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
Thank you Beth and LPM for your generosity and prayers. I have lived in Alabama all my 60 years. This is the worst storm I have ever seen come through this area. Words can not describe the devastation. I am blessed! I still have my home and my loved ones are all fine.
Janice Lowery
Springville, AL
I’m from Pell City. Unhurt. Thanks for the help for those who are hurting.
Praying for everyone. Such tragedy. Love u all.
Hi! I am Kristen in Tuscaloosa and I am running the City of Tuscaloosa’s aid center at Leland/Alberta City. Please, please pray for me.
It is only God that is getting everyone though this. I am usually a prosecutor for the City, but got sent out this morning to run an aid center.
Thank you and God Bless!
Prayers are with you sister!
Praying for you. And for all of those you are helping.
We live in Florence, AL. We are less than an hour north and west of the worst hit. The stories coming out of Franklin and Marion Counties are heartbreaking. Please continue praying for our state. There is so much loss.
thank you beth. We live in Birmingham. We continue to pray for those effected from the tornados!
Thanks for your prayers. My son and daughter-in-law live in Tuscaloosa and my daughter and 8 mth old grandson live in Birmingham. Many anxious moments during the storms but depend on God to take loving care of them. He is so good! They were spared from any damages and are busy volunteering with the Red Cross.
Prayers for all of those in the effected areas by this storm. Thank you for posting names we can pray for specifically. What an awesome way to use the Siesta Scholarship Fund.
I am not in Alabama but all of my Dad’s family is in the Tuscaloosa area. I was just there a few weeks ago to attend my grandmother’s funeral. The pictures are heartbreaking to see and I can not fathom actually being in it.
Cara
Prayers for all of our Bama Siestas from Kentucky!
More prayers coming from the wonderful state of KY!!
Beth,
Thanks so much for remembering our state. I live in northeast Alabama- just miles from where major devastation took place. Our county was only second to Tuscaloosa in number of recorded deaths. We have been without power since Wednesday evening and they hope to have us restored by no later than the first of the week. We were spared the destruction in my home but it is really bad in the surrounding areas. We are under a 9 pm curfew here in Fort Payne. I have not been able to watch the news and am unable to keep my laptop charged up so I have been totally in the dark as far as any national news coverage or pictures. We are alive but in the dark. It could be so much worse. Please keep praying for the folks especially in the Rainsville community. We love you in Alabama.
The Master’s mighty hand was surely with us in North Alabama! To God be the glory through it all! We will praise Him in this storm…Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord GOD Almighty! Who was, and is, and is to come! Thank you for your continued prayers! We LOVE you all!!
I live in Cahaba Heights (Vestavia), part of Birmingham, AL. Cahaba Heights is like a war zone, trees on almost every home in my neighborhood alone. Thank the good Lord, my part of duplex was spared but not me neighbor in other side. Her house has 2 trees that tore up my deck but landed in her house. She was safe though, thank God for that. 2 people were killed in my neighborhood though and my heart goes out to them as well as all of the other families devastated by this terrible event. Thanks for your donation and my church is really stepping up in having a set up and taking donations, but we also have a campus in Tuscaloosa! May God bless everyone affected!
Beth, LPM, and precious siestas,
Words don’t do it. Thank you. Just thank you. The needs are unfathomable.Beth, Psalm 57:1 is an ssmt verse for me. Jesus gave it to me during a metaphorical storm. He called it to mind during the most horrifying night of my family’s life as an F 4 tornado engulfed our home. I don’t mean we were on the edge, we were in the center of the path. We literally shouted this scripture over the roar while clutching our babies until the winds passed. There is no explanation for why the house is still standing save that the Lord God Almighty gave ear to our cries and spread His wings over my home. A refuge indeed. An ever present help. We will never be the same, thank you Jesus.
Can’t say enough what prayers, texts, tweets, and emails have done to refresh us. Pray we will have wisdom in knowing how to serve our neighbors in the coming weeks in Christ’s name.
Beth and LPM thank you so much on behalf of all the people here in Alabama!!
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
I worked on memorizing this verse after the Japan eathquake, never knowing I would be praying this over my own state.
Let it be Lord, Use this for your glory!
From Alabama…keep those prayers coming!
Hey beth and siestas!
Thank you so much! I live in Tuscaloosa and am so thankful that our home was not touched, but so many were! It is pretty bad and alot of the areas that were hit were low income housing and renters who may or may not have had insurance. This is the tough part!
on a positive note a friend and fellow believer’s house was hit and demolished into mere sticks. she has 3 sons and her husband was holding one of them when the storm hit. he was unable to hold his son as the little boy was swept out of his arms by the storm. this is a strong man – a firefighter. when the storm was over they found their son walking the streets in their neighborhood! i cannot tell you how thankful i am to God for that!!!!
thank you for your donation and for your prayers!
we love you!
kimberly
Praise God that their son was found!!
Wow. no words, just praise God!
I want to start with a praise report,got a call from my daughter in Newborn, Ga.a tornado touched down there yesterday knocking out power and lots of trees down but she is ok, Thank you Jesus, I also know this is about Alabama but I have friends in Ringgold Ga., such devastation there too,I ask you to add these folks to your prayer list. Living in Iowa, tornadoes are my greatest fear but to see what happened in Alabama left me breathless and praying so hard for the pain, the suffering and the great loss for these folks. It makes you so aware of how our lives are totally dependent on the Master and His love for us is endless. Praying, praying, for all the people that were affected by this.
Dear Beth,
Thank you for your love demonstrated in such tangible and heartfelt ways. Your sincerity moves me and motivates me to be more like Jesus.
Wanted to let you know of a dear sister in Christ, Brenda Corder. Her husband, Larry, pastors Alberta Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa which was destroyed by the tornado. Miss Brenda was just recently diagnosed with cancer within th epast few weeks. She is faithfully and courageously fighting it and giving God the glory. Thank you for lifting them up in prayer. Love to you and the Siestas.
http://albertabaptist.org/index.php
We are in the thick of recovery assistance in Athens,AL. Thank you Beth,and LPM for you grace and mercy during this time. Can’t possibly give words to the devastation I have worked in over the past two days… Thanking our precious Lord for small moments of priceless joy that we have experienced each day.
Praying for all my siestas that God would comfort you and you would be a comfort to those around you. You are loved!
Sharon J.
We are in Trussville, AL and were thankfully spared, as the tornado lifted off the ground and then touched down again. Praying for those who are suffering and giving praise to God for His mercy over our city.
Hi Beth,
I live in Alabama but was not hit by any storms.
Dearest Beth, The loss in our state is almost unbearable, but we are already hearing stories of God’s mercy and compassion and just out& out miracles. I’m near the Gulf Coast, so we weren’t in the line of storms this time, but as we started our Wed. night Bible study, we sure were praying for those who were. Thank you for helping us out!
Beth,
I live in Tuscaloosa where the damage is devastating. However, the Body of Christ is doing an incredible job of ministering to the hurting. Pray for the churches in our town as we seek to reach out in Jesus’ name. Samaritan’s Purse is partnering with my church, First Baptist Tuscaloosa. Pray for our Governor (fellow church member and a very godly man) as he makes decisions that affect our recovery.
You have many, many women in this city that love you, so to think that you are specifically praying for us means a lot.
Thanks for the prayers and support! I live in Birmingham – and had no damage to my house or church, but that is not the case for many of my friends. It’s really bad over major areas of our state. I went to Tuscaloosa today to take chainsaws and water and food to some guys working with The Navigators on the University of Alabama campus. Please pray for safety and comfort and wisdom and shelter and emotional health. There is so much damage and devastation in Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Pleasant Grove, Pratt City, and on and on and on… However, God is good – all the time! And our praise will go on and on and on and on to the King eternal, immortal be all the glory forever amen!
Thanks Beth…While my house still stands untouched by the weather, all of Huntsville and the surrounding area are without power and will be for several days. I arrived in Birmingham to stay with my daughter who attends Samford University. I’ve just seen the pictures of the terrible devastation in our beloved Alabama. Many of my friends have children who attend the University of Alabama. We appreciate all of the prayers!
Faithful reader…have seen you once in Memphis…the devestation here is unreal….there are whole towns that are gone…literally gone…thank you from the bottom of my heart for your donation to help with the rebuilding….we love you…
My sweet southern siestas-
It seems FL was the only southern state not
tormented by the tornadoes.
My workplace is the same location where
a tornado tore through 3 buildings a few years
ago. I can’t imagine what it’s like to see complete
devastation and lose it all.
I want you to know that you are all so close
to my heart and I will keep you close
in prayer through this, and all the storms
of life.
“Sometimes He calms the storm,
other times He calms His child.”
-Scott Krippayne
xoxo
angie
Thank you! I live in Sheffield and hurt for our neighbors in Phil Campbell. I have also lived in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and still have friends in those areas. The pictures do not seem real. Praying for God’s comfort to all those who are experiencing loss.
Another T-town siesta checking in…thankfully my family and I did not experience any damage from the storm, but I work with people who did. I have lived in the Tuscaloosa area all my life and graduated from UA. It is heartbreaking and still so unbelievable to think all this is happening a few miles down the road. I am in awe of how people are coming together to help each other. Rescue workers, cleanup and power crews and volunteers are working selflessly. I watched a video tonight that showed pictures of the storm damage and one of the songs played was God of This City and I just kept thinking amen and amen! Thanks to everyone for their prayers for Tuscaloosa and all the storm-damaged areas in the South.
Thank you Beth and team for your love and support!
I live in Huntsville. Our family did not experience the kind of loss many families did. So many others have been devastated! We know the Father is tender toward each person and family. People are rallying around one another. Am reminded of Psalm 126:5…those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy. Thank you, Beth and LPM, for your tender hearts, prayers, encouragment and generosity. You are a blessing to so many! I thank God for your obedience to serve where He has placed you!
We’re praying for you, Alabama.
Mercy, Lord. Mercy.
My heart and prayers go out to eyeryone affected. It is heartbreaking!!
I’m so thankful you were able to send some financial help their way.
~Hugs~
We are in Hoover, about 15 south of Pleasant Grove and Concord. No damage here, but those two towns are devastated. Going out this morning with Samaratins Purse to help people sift through the rubble and find whatever can be salvaged. Thanks for all the prayers.
I live in north alabama, in Decatur, which wasn’t hit directly. The surrounding areas and towns are all so small that we all know people well who either lost everything or lost their lives. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Lord Jesus, please send Your hand of healing to all of those affected by these storms. Give each one exactly what they need to make it through the day. May they see Your hand in all of this and may Your Kingdom be established in the midst of all of the devestation. Lord, thank you for this community of women, plugged into You, serving You, desiring to please you. Continue to show each of us by Your Spirit how we can help these who are suffering. Thank you for the power of prayer and for Your Love, Amen
This is a wonderful way that Siestas love one another. Praying for you Alambamians.
Your Michigan Siesta,
Stacie
I am from Northwest Georgia and grateful to be safe. We have neighbors that were not as fortunate. Thank you all for praying for those affected. Your prayers mean so much.
As we battened down in our basement, my children (ages 9,7 and 5) all prayed out loud for our safety and for the safety of others. My husband was in the car driving through the storm to get home to us. He arrived home with in minutes of the tornado passing over our home. I can’t express my joy that we were spared of such tragedy. I also can’t tell you the pride I felt as my babies prayed knowing that God was our Savior and that He would answer our prayers.
Oh sweet siestas — Please know that my heart is hurting for all of those who have lost so much over this past week. I live in Knoxville, TN and the storms were awful here. Knoxville has lots of property damage, but our loss was only about stuff. In cities all around us there was total devastation and loss of life, BUT nothing compared to Alabama. I am lifting up the storm victims in my prayers and know that our sweet Father will take you in his arms over the next days, weeks and months and love on you. I am terrified of storms and am working hard to overcome this fear. The verse that God gave me speaks to my soul. My prayer is that you will find comfort in this verse.
Psalm 46:1-2 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Oh Father, thank you for your precious words, I ask in Your name that you will give these families and sweet Siestas a peace that passes all understanding. Be with them let them feel your presence like never before. In the PRECIOUS NAME OF JESUS — Amen!!!
Love to you all!
Oh, Jesus, we pray for all our sisters who are hurting today. Please help the workers find anyone who is lost today.
Ann – Sardis, AL
My area was not hit (west of Montgomery) but a friend and I are heading to Tuscaloosa today to help out. I’m praying that God will lead us to one that is crying to Him for help and we can say, ‘He heard and sent us to help you!’.
Thanks to all for your prayers and to Beth, for your support and encouragement!
Oh Beth! My heart has thought of our Siestas over and over! When I would listen to the news I would hear names of towns and I would say, “Oh I know a Siesta from there!” So scary… just heartbreaking!!!
We live in Rome, Ga and stayed in the basement most of the evening… we had most of our damage in the first rounds of storms. Hundreds of trees down (especially hard hit was where Wendy, Mom of Eleven, lives) loss of power, homes and hospitals damaged from wind and trees. Nothing like Alabama but pretty crazy…
Praying for you Alabama Siestas! I am so sorry- Emmy
Yes, praying for all who were touched in any way by these storms. I can relate to the sick feeling watching the Tuscaloosa tornado and now hearing of the great loss thoughout AL,GA,TN and other states. I thank God for protection for my nephew and his friends in Tuscaloosa and for my brother and his wife in Birmingham. I thank God for watching over me and my family. We are in Chattanooga TN. We only had a power outage for a couple of days which was no problem at all considering. Could you also remember our a couple of other areas in your prayers, please? I’m sure there are more. South of us is the town of Ringgold GA and northeast of us a small community called Apison, TN. I think the latest count of fatalities is 30 but the areas are basically gone. Many families around the city are homeless because of damaged homes. Even one street over from us has several homes with trees in them. I see the damage here then I think of how many times over it is for AL and it seems to be too much to take in. My heart hurts for everyone and my prayers are for all. God bless you and hold you close to His heart and let you feel His great comfort and peace. I know without a doubt HE IS FAITHFUL. We can depend on Him.
Hey Beth
Thank you for your sweet post and money to those who are truly in dire circumstances. I have been trying to keep you and Amanda updated thru twitter, and will if you want from time to time as I get a twitter update from the news. I am in Birmingham and was untouched. My children and I watched it all live destroy Tuscaloosa,the west side if Birmingham, Cullman and other towns. It was horrifying. You are right as far as being sick. If you new the town it was hitting and knew where everything was it was nauseating. It stayed on the ground from the MS state line to the GA state line for those who don’t know. The churches are just tremendous in their efforts and many others. Today many are still missing. Alabama has a huge hole in our heart. But our state is resilient. BUT,the most important thing is, we have a God who cares and never blinked an eye, never was in the dark and He is hurting with all today. “I have said these things so you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” John 16:33
Elise(Bamagirl)
Siestas in need please let me know if I can help in any way and if there are things you need.
Hey Beth
Thank you for your sweet post and money to those who are truly in dire circumstances. I have been trying to keep you and Amanda updated thru twitter, and will if you want from time to time as I get a twitter update from the news. I am in Birmingham and was untouched. My children and I watched it all live destroy Tuscaloosa,the west side if Birmingham, Cullman and other towns. It was horrifying. You are right as far as being sick. If you new the town it was hitting and knew where everything was it was nauseating. It stayed on the ground from the MS state line to the GA state line for those who don’t know. The churches are just tremendous in their efforts and many others. Today many are still missing. Alabama has a huge hole in our heart. But our state is resilient. BUT,the most important thing is, we have a God who cares and never blinked an eye, never was in the dark and He is hurting with all today.
“Even the darkness is not dark to you;the night is bright as the day,for darkness is as light with you” Psalm 139:12..my first memory verse
Elise(Bamagirl)
Siestas in need please let me know if I can help in any way and if there are things you need.
My heart breaks for our alabama sisters and all our sister in the south that were effected. This past week has been so traumatic and stressful . We here in Arkansas were hard hit early in the week but so grateful not as hard as Alabama. The force of tornado’s are just frightning. May God be with our Alabama sisters and their family , give them strength and peace in the midst of these tragedies, Oh Lord make your mighty presence known to these oh Lord. we are praying praying praying for you all in alabama
Beth – Thank you so much for supporting Alabama. I live in Birmingham, and though I did not suffer damage, I know many friends who are grieving the loss of life and rebuilding homes of family members. Thanks to all the Siestas for your prayers and support.
Adrianna Anderson
My heart was so warmed by the thoughtfulness and love you and LPM are showing our wonderful state. Thankfully, we were not harmed in any way. “It” skirted us as we were hunkered down in our safe place praying. God bless you and LPM.