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.
Learning to wait on Him. Psalm 27:14
Me too, Amy!! That’s my SSMT memory verse right now. :-)…be strong and take heart!
My just one thing is “This is the new normal”, so just one day at a time!
Being real…no walls! It’s VERY HARD!!!!!!!
Ginger
Wetumpka
God is teaching me to rely on His power to do His work. It is so hard to realize that He can do a good work through me for the benefit of others.
Hello everybody. We’re doing the Living Beyond Yourself study right now and I’m learning to have the Holy Spirit change my day. I’m one for watching for the lightening flashes from God, the big, booming VOICE saying, “Yes, my child, you may but those socks!!”.
I’m learning to know HIm in the whisper. “Yes, my child, my sweet daughter, it’s okay to be kind to your boss”. LOVE< LOVE LOVE my ABBA.
I “feel” like I’m such a wreck right now! Every time I answer my phone or get a text it seems like it’s all bad news…
But the thing He is trying to get me to get right now, is to trust Him…even when it doesn’t turn out the way I want…and none of it has this entire month!!! He wants me to see that He does work all things to His glory!
I’d appreciate your prayers as I go through this season!!
Beth –
Loving the Believing God study that I’m in right now, and also SSMT. Both are EXACTLY what I need to be doing right now. And I can’t wait for the James study to show up in my Lifeway store!
Since I had my first child on May 1, God has been teaching me the true depth of His love for me. Until Hunter was born, I didn’t fully understand or comprehend the indescribable, endless love that a parent has for their child. All he has to do is grin at me and I melt. I would do ANYTHING to protect him and I want him to always know how much he is loved by his mama! I am now constantly reminded that if I feel this way about my son, God feels that way a MILLION times more for each of us. He loves me through all of my messes and mistakes, and rejoices when I actually get something right! 🙂 It has been an incredibly powerful lesson for me, and I am so grateful that God decided to use the most precious little boy to teach me. 🙂
SEEing Him in everything. Loving Him in everything. Honoring Him with my thoughts, words, and deeds. Learning to drop to my knees whenever and wherever He calls me to. I am so blessed beyond measure!
“Most of my revivals come from survivals.” I love that. So true. I have a prayer request, Siestas…our church body is experiencing heartbreaking conflict. I’m not even sure how to describe what’s happening except that it feels as though we are in the middle of a spiritual war. I serve on the worship team and God’s Spirit came down so hard this past Sunday that each one of us ended up on our faces. How God must grieve over us…please, please pray for God’s mercy and a miracle in the hearts of His people. I don’t know what else to do but stay on my face and pray…could you girls join me? We need a Mighty Work.
praying… i have been attending the same church for over 20 years, and there have been many seasons of conflict in those times. it’s painful…
God is teaching me to be still, and listen for His voice. Not to run in front of Him, but to let Him lead and then to follow Him. Praise God, for a loving Father!!
I am reading through My Utmost For His Highest this year. Today’s reading (1/27) was awesome. God really spoke to me through this one line: Whenever there is competition, be sure that you put your relationship to God first. How much simpler can it get? Thank you, Beth, for sharing your life with us, and for all the encouragement you give. I pray that we can all encourage you back. May our AWESOME God bless you and yours today.
Hey Mama Beth, Right now I want to say that Jesus is teaching me to take Him at His Word. Just Believe!
His Promises are mine and they are Yes and Amen!!!
I Love you Beth!
I look forward to being present at a Tuesday night study. I plan to drive over from Austin at least once!
After just retiring from 28 years of teaching young children, God is teaching me to sit back and listen.
He’s teaching me to get rid of the anger I’ve held in my heart for so long. This one’s got a tap root about 20 feet long and is gonna take a while, but we’re working on it together, He and I.
Hi,
Just heard about the scripture memorization…is it too late to join??? I want to get in on this because I firmly believe this is God’s command to us.
Jump on in, Greta! There’s a link on the right hand side of the Blog home page where all SSMT posts are together if you want to review instructions, etc. Welcome!
Oh, ouch, ouch, ouch – He’s teaching me to LET GO. I absolutely despise it.
Love you, Beth!
Beth,
first i’d like to tell you I am currently doing the revised ed. of Breaking Free. It is the first of your bible studies I have started and I have caught myself wondering, “Why have I not ever done a Beth Moore bible study before??” They way you can put together a study is so wise and it is so clear to me that God IS behind the production, He chose you to deliver it, and you do SUCH a WONDERFUL JOB! Jesus has used you to completely change me. I’ve been set free from bondage I didn’t even know I was in. It has enabled me to hear the Holy Spirit AND listen! That is huge because I have been hearign the holy spirit for about a year now and ignoring my calling! And I finally have been given the courage and strength to live for Jesus, even when it is the hardest thing to do. I live with my mom who believes that Jesus Christ is her saviour but does not believe in “having” to do anything. She trust him but kinda skips out on the obedience bus. Now, let me just say, I looovve my mama! I do love her so much, but right now is a huge down fall period in our relationship, because she doesn’t get the lifestyle I have chose to live. Not only does she not get it she does NOT support it. As you can imagine it is very hard for me, but certaintly not impossible! So that’s where my heart is right now. Praying that God will change her heart and help her understand my very own!
YOU ARE A ROCK STAR! God Bless your heart! XO
A couple we know lost their 3 year old this week during a risky heart surgery. My heart just aches for them. Yes, we know she’s enjoying time with our sweet Savior as I type this, but it still is incredibly hard. God’s just put them heavy on my heart this week and I’m lifting them up constantly. God’s reminding me over and over the importance of prayer and loving on those in our sphere of influence.
That my crushed, broken heart is safely in the palm of His hand, and that someday, I’ll see my precious unborn grandson in Heaven.
Beth…I love you more and more each time I read your blog entries. You are so “real”! Talking about Keith at the end of this entry actually made me tear up! I know those rollercoasters and I try to stay in the moment and enjoy each second of the “up” times! Love you!!
God is showing me that being obedient to Him and His Word is the only way to live a life of peaceful abundance. He blows me away with how exeedingly and abundantly He loves us and wants to provide for us and show us if we would just submit and obey Him and watch Him shine!
God is teaching me right now that i need to leave room for Him to work. also… that even the smallest gesture, a hand on the arm of a woman as you are talking to her, a card in the mail, a phone call to personally invite her to the next study, can be a tool in the hand of our Mighty Savior. He is so amazing!
I think God is teaching me a sense of peace. I have gone many years hearing about “God’s perfect peace”, but never FEELING it. Due to a season of having to be on my knees in his presence, and through the discipline of going to him throughout the day, I now get it. By seeking him, no matter the circumstance, you find that peace. I have been praying for many of my friends to find that peace. One of the keys that I hope to share with them though, is seeking him daily. If you want peace, in my opinion, there is no other way. I have been leading bible study at my home for 9 months now. Although, it is hard on my schedule at times, I know that it is the will to God for me to do it. I want people to know Him intimately, and what he taught me, I now have to share with others. Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts this morning.
He’s teaching me to have a quiet spirit-to be still and KNOW that He is God. He is my defender, not me.
Being Thankful for ALL of His gifts…(Ann Voskamp’s book)
I believe I have turned a corner after visualizing God handing me the gift, and me refusing it. Is there really a gift He could give me that would be something I would want to refuse?
My eyes are opening again to the wonder that surrounds me, …like earlier this week.
We were crossing a bridge where we sometimes see dolphins, and mentioned to our grandson to look for them. I shared that I’d had a dream the night before that I saw whales in the river. We laughed at the impossibility of it, and our grandson reminded me that dolphins are “actually whales” (He is 5 and LOVES sharks, dolphins, etc) Later that night, my sister called me to let me know that there was a whale in the river! A right whale had “wandered” up a little ways into the river, and whole shipping lanes were shut while he was encouraged to return to wider waters 🙂
There was not a doubt in my mind that the whale was just for us… 🙂 A God STOP for sure! (Savoring the Observable Presence)
I’m learning that because of the lack of love I received from my parents, I have unrealistic expectations on my husband and an underestimated understanding of the love that my Heavenly Father gives.
That He is faithful!
That God loves to bless us in even the little details. I had a discussion with a dear friend about keeping a gratitude journal because I have been so down. She told me not to trust God for dinky things, but to think BIG and that gratitude journals are “lame”. (She has since told me to scratch that conversation. LOL!)I struggled with that for a few days and came to the realization that right now it is a BIG deal that God pays attention to every little, dinky detail of my life. Two examples. I was beseeching God on the way to a difficult meeting at school about my 12 year old daughter. When I walked in the door, for some reason I felt led to go to the attendance office, not the office, and the meeting had nothing to do with attendance. When I walked in, the Attendance Officer, who is a christian, said, “I have been meaning to show you this letter Caroline (my daughter) wrote to me. I have it hung up here on my bulletin board.” I was thinking, “God you are SO amazing!” I had a great conversation with him and he has been a source of encouragement and information for me. Then, this morning I was reading Made To Crave. This battle with food has been huge with me since I was eight and the doctor told my parents to take me to Weight Watchers. I had chosen Eph 1:17 – 19 for the first two Siesta verses to memorize. I can’t really remember why I chose those verses at the time. But,I have had the Made to Crave book for a while, and just kept putting off reading it, not wanting to give this area to God. This morning I decided to just read the book, nothing else. I asked God to convict me to stick it out and give me some encouragement. As I read, Lysa chose those EXACT verses to encourage us to “keep asking” for wisdom and discernment- persevere – so I can get to know HIM better. Oh, to know Him more! To remind us or our true identity as child of God (Glorious Father)and for the eyes of our hearts to be enlightened that we may know the hope and the power we have in HIM! Praise God, I know these words by heart and can draw on them no matter where I am. He has a plan greater than I can imagine and He can work it out in the details. I am amazed that He is such a loving and attentive Father!
And, thank you for the encouragement to put His truth in my heart.
God Bless you all!
I AM LEARNING HOW FULFILLING IT IS TO PRAY BLESSINGS ON
THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HURT ME, AND TO LET GOD PLACE HIS BLESSINGS IN THEIR LIVES. OUR LORD IS SO FAITHFULL, AND LOVING EVEN WHEN WE AREN’T. I JUST FINISHED SO LONG INSECURTIY, AND THOUGHT MYSELF TO BE PRETTY SECURE, AFTER
RAISING 4 KIDS BY MYSELF(NOT REALLY)GOD WAS AND IS STILL THERE. JUST WHEN I THINK MY KNEES CAN’T TAKE ANYMORE, HE
CUSHIONS THEM FOR ME.
God is teaching me that even though these trials cause my heart to grieve, they are for a time, they are apparently necessary to prove my faith genuine, and some day…some day… they will all appear to be light and momentary compared to the weight of glory in eternity with Jesus.
Seista Mama, I am learning that “I” cannot fix everything “But those that TRUST in the Lord will renew their strength; they WILL soar on wings like eagles; they WILL run and not grow weary; they WILL walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31” (My first memory verse) As I am going through a season with my youngest daughter I am learning to lean on God and to trust that he WILL see us through this time. Looking forward to meeting you face to face in January 2012!!!!!!
God is teaching me patience right now! I am learning to lean on Him for everything. I want to be a mother so badly but am having trouble concieving. I hear Him say through people around me that it is going to happen and to trust Him and have patience.
God is so blasted great to my pitiful, dense heart that I can barely stand it.
My husband and I have been struggling with intimacy. I have been trying to explain that a woman’s heart is so deeply connected to the physical. You can’t ignore me or talk to me like a field hand and then expect me to snuggle up to you in the next ten minutes.
So as clear as a bell, God said to me during one of my regular bath-tub-begging-prayers last night (asking for His spiritual fire and presence to light me up) – “Honey, you can’t feel the fire of intimacy with Jesus Christ if you generally ignore Him, don’t spend time with Him, or blurt out your needs and wants in a short emergency prayer. You’ve got to draw near, spend time, move deeper in the Word. That’s where the fire really is.”
My husband (Beth – I think Chuck and Keith were separated at birth) and our bird-dog (Ginger)dove off of the couch looking for cover when I ran, half-tied bath robe and soaking wet-headed, into the living room and yelled – “You are NOT GOING TO BELIEVE what God just told me!!” Is God not so wonderful to give my man a great sense of humor?!
I’m doubly in-love with Jesus and my adorable husband all over again today. 🙂
I’m learning to be totally head ovr heels in love with God. The Lord has done great things for me and I am filled with joy! In the past when someone asked “how are you” I replied “I am so very blessed” I’ve changed my reply to “I am filled with joy!”.
Beth, I was blessed to be there in class Tuesday night. Kari was amazing, I’m getting Lysa’s book (I spent the night at my sister’s and listened to Lysa’s interview on KSBJ Wednesday morning on my way home to College Station) I can certainly understand why Made to Crave made the NY Times Best Sellers list! I must say though Beth, very lovingly, we will never grow tired of hearing your voice or any other teacher who teaches God’s Word and is a vessel for Him. He has given You a voice and He knows what He is doing for this generation and how very blessed we are. I did get just a bit sleepy I admit and tried to Yawn (my name pronounced this way is it Greek?) really big so you would play the harmonica for us! Alas. I’ve met several of the LPM staff and they are just as delightful and fun as you say they are. I’m counting the days until Tuesday when I can come back. Have a day filled with blessings and joy!!
God is teaching me that I am not in control of ANYTHING! I know this, but I don’t live it sometimes. 🙂
Beth – this is crazy for a woman my age, who has been walking the walk for as long as I have – but I’m finally learning…..I mean LEARNING – FEELING how much He loves me! My verse for Feb 1 is (and I’m cheating here, because I don’t know it yet) “And He tends His flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart, he gently leads those that have young.”
Isn’t that just the most beautiful thought in the world!
It brings tears to my eyes! I’m also going through your 90 Days with the One and Only – and oh wow – does that light my fire! Thank you for the way you lavishly use the gifts He gives you!
Now go tend to that man….I hope you have grits in the house! 🙂
On another note, Beth, if you ever want to feel the excitement come stand at the door with all of us and try to find a seat when the ladies open the doors! It’s the most exhilirating, laughed filled, giggling, screaming, this is fun but exhausting time e-v-e-r!!
right now he is teaching me to BE STILL and know that he is God you know Beth so many times when there are things going on in my life and the lives of ones around me I just want to help or jump in and try to fix it and many times I am sure that is fine and good and other times I need to be still and wait for his guidance his wisdom his peace.
God is teaching me, and I really want to learn, how to see the way he sees. I limit myself b/c I think “this is what I am capable of” rather than saying/thinking “this is what God says I’m capable of”. I have a lot of changes coming to my life this year…a baby on the way, my job ending, a new job in my future?, my first baby will start Kindergarten in the fall, my husband is discontent with his current job and wants to get back into a FT ministry position…woah! lots of things. I don’t want to get into the same old grind of “this is how life is going to be”. I’m not adventerous, but this year is going to be different in a lot of ways and I’m willing & wanting to see God’s plan for us rather than the one I think he has. see this article by Kennith W. Hagin – this inspired me: http://www.rhema.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1415:what-you-see-is-what-you-get-&catid=143:2011-january&Itemid=11
He is showing me His desire for all of us to clean out our hidden sins. Read http://www.porvaznikfamily.blogspot.com recent post. Shoot howdy!
It jumped off the page and the voice was loud in my heart. I had a calling to help you administer. Our Father has been leading me to a higher calling and I listen faithfully and wait for him to repeat it more than once to be sure.
Woo hoo Linda! Your background, your yearning and your close prooximity to LPM all flash blinkity-blink to me that God is calling you to call LPM and just “inquire”….. I love you my new found friend.
Well, since I seem to have woken up this year with the beginning symptoms of “premenopause” (seriously, why does there have to be a “pre”?!) I’m learning to remember that God is bigger than my hormones, He created me with them, and that He can still use me even when I feel awful. Just saying that makes me want to cry…*sigh* I’m just so grateful to be His child!
God is teaching me how to move from one phase of life to another. As I await the birth (in just a few weeks) of my first child, He is gently leading and comforting me. I am older than many first-time moms, so there is a lot of my identity that is wrapped around other roles I’ve held in my life. The transition has been difficult. But He is patient and loving.
To take full account of EVERY answered prayer the LORD gave us during my mom’s 21 month journey with pancreatic cancer.
(Her change of address to heaven was 12 days ago)
Praise Him, I do! I have never witnessed such a display of His lavish love on a family. Every request made to Him (small or large)was a “yes” all the way to the end.
I LOVE OUR LORD!
Krista, Birmingham
God is teaching me to align my heart with His. And to love as He love, see everyone and everything through His eyes!!!
God is teaching me that ‘dying to self’ means letting go of my personal hopes and dreams and accepting God’s total package for me. C.S. Lewis talked of wanting to give up “trying to be good” because that comes from a place of self, and thus seeks recognition from others for the good that you do- and people will only let you down in that category. If I seek after God’s hopes and dreams for me, and anticipate only HIS accolades at the judgement seat, what a glorious life it would be. PTL!
That what I look like does not determine who I am in Christ or even who I am as a person. I am beautiful and beloved by Jesus no matter what anyone else thinks of me. I am royalty! Thank you Jesus for Your love. I would be dead without it!
I just read Made to Crave, very eye opening to me! But right now I’m reading “Out of the Spin Cycle”- devotions for moms by Jen Hatmaker and boy oh boy- God is revealing things in my heart and life that need to GO! I’m finally starting to realize that God delights in me, just like I delight in my chubby almost -2 yr old’s cheeks! And that I need to stop trying so hard for God to like me.
I always look forward to your posts!
Love your random posts, Beth. I don’t post often, but this spoke to me about being desperate for God….survival into revival. amen! I’m reading a book by Paul Miller, “A Praying Life”…he speaks to our desire and surrender issue with prayer. So much of it I’m eating up, and my prayer life is more alive than ever. The Lord answered a prayer this week that’s been a desire/surrender issue and it was amazing to see just what He does when I express my desire and surrender it back to Him. O how I love my Abba! Love, Pam in San Diego
Watching and realizing how my 1st memory verse of the SSMT, Prov. 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the purpose of the Lord that prevails” (I wrote that by heart. Grin.) applies to EVERYTHING!! I love that He gives us His word to cover the totality of our existence!