pray. And pray. And pray! Praise God.
Beth,
You have NO IDEA how the Lord spoke to me and confirmed something that He is prodding me toward with this sentence:
‘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.’
Thank you.
Heya Beth! I’ve missed you. I love your post. I am learning that no matter what is happening in my circumstances, He never ever loses control. With what I am experiencing now, I need the assurance that brings. He is still on the throne, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and He will bring me to His safe Haven. Sounds pretty good to me. He is awesome.
I just “happened” upon Siestaville! I can see now that it has been ordained by God. Memorizing scripture has been so hard for me since I have become “older.” I can remember scripture from 20 years ago, but not from last summer! So I took the plunge and committed to this!
Little did I know that God would use the verses He gave to me like lifelines. He is like that, isn’t He? So Good. I am hoping that my revival will come with my survival! Life is packing it on right now! But praise God, because I am memorizing scripture, I am focusing on Setting my mind on things ABOVE, not on things on the earth! One small baby step at a time!
Revive me, Lord! (and if I could survive, that would be an added bonus!)
We are studying Ruth, by Kelly Minter (the one you studied this last summer) I am amazed that while we grumble about our situations God is busy getting our blessings ready. God’s ability to restore our lives is way beyond our understanding.
What do we do while we wait is seek His face.
I am taking 23 ladies to the Dominican Republic on a ladies out reach in 2 weeks. I am excited to see God work in there lives even more. The one thing I pray for is that God will show his face, stretch us and use us for what ever he has for us. Beth I have been stretch so much, I did not think that I could be stretch, cause I love and thrive on things God asks me to do. Love being a tiny part of your world. Sister in Love with her God!
My Lesson: God is showing me that His grace is, indeed, sufficient. I’m finally getting it! I can rest in Him and trust that all will be well. My God is enough in every situation. Praise Him!
Learning a whole new way to trust Him. My extended family is in terrible turmoil involving alcohol, non-believers, believers, dis-unity, bitterness, continuing to sweep things under a 30-year rug, physical abuse, verbal abuse . . . you name it. I love this family member so much, and just want them “back” so bad. The two verses that God has caused me to memorize for the SMT both involve trusting Him. The devotions I read lately are almost all about trusting Him. Even you, Beth, have been talking to me about trusting Him in the Bible study that I’m doing. So, I’m on my knees a lot lately, crying a lot (like right now), and trying to keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. I do love Him so.
Beth, I just love your “openness”…your transparency. I have always admired that in you!
Bless you!
~Beth
In a word…SIMPLIFY. He’s teaching me the value of BEST vs. GOOD and that it’s okay to say ‘no’ more often.
♥uBeth.
Pam
Thank you for the quote “Most of my revivals come from survivals.” Absolutely true! I am writing that down in my quote book:) God is reminding me (ONCE AGAIN) that He is in control and that I MUST lean on Him. I am a “doer” and a “fixer” and some things are not for me to understand or fix. I am only a tiny piece of the puzzle – God may not allow my to watch the entire puzzle come together. Sometimes, I have to accept that my purpose in some situations is just to connect that one tiny piece. I would like to finish the puzzle, mod podge it, and frame the thing! lol
To TRUST Him in ALL things. Just typing that brings tears to my eyes that I didn’t even know were in there. We are seeing mighty answers to prayer and seeing trials that are tiring and tend to wear on the soul at the same time. TRUST HIM with our children. TRUST HIM in health issues. In every single thing – JUST TRUST HIM!!!
Thanks for this post: it so resonated with me right now! HE-the never-changing God, is faithful to “change it up” to make sure that I cling to Him, I love that! (well, sometimes not so much, cause I’m a pain-avoider..but I’m learning!) He is teaching me to trust Him to rescue and provide for me in the WAY HE CHOOSES, and that will often look very different than what I planned for. I’m figuring out that His rescue plan is way better than mine could ever be…even if it doesn’t feel like it at 1st. I’m also thankful for the (…) I use it all the time…love the…
Looks like ya’ll had a great time! God is teaching me exactly what you mentioned in the blog…I am so desperate for Him right now in my life. He is teaching me to daily TRUST HIM and love him in a wreckless abandoned kind of way.
Leann (Alabama)
Learning how to find treasure in the dark.
That’s good, Rhonda Sue. Amen.
I love Kari Jobe and cannot get enough right now of her song ‘Healer’. And when I hear it and sing with her to the top of my lungs, I feel His healing presence all the way to the bone. This is what He’s teaching me right now…that He’s my healer…and my portion…and more than enough for me. And that is a breath of fresh air for this sinner saved by grace.
God is teaching me about his sovereignty!! Lately, He has been showing me so many places in his Word where there is no earthly explanation for the way things worked out other than PROVIDENCE! (Most recent example 2 Kings 8:5 – how the Shunammite woman showed back up at just the right time – has to be God!) This has been a huge comfort to me as I have been seeking to know God’s will for my life in terms of my calling. I have struggled with the mentality that if I don’t get every minute decision right then I will miss my destiny. (I now recognize this as Satan’s way of deceiving me into paralysis.) God is showing me that if I humbly seek His will, He will work the small details out.
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
I should also say that He will work the BIG details out too!!
Hey girl! I met you at the Leadership Forum at Ridgecrest! I’m praying that God will help you continuously see the lies the enemy is speaking over you as exactly what they are! May you be surrendered to His destiny for you!
Hey Sarah! Great to hear from you! Thank you so much for your sweet, encouraging words and most especially your prayers! They are never wasted on me! Hope you are doing well!
Also, I checked out your blog today – and I totally know how you feel with the non-allergic sinusitis!! The same thing has been bothering me since September. Let me know if you figure it out!
He is teaching me, again, that He is sufficient for all things – especially when I want to worry and play the “what if” game.
And if I could be so bold as the ask Siestaville to pray for my sweet mother-in-law today. She’s having an MRI done on her back to determine the pain that has steadily increased over the past few months. She has scolosis, so we’re hopeful that’s what the problem is. But one doctor mentioned the possiblilty of cancer and she is scared, and to be honest, I am too. I lost my mother to bile duct cancer five years ago, so this is especially tough to even think about. And yet, we will trust Him. Thank you for praying for her and our family.
I was told last week that my position would most likely be cut next year. I will still have a job, but I just love my present position! I have already applied for one job that would require a move. My sons are also looking for jobs after graduating college.
In this time of so much uncertainty, God is holding my heart in perfect peace as long as my eyes are on Him. He is teaching me to trust Him with my uncertain future.
God is wanting me to trust that He gathers me in His arms and holds me close. That He will not reject me. That I need to pour my energy into seeking Him instead of just getting through a trial in order to not have the trial.
Thank you Beth and LPM for all that you do.
God is teaching me to totally trust Him no matter what my circumstances are. I can so relate to what you said. Why am I so hard-headed? I have lived in fear all of my life. God is so good at peeling the layers off and keeping them off. Just have some more layers to go, probably till I get to heaven. HE is faithful! I am so in love with Him! Just got that book, looking forward to reading it. Love you Beth, Melissa, Amanda and the living proof ministry.
i love the memorization challenge! And only God knew how impactful my verse would be to help my husband and I face challenging trials that knocked me off my feet. But fell right into the word….PRAISE GOD!!! We look forward to being on the “upside right” of this roller coaster! Thank you Beth for your encouragement, transparency and love!!
A couple of weeks ago I hit a wall (not literally 🙂 ) but it very much so got my attention, I was so busy doing what I thought was good God work that I wasnt taking care of myself or my relationship with Him the way I was suppose too… the way I needed too and really the way I was craving… Hitting this wall at first felt like a cruel detour… but it was like He whispered in my Spirit, not all good things are God things. That just as I was desiring more in my relationship with Him, He was desiring the same with me. That this walk is more then being a Martha… that it is perfectly ok to have a season of being a Mary…. I am currently reading The Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson that is also encouraging me to listen and follow the Spirit… that God wants an adventerous relationship with me… Sorry so wordy but it sure feels good place it in writing…
God is teaching me to wait on Him….He is never slow and His ways are so much better than mine. Waiting, I’ve decided, is not my spiritual gift. Frankly, I’m struggling some.