Darling Ones, I just want to let you know that this very day several checks will go in the mail to Alabama from Living Proof Ministries in your honor and including your giving. Our hearts would have gone out to all those hurt and devastated by the tornadoes anyway because the love and mercy of God dwells in us through His Spirit. The fact that we have very active Siestas in Alabama who have been with us nearly from the start of this community and who live in areas hard hit makes it even more personal to us. (Boomama and The Preacher’s Wife are two of many. I nearly threw up as I watched the news and could see that the storms were right on top of them.) So please know today that $10,000 from the Siesta Scholarship Fund plus additional dollars from LPM will take wings and fly to Alabama this day in the great and saving name of Jesus Christ.
Your love and your commitment to Him make a difference in this hurting world. Never doubt it.
PS. I’m going to try to comprise a running list of our Alabama Siestas (just means sisters, not club members) throughout the day. We’ve heard from many of you but didn’t think to take down names at that point in the fury. If you live in Alabama, will you please tell us in a comment to this post? We’d like to recognize you either by blogger name or personal name. I’ll be adding to it as the day goes on.
Some of Our Beloved Alabama Girls (forgive us if some of you got reflected on here twice as we compile the list from several different sources): We love you and we’re thinking of you…
Sophie – “Boomama”
Lisa – “A Preacher’s Wife”
Robyn – “3girlsmom” (3girlsmom23.blogspot.com)
Jenny Hope Williams
Amy Daugherty
Rebecca Olson
Cathy Davis
Julie
Tamara
Kellie
Jessica (aletterfromchrist.blogspot.com)
Shannon Roe (in Tuscaloosa!)
Erin
Rebecca
Elise Pratt
Ashley
Beth
Mary R. Snyder (MaryRSnyder.com)
Kathryn Champion (flashthoughts.wordpress.com)
Martha
Kay
Jamie B. (meetthebakers.blogspot.com)
Kay Porter Archer (karlaarcher.com)
Tressa McQueen
Brandi Bryant
Charity Washburn
Rachel (@objectivityrach)
Dedra Herod
Tammy Isbell (@greekgrits – lives in Tuscaloosa – hit HARD)
Valerie (@valeriegail)
Lora Lynn Fanning
Karla Archer
Paige (@pollypepRN)
Cynthia Miller
Redeemed
Julie Reynolds @ginsamica
LB
Jamey (aheartforthenations.blogspot.com)
Diane Bailey (dianewbailey.blogspot.com)
Kim L.
Amy (wildgloriousride.blogspot.com)
Fran
Tressa
Candy
Leight
Ginger
Jill in AL (jumpin-in.blogspot.com)
Traci
Tammy Jones
Allison Burleson
Marilyn Yarbrough
Donna
Julie K (blessed-kellys.blogspot.com)
Brandy
Tiffany
Tanya in Alabama
Heather Joy
Kristina Nicole
Michele Adcock
Volleyball Ginger
Jenny Howle
Beverly
Donna Benjamin
Stephanie Billings-ArmyReserveWife
Sheilak3130
Melanie Henderson
Janice
Bridgett Junkin
Kristen Love…in Tuscaloosa is running the City of Tuscaloosa’s aid center!!
Beth Mince
Erin Beasley
Ann B
Michelle
Laura Forman
Kimberly G Mason
Celia J. (friendshipumc.org)
Natalie Johnson
Jan
Pamela
Robin Ford
Pam
Amy From Huntsville, AL
Ginny Bass (bassakward-tales.blogspot.com)
Tanya McCalpin
Mandy P…in Tuscaloosa
Mindy S
Olda
Rachel H
Whitney
Nikol Whitten (coffeewithchrist.org)
Adrianna Anderson
Becky B.
Carol a.k.a Joybreaks
Janice Pitchford
Jennifer from Huntsville, AL (TalesOfAPeanut)
Mary H. (formerly ThirtySomethingMom)
Katie Taylor
Traci StJohn
Leann Ford
Leah Kiker
Vivian
Rita
Polly
Donna Benjamin
Marty, Tammy and Teresa
Karen
Cynthia Griffin
Shannon Conner
Kathy McDaniel
Shawna
Lisa Vinyard
Heather Maise
Lisa Saunders
Laura Prater Tuscaloosa, AL
Kristin Johnson
Annie
Megan Woodham
Renita-Prattville
Nancy Eckhardt
Heather Battle
Hope
Shirley Kurtz (shirleykurtz.blogspot.com)
Angie G.
Amanda
Tracy Stoffell (tracyscoffeecafe.wordpress.com)
LeAnne
Cara Hoffman
Beth
Holley Houlditch
Brea Burelle
Lauren Johnson
R. Davis
Melanie Holmes (KanduGal)
Kelly
Lisa McGriff
Denise
CJ
Paige from Alabama
Deanna
Chrissy Hanscome
Angie Sharp
Terri Lovett
Dedra Herod
Jessica Handley
Kendall Perchinski
Jamie Harper – happyharperstories.blogspot.com
Roni Long
ashley e
Anne
Lisa Laree
Sarah Christen
Michelle V
Cathy D
Jess
Julia (Mor2Life)
Gretta
Paula
Mimi six of AL
Emily Sanderson
Bless you Beth and Living Proof Ministries. I have been in constant prayer for Tuscaloosa, Birmingham and all the areas that have been hit so hard. I know the money will bless those who have endured this horiffic event.
What a tremendous way of serving our Siestas and others impacted by this devastation. When on the other side of the television, it’s so hard to wrap my minds around the sheer destruction. Thank you for choosing to help in this manner, Beth and LPM!
Having family who lost everything in these heartbreaking storms, I cannot say how much this gift means. I am so grateful for this gift, and the other generous donations coming in from around the nation. I pray God uses them all mightily to bring physical restoration, and spiritual healing. I am standing firm believing God has a divine plan for good to come from the tragedies being experienced in Alabama right now. Thank you Lord for the blessings you are waiting to bestow!
Thoughts and prayers are with you as you pick up the pieces. I was sick also as I watched as the storm ripped through your lives, but our God is faithful…
In Christ…
Andrea
I am so blessed by this community of Siesta’s, so many and most of who I have never met. And my heart and prayers go out to all the people and Siesta’s affected by this storm.
Thank you so much Beth for contributing to this area in need. I am so honored to be a part of this community.
Siesta’s, you are in my prayers!
In the mighty blessed name of Jesus,
michelle in VT
My heart is saddened by the devastation in the wake of this storm system. Reminded that the only stable in this life is Almighty God, what a wonderful Father! There is no one like our God. Thank you, Living Proof, for being His hands and feet!
Many Blessings to you!
Cindy K
Julie
Clanton, Alabama
Thank you Beth and LPM!!!
Thank you from Alabama… I have never seen such widespread devastation and loss of life in my home state. The death toll rises by the hour. The number of families without homes is astounding. This is such an overwhelming opportunity for God’s love to shine through all of us, and I appreciate your generosity. I would urge anyone reading my words to stop now and say a special prayer for all the families who are hurting right now. So many. Blessings to you, Beth, and all the Living Proof family!
Praise Him and thank you for your service in all the acts of giving and all those gave.
Man. I keep typing words- then erasing them- because they don’t do justice to the pain that those are feeling. So I just have to humbly say, “God is good-all the time.” praying for God to do “immeasurably more than we can think or imagine to ask for” for each of you.
Thank you from Tuscaloosa, the pictures do not do it justice. It’s a war zone and getting worse from the looters, pray!
I am both proud and humbled to be a Siesta. Prayers for all affected by the devastation. Thank you Beth and LPM for giving such a needed and tangible gift.
Love, Linda
Grateful for y’all. There is so much destruction and heartbreak. Thousands of people (like Lisa – The Preacher’s Wife) will have great physical needs in the weeks and months to come – not to mention the spiritual and emotional ones. Much love to you from Alabama.
We love you so much, Sophie.
Mama Beth,
This is wonderful! Praying that God multiplies this offering 100 fold as it helps those recovering from this tragedy. Also praying that through this offering those who don’t know Christ come to know Him through the love of Christians giving to help those in need.
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
Glory to God! What a blessing to go along with all of our prayers. My husband and I were in the area of Birmingham just a week befroe to the day that the storms hit visiting family. Praise God they are all safe but my heart breaks for the loss. What a blessing LPM is to us all daily. XO
So glad y’all are doing this!
Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could organize a Siesta service weekend?
Praying that through all of this, God will be glorified.
Blessings on you Beth and the folks at Living Proof. Here in Canada we are shocked and horrified by the devastation in the U.S. south! We had a wind storm here yesterday that blew shingles off roofs and uprooted large evergreens and other trees and while that is unusual for here, it is nothing to what our neighbours in the southern U.S. have endured. Our God is faithful and in control and nothing is out of His reach. Please know that folks in Canada are praying too and that churches here are praying for you all too at this time of loss and devastation.
Thank you from Alabama! I am blessed to be in an area that was spared this time. For all others who were unaffected this time around, let’s love on those that were. Waste no time asking why these things happen, but what should/can I do? The answer is simple: Love people. Pray, send, give, hug. Be the Body.
I’m in Auburn, AL – totally unaffected, but we are devastated for our neighbors in TTown, Bham, and Elmore County. Pray for victims and those serving around the clock. Thank you all!
So unbelievably proud of this community. Blessed beyond words.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Robyn, Birmingham AL
Thank you for having such a loving, giving heart. I live in Oklahoma, but I am sure we will be joining in to give to those in Alabama.
As all of this was taking place I was talking on facebook with my family members in Mississippi and two people died in Jasper Co. near where they live. My family (cousins, my dad, etc.) was safe and there was little damage where they live. I’ve been through Alabama and we have all of you in our prayers.
It really touched my heart when the mayor ask for prayer for Alabama. Thank you for your post, Beth. Thanks for caring.
Thank you Beth and LPM!! Thank you everyone for your generosity and prayers.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping.
Birmingham, AL
Thank you Siestas from Tuscaloosa!
It is hard to describe the devastation here. To know that your day-to-day landscape is forever changed is a sobering thing.
Please pray that the Lord will use this tragedy to turn hearts to Him. We will praise Him in the storms! May HE be glorified!
Hi Shannon,
I posted down below, but I, too, lived in Tuscaloosa. We moved there in 2004. We were members of the Central Church of Christ over on Hargrove Road, and I’ve gotten word back that it’s been destroyed. But I did hear that several U of A students took shelter in the building and survived. Glory be.
Oh, y’all are so heavy on my mind right now! Praying for you!
We are praying for y’all in Auburn – I know this will bear much fruit for the kingdom!
My dear sisters,
I love you dearly and my heart is broken for you. So thankful we can climb into Daddy’s lap and He’s aching to hold us and
waiting with open arms!!!!!
Praying for you,
Michelle Colorado Springs, CO
Thank you so much. There is so much devastation and your generous donation will go far in helping with urgent needs.
Erin in Alabaster, AL
So touched. So many of our neighbors are hurting. Thank you!
Sylacauga, AL
Beth,
Thank you ! I have tears and goosebumps as I read this post. My son is in Alabama for job training. He called us from the women’s bathroom to let us know what was going on. We had no clue. We did not have the tv on. Beth, I started praying for his safety and his car! I know that sounds silly but he is all alone there and for some reason unknown to me I threw his car in the prayer as well. He called us after it was over to let us know he was ok , but part of the strip mall he was in got extensive damage. and get this…. He says…. I went out to see if my car was still there and it’s ok! I was floored with Gods mercy!
God was all over him during this time. He was not happy with this restaurant the night before so was going to go to a different one. His GF said go back and try something else,so he did. The place he was going to is totally gone. Just gone! Still brings tears to my eyes jut thinking about how close I came to loosing my son that day. So sad for the families that did loose family and friends.
The next morning as I was writhing in my journal this passage was on the bottom of the page….The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him…. Amen Lamentations 3:25
I will be keeping this town and all the others as well in my prayers for a long time to come. Thank you Beth and LMP
Wow! What a story! Gave me goosebumps. Praise God your son is okay!
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This was my posted April 15th scripture memory verse. I will pray this over our hurting families.
Thank you Beth and LPM!
That was my first scripture for the 2009 SSMT. I am so sorry for the loss you are all experiencing. I know seeing the devastation on TV doesn’t compare to the reality of it. Being from Canada were don’t often see tornados and nothing close to this kind of devastation. Your Canadian siestas are praying!
Alabama Siesta checking in — and thank you! Thank you for your prayers and your support. So much loss, so much devastation. Please keep praying — there is so much that is just coming to light. So many are missing. I’m just standing on the Rock!
Hello from waaaaaaaaay down South Alabama! We were bracing for the bad weather, but we didn’t get any. It all went to the north of us but oh how my heart is hurting for the people that took the hit. I have family as well as friends (Siestas) that live in the areas hardest hit. I am praying for them and thanking God that none of them (as far as I know) were hurt by the storm.
I am so glad to see LPM taking such an interest in this. What a blessing to be involved (even in a small way such as Siestas) in an organization that exemplifies Christ!
So, so blessed to call Alabama my sweet home. Lifting up all those affected by these storms including my precious family and friends in Marshall County, those here in Birmingham, and our cross-state rivals in Tuscaloosa. Now is not a time to compare championships and trophies, but love our neighbor as ourselves. Thanks for all you’re doing, Beth and LPM. We love y’all!
Martha
Homewood, AL
Thank you for sending this gift and as someone commented earlier for being the Lord’s hands and feet. So much distruction. It is unbelievable. Siestas let’s be relentless in our prayers for everone touched by this disaster.
Lord only You can bring comfort and restoration. Please let it be.
Checking in from Muscle Shoals, AL:
Thanks be to God that Muscle Shoals was spared serious damage. However, we mourn the loss of friends and relatives in several communities just a few miles from us. It is just heartbreaking. Thank you for your prayers and financial support; both are desperately needed.
Thank you Beth and Living Proof. We are all so heavy-hearted here.
Jamie
Chelsea,AL
Beth,
Thank you so much. We are praying for those in Alabama.
A fellow Siesta in St. Louis
Thank you so much, Beth and Living Proof! We covet everyone’s prayers.
Karla Porter Archer
Birmingham, AL
You are in our prayers.
this is so precious! Not in Alabama, but my heart is with y’all and so proud to be a Siesta this day and always.
loving deeply,
rachel
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Siestas in Alabama. Here in the Northwest we are complaining about our cold wet spring but we are confessing to God right now that we have nothing to complain about. May His mercy and goodness see you through this trial. We are doing the Fruits of the Spirit bible study and learned from Beth last night that we need THROUGH FAITH during these times in our lives. Walk on with your shield of faith dear sisters. We’ve got your back in prayer.
I’m so very thankful you are listing the gal’s names…it is wonderful to read each one and pray specifically for her, their families, friends, their needs, their hurts. We here in california are lifting you all up to His glorious thrown of Grace knowing, trusting and believing He is holding you all close to His heart. LPM staff….thanks for stepping forth and being the Lord’s hands and feet. Praying for all of you…
After I wrote my last missive, I walked away thinking I really did not say much. Then I walked into the other room and looked out the window, just as an eagle flew so close overhead and I knew God wanted me to post again.
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Our God will bear you up! Trust in Him who carries us.
I am so happy to be part of this siesta community. Y’all are awesome. My home and town (just outside Chattanooga) are fine, but several of my co-workers are dealing with unimaginable devastation and heartbreaking loss. May God bring restoration and healing, and may He use this event to turn hearts back to him.
Love and prayers from TN,
Adrienne
Adrienne,
I’m so glad you’re ok. I’m so sorry for all who lost their homes etc.
I’m praying and echo your thoughts. Love ya!
Fuzzytop! So glad to see you are fine…Chattanooga-area siestas wondered about you! We are well, but know so many within walking distance of home who are not.
Ginny – that is so sweet! I am so thankful you are ok too.
Hugs,
Adrienne
A lot of sisters in the TN. area were devastated & homes destroyed, just haven’t seen as much on the news. Praying for the rebuilding & restoration there as well. Specifically Cleveland/Chattanooga area!
Monica,
NY.
Thanks, Monica! Chattanooga and Cleveland (where I live!) aren’t big enough to be mentioned a lot yet in the news, but we have many, many thousands of people displaced in our two cities. I know it means a lot to all the Tennessee girls to see you praying for us, too!
We live in Cleveland! And our community needs LOTS of prayers and help! Please remember and lift up the families who lost loved ones!!! It has been a hard, emotional few days. The devestaion is almost too much to bare. But we are giving thanks and praise to the GOD who holds us in His Hands!! It has been such a blessing to see our town pull together and be The HANDS and FEET of Christ!! We WILL praise Him in the Storm! He will use (is using) this for HIS GLORY!!
Beth, what a sweet & generous gift from Living Proof. I’ve been thinking about all of our precious Siestas who live in the regions of the south who were in the path of these tornadoes and storms. I live in Oklahoma and we are very familiar with tornadoes & the devastation they bring. I very well remember the tornado that hit Moore, OK in 1999. Seeing the pictures & videos reminds me of that day. We in Oklahoma feel what you’re going through. Bless you all & my prayers continue to be with you.
Love,
Valerie
Checking in from TN — my home is okay, but my car is damaged. Our small town was hit with six separate tornadoes in those ten hours (Lisa the PW and I live really near each other — which I love!). I work at a university and we’ve got a lot of students and staff displaced from their homes, loss of cars, etc. We’re working very, very long hours right now to get our 4,000+ students settled (many were in dorms and the dorms are all okay, thankfully), fed, etc. Personally, I’m about out of energy and I know that everyone else must be, too. Things are ugly here in East Tennessee.
Hey Amy Beth!
Where are you in East TN? I can’t remember…I am actually about to move back over there for school. I will be over there at the end of May. We need to try and meet up! I’ll be in Athens…
Praying for you and all the students on the campus you work on. Which school do you work at?
Nikki
Nikki! You will be so much closer to me in Athens! That’s not far at all… We MUST get together!
Hugs,
Adrienne
Hi, Nikki! Email me at [email protected] and I’ll give you the whole scoop! You’ll be VERY near me — just 25 minutes away! 🙂
Wow! Thank you Beth! That is a wonderful gift to those in the south. So grateful and honored to be a part of Siestaville.
Siestas in areas needing help – please let us know how we can help. I would be happy to come down to TN, AL, or wherever and help cleanup/rebuild. I have a chain saw and standard tools. I can do any electrical and can help with most any other types of projects around the house (not much experience w/plumbing/masonry). I am pretty strong for my size and can do the the hard, dirty work.
I am willing and able to come help anywhere. I’ve been looking for info, but many of the large organizations seem like they want you to be already trained & part of their team beforehand.
So if you know of a specific need, especially if you have a place I could stay, please let me know. I’m low maintenance, a couch or spot on the floor is fine. Or if your church is forming work teams that I could be part of, that would be perfect.
Still praying for each of you in all the areas affected. TN, MS, AR, GA Siestas don’t think we’ve forgotten about you. Obviously the news is concentrating on AL, but we know God knows each person’s pain. He knows your name and what you need, and we lift you up to Him constantly.
Wow. A Siesta with a chainsaw! Who can do electrical work?? Wow. Just wow. I am so impressed.
Hello, I and some of my sunday school class would be interested in helping out as well. I too have had trouble getting info on where to help out. We have some of different shapes, sizes and ability/ experience levels but who want to serve the community. Please let me know who to contact. [email protected]
We moved to Alabama in 2004, and we lived in Tuscaloosa. We were members at the Central Church of Christ, which was leveled Wednesday – but all members are accounted for, Praise God! These people have been heavy on my heart ever since…..even a royal wedding seems pale in comparison with such loss and devestation.
Thank you for your donation, Beth. And thanks for listing all our Siestas’ names who live down south.
Roll Tide…….
WOW. That brought tears to my eyes!
Thank you for listing the Siesta’s by name, bring a new life to my prayers for this devastated region.
Praying for all!
XOXOX
I have never been more honored to be part of this sisterhood. Can not tell you how many times AL siestas have been on my mind, and in my prayers. (Chattanooga/Ringgold) as well. Our God has woven us together, so glad we get to spend eternity together.
Stephanie
This Alabama girl says Thank You! (My family was not hit.)
Redeemed, Riverchase Church of Christ in Birmingham is also sending help via members and Church of Christ Disaster Relief. Kim L.