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’m learning that the answer to this question posed by Andrew Murray, “Is the God I have, a God that is to me above all circumstances, nearer to me than any circumstance can be?” can be a huge “yes”…I’m learning to trust and know that our God is indeed- faithful, loving and good. This truth blesses my heart daily. Thank you LORD!
I just started Made to Crave and am really challenged by it. It is a completely different way to think about food and gives you a source in which to find your “will power”… it’s actually “God’s Power”! I love that!! I’m being reminded that I can’t do it in my own strength!
BTW – if you own an ipad, you can get a FREE downloadable devotional to go with Made to Crave. I downloaded it from my Kindle app on my Ipad.
Did I mention it was FREE?
Have a Super Day!
Jen in Jax
Just this morning, I made a commitment to trust God. I’ve had some unfortunate things happen in my life and I’ve recently come to realize that I don’t fully trust God. This morning (while doing my Breaking Free homework), I claimed Romans 8:28 for myself and declared that anything God allowed to happen in my life was because He intended to use it for my good! PTL all I have to do is let Him! So, I made a note in my bible and dated it that today, at 6:15 am, I am making the decision to trust God with all my heart and all my soul. I am stepping out on faith and will choosing to obey Him in all things.
All that said, I could use a little prayer for strength & fortitude 🙂
After experiencing the sudden loss of my 53 year old father and my 33 year old brother in the span of 5 months of each other, I keep hearing God saying to me, “to draw very near to Him”. Reading scripture everyday and sometimes two or three times a day is what is helping me realize that God wants me to lay it all (all my burdens and sorrow) at HIS feet! My mom and I even text scripture to each other often, reminding each other of how much HE loves us and cares for us!
That God is moving our my behalf even we I think things are unclear. Waiting on God is the hardest thing I have had to do, but it is like fresh air to my soul when I see Him doing little unexpected things while we wait for Him to be BIG in our circumstance :)(Can you tell I’m watching your Believing God videos 🙂
Commitment in all things and specifically in close relationships, especially when it is challenging.
Have just finished Week #6 of Jesus the One And Only and totally loved the Martha & Mary topic. I’ve been a Martha most of my life but honestly have to say for the last year, I have learned how to be more balanced between the two and have quite enjoyed the transformation! I gave myself permission not to “have to be perfect” so I don’t miss out on things by doing too much “busy work”. I will no longer settle for GOOD at the risk of missing BEST! Thank you Beth and Praise God for His work in me!!!
Since we’re studying Daniel right now , He is teaching me how great He is and that it is NOT all about me. That is a difficult lesson to learn. Especially since I am single, 56, have no children and live alone. I am trying to concentrate on other people more.
This past Tuesday night we were watching session 3. The clock on your stage had the same time as the clock in my home (we rotate homes to meet in). You mentioned the stormy night you were having and it was stormy and rainy here in Pell City. We already knew our Bible Studies met on the same night. Isn’t that weird?
humility
God is teaching me that all things really ARE possible through Christ. I have just memorized my 6th verse in 2011 with 60 more to go and I have complete faith that God is going to be faithful to this journey of learning His Word! He’s also showing me a new plan to pay off our car…praise Him!
Hope all of Siestaville has a wonderful day!
Amber Moon
So thankful we are able to plan another birthday celebration for my daughter Lydia! This weekend she will be 7 years old! Every day with her is such a sweet gift from the Lord. Luke (my middle child) and I had a special date last Sunday afternoon sipping on decaf lattes at Starbucks and shopping for presents and party supplies for Lydia’s upcoming Great Wolf weekend Birthday celebration! For the seistas who don’t know Lydia’s story, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brainstem tumor 9/11/09 and we were told we would have a median time frame of 9 months left with her…it’s been over a year and she’s alive, doing well, and showing no signs of tumor growth! She received 31 radiation treatment (in Oct-Nov 2009 to shrink the tumor) and she get MRIs done every 3-4 months to monitor tumor activity. All her subsequent MRIs have shown the tumor as stable, not growing! Her next MRI is March 4th. As her mother, I can get anxious as test time draws near. I have to fight the fear of the “what-ifs” and live out the FAITH. I covet your prayers for my sweet Lydia.
“He will have NO FEAR of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, TRUSTING THE LORD”.
Psalm 112:7
Walking by Faith,
Stacey
I, too, have a miracle Lydia. It’s no accident that we named her Lydia Faith, as we are continually instructed to have faith over her precious life and the circumstances surrounding her. I’ll be lifting your Lydia and your whole family up.
Seista Shannon ~
I’ll be praying for your Lydia too! ♡
♡ Such sweetness in simply trusting Him.
Thanks for your petitions for us.
I love you for calling her Siesta Shannon
Learning that forgiveness is for me, and not having to live with the regret of past mistakes. Living in the wake of mistakes is hard enough because some have lasting ramifications, but knowing God is faithful to forgive me and cleanse me from unrightousness is an awesome miracle. And, if I lay it at the foot of the cross, it’s covered, and I CAN MOVE ON!!! PTL!
That is what I’ve learned, Beth. Thank you for your walk, your talk, and your annointing. You’re truly my mentor, and Seista Mama.
God is teaching me that change is good. Thanks for the confirmation, Siesta Mama!
Kim from PA.
God is limitless and bigger than I realize. HE is teaching me to let HIM do HIS thing. In short more HIM and less Kim in a few areas of my life. To really give it to HIM which I have trouble with -but am realizing! Thanks God!!!
Just found out my job is being eliminated in May. This is the 2nd time in 4 years I will have lost a job due to the economy.
Romans 15:13…”as I trust in Him” – God is teaching me more than daily to just trust Him in all things. As I deal with the loss of my job, other life is also happening. I can’t just trust God in one area of my life – it HAS to be a trust that touches and affects ALL areas of my life.
Julie
GA
Do not fear!
Leaning on Isaiah 51:12-16. You gave these in a teaching and I’ve turned to them often.
Our Bible study started Monday night!! What a blessing! We are doing Discerning the Voice of God – Priscilla Shirer! The first night was great and there were many women there….may each one of us leave differently than we came. I have completed 3 days of homework…and wow…. what conviction in my spirit. Do I honestly go to my heavenly Father and anticipate and expect Him to do great & mighty things for me? Yes I do….BUT (somehow that word finds its way in my vocabulary) not really. I must follow Habakkuk’s words (2:1) to stand at the watch tower and wait expectantly on the Lord to answer me even if I don’t like what he has to say…and as I stand there looking to HIM and not my circumstances! So many times I allow my circumstances to cloud my view of HIM. OH THAT I WOULD RISE ABOVE THAT AND LOOK TO MY FATHER IN HEAVEN!!!! So many times God has convicted me of my issue with being in control and I do better for a while and then I am back to my old ways again. And last night’s homework was on OBEDIENCE. WOW! I know what I must do and to know good and not do it ~ is sin in my life. So I am learning that I must listen to Him even when it requires me to do the HARD things…..Praise Him for ALL things!!
To live in the moment, not fear of the future, or sadness over the past, but the joy of the right now; and to be thankful. This one’s hard for me.
I’m learning how to encourage my husband to lead our family and accept his decisions. The H.S. has even shown me that I might have to live with a few bad decisions and support my husband no matter what. All this can be hard for a control freak like me, but you know what? I’ve got plenty of my own stuff to take care of! Right now, even though we’re going through some stressful home improvement and family issues, my husband and I are totally at peace with each other. Thank you, God!
Hi Beth! Of course God’s always teaching me a lot as long as I’m willing to pay attention and learn! (well, even sometimes he forces us to learn but He’s being very gentle right now 🙂 ) He’s teaching me a lot about me being myself but yet loving people, especially my husband, before myself especially when I just want down time. And when I do, I get way more joy out of serving others than allowing myself a few minutes of downtime (even though we do need those as well). Go God!
Since I have never been in greater fear and heartbreak in my life I guess God is teaching me to trust and not despair.I heard your teaching on waking up and receiving enough mercy and grace for that day. Not to dread. How about minute by minute? I don’t want to just make it, I want to chase it just like you said. Hard to do when your heart is so broken and life is so hard…..Psalm 16:8 Ihave set the Lord continually before me because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my inner self rejoices. My body, too, shall rest and confidently dwell in safety. For you will not leave my soul in hell. Neither will you suffer thine holy one to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Thanks to siestaville for all your prayers and you too, Living Proof.
God is really teaching me that I *cannot* lack the courage of my convictions. That sometimes by truly following the Lord, what He wants of me will not always align with what the people around me want me to do, or even what they think I should do. He is teaching me to really trust that He knows what He’s doing and doesn’t need a single bit of help from me to accomplish it. 🙂
Trust, I guess that is the best way to say it – He is teaching me to Trust Him.
May He bless that young woman you prayed with. He is faithful (PTL!)
Reading Believing God right now… Praying for divine healing for my special needs son…. It’s amazing how when you pray, and obey, you see God’s miracles even in the challenging moments! Got my bracelet wrapped around my wrist to remember it IS possible with God!
God is teaching me to keep my eyes on HIM. When difficult situations come, if I will focus on Him instead of the difficulty, my attitude will change so much. I don’t need to hash and re-hash and re-hash things over and over in my mind. I need to turn my mind on Christ. Scripture memory is a life saver and life giver.
Hmmmmmmmmmm……
What he is teaching me right now is to trust Him. Really trust him. Because He is doing something good out of what, to me, looks like a complete mess.
Love and hugs,
Adrienne
He’s been teaching me to YEARN for Him. And he’s been taking away other things I desire more every time I get turned around. He even brought me to Job 19:25-27 as my new SSMT verse.(although I didn’t get it posted in time) “I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, in my flesh I will see God. I, myself will see Him with my own eyes. I and not another! How my heart yearns within me!” And if Job can say this then I sure better be able to!
Thanks, Beth, for your inspiration and “grins” this a.m. I feel like I know you. You have a beautiful spirit! Yes, I love Kari Jobe! I had just bought her cd “Overtaken” about a month or 2 ago. There is a song on there “Beloved” that really spoke to me. It was literally a rhema word. Confirmation of a prayer I had breathed to God the night before. It never ceases to amaze me how God does that! I know He is God but when He hand-picks you from the billions of people out there it just sends me into orbit! Oh, how I love Him…that He would notice little ol’ me.
God is teaching me to be humble. It is a beautiful lesson to remember how Awesome God is and how Blessed I am to know Him!
God is so faithful (and good all the time) and calls me to be faithful in all things.
I was listening to your Eat, Pray, Love series last week and decided to start doing the Love Dare for my husband (but he doesn’t know I’m doing it!) Last night, the dare was to burn the list I had made of his negative qualities. I tried discreetly burning it in our bedroom and it just smoked up the place. So, I took it outside and of course he saw me and watched me do it. He’s assuming it’s a Rite of Passage of some kind and we had a good laugh. For whatever reason (hmmm….maybe God?) Your series and the Love Dare are making a lot of connections for me.
Eat, Pray, Love has also started me reading Jeremiah searching for my verses to add to my Insecurity Verse List. After reading your insecurity book, I decided to read through the entire Bible and find verses that described my relationship with God and how He viewed me. The list is growing because it’s growing full of His promises that I can rest securely in! THANK YOU for putting your messages online. I so APPRECIATE IT!
To wait……..casting all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. For healing…….thanks Beth for you love and support.
Annette, VA
God is really driving home the point to me that He is in control and not me! I teach a Bible study on Monday nights and was recently asked to take on something else on Monday nights in addition to that. I SO wanted to say no but God was pushing me towards yes, so I agreed. I have a 12-year old son who has Aspergers and we’ve had the diagnosis for about 5 years. I met a woman at this new activity who was just floored when I said that. She has a 10-year old daughter who she suspects of having Aspergers but who doesn’t know where to go or what to do! We talked and exchanged e-mail addresses and phone numbers. I love the fact that God put me exactly where He needed me to be able to comfort and give guidance to….in spite of myself!
Truly blessed by the marriage snippets you share. My marriage is on the upswing after a horrible downhill twist that had our legs over our heads and crying for mercy! Didn’t think we’d make it out of that. Held on with white knuckles…and we’re learning things about each other and being more honest now than we’ve ever been. Our relationship is way beyond amazing or inspiring…but it is still intact and growing. those are hard bought words there to type. Thank you Beth. I’ve held on to your Godly words of wisdom many times these past couple of years. It helps immensely to hear from someone that isn’t all flowers and fragrance about marriage. I appreciate so those that have it and are an example to behold. It just hasn’t been my experience and I have desperately needed to know that this marriage, this covenant, is worth fighting for! Love Siestaville with all my heart!!
God is working on my attitude of judgement. Everytime I catch myself being the least bit judgemental of someone, He very quickly if not immediately shows me that I have a log in my eye compared to their possible splinter. Ouch, but so needed. Needless to say I am spending lots of time in repentence and prayer so this attitude will be cut out of me.
He is teaching me that his grace is indeed sufficient and He is all I need. I can trust Him because He defines trustworthy. He never leaves me and He never forsakes me.
That NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE with GOD! I’ve watched as He has moved mountains over these last couple of years,the largest of which occurred this past weekend. What a privilege to be an eyewitness. “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Eph. 3:20-21 NASB As I just typed this I was reminded of Priscilla Shirer’s “going beyond, beyond” message at Deeper Still in Greensboro, NC 2 years ago….That HE has done! Waiting with great anticipation as to what He is going to do next!
SO love visiting this blog and receiving such encouragement when I do!! THANK YOU!!!
Wisdom. How difficult is that! Today’s verse: Eccl 5:3 (CEV) “If you keep thinking about something, you will dream about it. If you talk too much, you will say the wrong thing.” Ouch!
He loves me. Not becuase of anything I’ve done. And He knows every bit of what I’ve done. Still, He loves me.
Lissa, Greenville, SC
He continues to remind me, in both the small and dire circumstances of this crazy life, that He has it all under control. What seems a mess – has a perfect purpose. What breaks my heart daily – He uses to change my heart to be like His. All the seemingly random pieces of this life He is weaving to be a beautiful tapestry that reflects His glory and love. He is very clearly telling me “I’ve got this – just live for my glory and watch me work.”
I’m humbled at His love.
That He desires to not only prosper me, but prosper me abundantly. I can hardly wait to see what that means for me!
Beth, The Lord is teaching me to let go of jealousy and insecurity. This has been a lifelong bondage for me and it wasn’t until I started reading your insecurity book last year that I realized the stronghold it had on me. Goes back to my childhood. I got through the first 5 chapters and cried all the way through those and stopped. I want to pick up the book and finish it. It just hit a raw nerve. I know God is working that out of me. Please pray for me in this construction period. I have experienced quite a bit of trials in my life and I know who holds my heart. 14 years ago this may the Lord took my 19 year old son home to be with Him and it has been quite a journey. It was the Breaking Free study that the Lord used in my life to put me back on solid ground. A year later my sister went home to be with Him from kidney cancer. I say all that to tell you that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME! I love Him more today than ever! Thank you for all your hard work in the studies and most of all your passion for Christ and the ladies you minister to. I am one of those. By the way, I was at Catalyst in the fall and I was thrilled to get to hear you once again. Looking forward to hearing you in Columbus.
Love you Beth
Glad to hear I’m not the only one who feels like she is on a roller coaster! Right now I feel like I’m dangling upside down! What is God teaching me? To LET GO! To raise my arms up when I am racing on the downhill and to enjoy climbing back up. It’s certainly not easy, but I am learning to run to him!
God is teaching me to trust him…PERIOD
God is teaching me (through a wonderful mentor who’s not afraid to be honest with me) to pray for those who are difficult to work with and to give them the same grace and mercy that God gives me. It’s a process, but I’m truly being blessed by God when I’m obedient and do this.
God is teaching me to be responsible. That feels like a boring answer, but it’s true. I get so worked up when I have to return a call or text message. I tend to overbook my schedule, just because I enjoy saying yes, but then I have to take responsibility of calling people that are dear to me and telling them I can’t help them out after all. It’s a very bad habit of mine, and it’s not working out very well. I’m praying for God to strengthen me in that area.
Patience. Waiting. God is holding my hand and helping me to count my blessings while I wait for answers to prayer. Job. Healing. Desires. I’m so thankful I can lay my head down at night and leave the day with Him! In the morning, with new mercy, I can thank Him for a new day and deal with pain and worries as they come. Its not so much about the answers but about the relationship, right?! :)Thank you, Beth for having this blog and sharing your heart!
God is teaching me patience. PATIENCE. I have a 17 mo. old, am 3+ mo pregnant with #2, and I work 30+ hours/week as a crisis counselor. I desperately need to show more patience in every area of my life! As you can tell from the all caps, it’s been a struggle thus far, but I am learning that either I need to bend to it or God’s gonna force it on me. For now, I’m trying to bend… 🙂
Beth, You and your staff are often lifted in prayer as you teach and study and work.
God is teaching me that I do not have to be like others. He made me, me! I need to be conformed to His image and that is all! He is sufficient to to do this work, I’m not, others are not. God alone is sufficient!
THANK YOU for your prayers, Laurie!!