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
I am praying for all of you, from over here in Arizona!!
Psalm 9:10
“Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, Lord,
have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Thank You Lord! He is our stronghold in times of trouble!!
Hi Beth!
When I saw Alabama on your subject head, my sensors just went “ching!” Thank you so much for thinking of us during this time. Those in my little corner literally dodged a bullet. God is faithful and He will rebuild the ruins in a much greater way. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones. “Things” (well, some things) can be replaced, but people cannot. Bless you all from L. A. (Lower Alabama)
In Christ,
Carol a.k.a Joybreaks
Good morning Siestas,
I am another Siesta in Alabama. Living in the extreme southeast corner of the state we were spared any damage from the storms. I did Facebook and text frantically to be sure friends, family, and sister and brothers in Christ were safe as we watched the terror unfold on TV as I prayed for God’s mercy. Most of our connections are safe but one young cousin who was a student at the University did everything she was told but was found with her 2 roommates in the closet, covered with pillows but unfortunately they did not survive. Please pray for this devastated family along with the hundreds of others who are in this same situation. Thanks to LMP for the financial gift, it is desparately needed. As I post today our little community is intact and reflecting on the fragility of this life. How do people survive without the love, peace, and mercy of The Father?
Jennifer from Huntsville, AL. We’re fine just wo power. (TalesOfAPeanut)
Thanks for the prayers! Please keep them coming; our state is hurting badly.
I have an additional prayer request for any siestas who are reading this. A little boy at our church is battling against cancer (his father is a pastor on staff). His name is Brayden and he is 4 years old. He is in a lot of pain. It’s been 2 weeks since a bone marrow transplant, but there have been so many complications and side effects. I don’t know how to provide a link, but you can google Brayden’s Battle, and his dad’s blog will come up. Thank you, dear siestas.
I am in Northern Madison County, Alabama.(My blog name used to be ThirtySomethingMom. Just going with Mary H. now.) Our family narrowly missed the Harvest tornado. We have no power since Wednesday, but the Lord provided a generator. We had no damage from the storms…just a tree blown down.
I have been so encouraged by people helping each other. I wanted to give a shout out to Lindsay Lane Baptist Church in Athens, AL. They have opened their doors and are feeding people and giving out supplies. Even though we don’t live too close to the church, I have attended Travis Cottrell’s concert there and the So Long Security Simulcast there. What a witness to the world they have been this week.
Many other churches are doing the same as well as schools. I am a teacher in Madison County. I wanted to also give a shout out the Sparkman community where the Harvet tornado hit. They are doing an amazing job of helping others. Sparkman High School is a distribution point for these families that have been hit by the tornado. What a witness to the world!!
I live in Cartersville Georgia and we were spared any damage right down the road in White houses were torn up. I have always been terrified of storms but my husband and I prayed as we laid down that night. I actually went to sleep as the tornado sirens went off for an hour. To God be the Glory for the peace that passes all understanding I received. The stories I can tell from fellow believers that I have heard this week is outstanding. I continue to pray for my sweet Alabama sisters.
Beth, so glad to see this list on names so we can pray for each of our Siestas. May the God of all-comfort keep you in His safe arms and restore unto you His blessings. He loves you all so much. Know that you are prayed for and loved in Indiana,
Simply His, Alta Lynn
Beth,
My name is Katie and I live in Alabama. Our church building, Mountain View Baptist Church, is in Phil Campbell, AL and was totally destroyed. Our pastor (Bro. Sammy) is my father-in-law, and he has been pastor of Mtn. View for 33 years. He and my mother-in-law are devastated by the loss of many church members and friends in our community. Please pray for our faith family as we will meet tomorrow morning in the parking lot for prayer. One of our members lost his entire family. Also, please pray for Bro. Sammy as he will be holding funerals all next week. Thank you for your prayers and help,
Blessed be His Name (Job 1:21),
KT
Just prayed for your church family. God bless you all.
Katie, I prayed for you and your family and church. Our hearts are with you. God bless you.
Janel
Praying for you church and community.
I just prayed for you, your church family, and your community. God bless you.
I’m so sorry for all you are going through. Please know that I am just one of many who are praying for you. Life is so tough anyway. There are so many people who are struggling with so many hurts. The tornados just added to their heavy load. God has promised to wipe away every tear. Praising Him in the storm…
I am so sorry Katie… we will be praying for you guys here in Auburn.
Thank you so much for your prayers for Alabama. We live in Cherokee County AL. The destruction around our area wasn’t as bad as some areas. We are still without power (this is the 4th day) The projected time was 7-10 days without power. Personally we didn’t have any damage to our home, just our kids wooden play set! Praise the Lord!
Thank you so much for thinking about our state. I live in Lauderdale County, AL which is right in the heart of all the surrounding counties that were devastated…we were blessed beyond measure…our county wasn’t hit at all. My heart is soooo heavy right now because I know that right down the road it’s a disaster area. However, the Church is meeting the call…I know through this God will show his unimaginable glory and love will connect us ALL. A local station has phone lines open to connect listeners that need help with those who want to help. I listen and weep. People are touching peoples lives through the name of Jesus..it is a beautiful tragedy uniting us all. No denomination needed!
Blessed beyond words,
Leann (Florence, Alabama)
Hi Beth, Please don’t forget the families that have also been devastated in GA. One of the dear ladies in my Bible Study lost her home and so did all of her neighbors. I believe last count was 17 dead in GA. Thanks so much for your service!
Wrapped in divine love,
Tami
Tami,
I am praying for all Siestas who have suffered in these recent storms. God bless you all and especially your Bible Study friend and their neighbors.
Just prayed for His love, His comfort, and His provision for your friend in Bible Study, her neighbors, all those who suffered loss. God bless you.
I want to give!!I missed the post. I don’t have an address for siesta ville. I am in AR and praying for all including my fellow Arkansans. Love you all!!!!
Gretchen, Madison, MS
“What is more I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord for whose sake I have lost all things , I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ..” Phil 3:8 NIV
We are praying for you guys affected by the storms here in Ireland xx
Beth
Thank you some much for the donations to my state of Alabama. I live in Lawrence County where we have 15 deaths from the storm. It is amazing how God’s children come together in a time of need. We have been without power since Wednesday so everyone is bringing food from their freezers and a local church is cooking hot meals for the area. I think there is everything from vegetables to deer meat.
I follow your ministry faithfully. Again thank you some so much from the great State of Alabama.
God Bless you and your family
I am in Birmingham not far from the Pratt City disaster. We were only without power a couple of days and we feel so blessed all our family and close friends are fine. My husband and I viewed the devastation this morning as we ran an errand. It is like a war zone; unbelievable the power of that storm as it left homes looking like piles of rubble or took them away all together. We have family in Harvest who just narrowly missed having storm damage on their home but they do have trees down all over their neighborhood. We will be involved in many ways to help those around us as they deal with their losses. Thank you all for your prayers. This has touched all of us deeply as we have sympathetic reactions to our neighbors and emotionally experience the shock of this devastation with them. I work in a pediatrician’s office and it has been equally sad to see and hear of the plights of many children who were injured and whose parents are missing or dead. I know our Father is involved in all these lives and is overseeing purposes we can not understand at this time. Thank you for sharing with us…we are one in the bond of His love!
Sitting here in Athens, GA–
my heart is heavy for all those who not only lost their homes and locations of work, their towns and all things familiar, but also a loved one, a friend, or a neighbor. Such devestation is too hard to comprehend sometimes.
I pray for each of you who have been touched in some way by this tragedy. May the God of all comfort bring you such a peace and a giant hug! Know that you do not go this road alone—you have MANY people praying for you!
Rita; Birmingham, AL
Please pray for my friends and co-workers affected by the storm…
Caroline – death of a relative
Johnny – apartment damaged
Linda – seven households (of relatives) damaged/destroyed
Debbie – home damaged
Thank you Beth and LPM for extending your prayers and support to my state of Alabama. Although my hometown of Auburn did not have any damage, our hearts are breaking for the home of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and that community (and all of the other hard hit areas of our state). But even in the face of this tragedy, God is Good ALL THE TIME! Churches are mobilizing and responding to this immediate need with food, water, shelter, clothing, money, and volunteers. The hands and feet of Christ are alive and active here in our great state sharing the love of God to all who have been impacted. Despite this tragedy, the spirit of God is alive and active in Alabama.
Thank you and may God continue to bless you.
Polly
http://www.childpsychmom.com
Thank you Beth and LPM for extending your prayers and support to my state of Alabama. Although my hometown of Auburn did not have any damage, our hearts are breaking for the home of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and that community (and all of the other hard hit areas of our state). But even in the face of this tragedy, God is Good ALL THE TIME! Churches are mobilizing and responding to this immediate need with food, water, shelter, clothing, money, and volunteers. The hands and feet of Christ are alive and active here in our great state sharing the love of God to all who have been impacted. Despite this tragedy, the spirit of God is alive and active in Alabama.
Thank you and may God continue to bless you.
Polly
A friend from here in Tuscaloosa, whose church was completely wiped out, shared with me earlier, that her 4year old daughter exclaimed to her, that their church wasn’t gone, that Jesus died on the cross for their sins and is in heaven, and their church was fine!
Is that precious or what??? Amen and amen!!!
Marty, Tammy and Teresa from Mobile, AL. We weren’t affected by the storms at all, but are praying for our Alabama sisters.
I’m soo blessed to know that money is going out to those in Alabama affected by the storms! It was a scary day to have 4 or 5 tornado warnings just in East Tn in one day. I know it was much worse for those in Alabama. I’m praying for the siestas and others there impacted by those storms.
I am praying for all of those impacted by the tornadoes over the southeastern US. The Lord will bless you,comfort you and provide for you. If you are reading this, He already has 🙂
Angela
Mansfield TX
Beth,
I posted earlier, but basically just left my name and hometown, Alexander City, in AL. I just want to thank you SO much for being so generous to our state in the midst of this terrible devastation. My home was not damaged, but we are a lake town and there was a swath of the lake that was devastated by this horrific storm. And one of the places that was hit hard is a place called Children’s Harbor which holds summer camps for children with illnesses, special needs, disabilities, etc. Please pray for this ministry that they will be able to continue to serve these children despite this setback. And thank you so much for your prayers for all those involved. It’s one of those things you don’t ever think you will personally witness. Someone did a video on youtube to “I Will Praise You in the Storm” about the damage in Tuscaloosa and it will make you cry watching it. The wonderful thing is that our Amazing God is ever present in the storm…Praise Him!!
Paying for all affected by the deadly tornadoes. Oh Lord, hear our prayers. Bring comfort, bring healing. You alone can restore.
We praise you, Lord.
Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity and sincere love and prayers for the families that this tragedy has affected. Shawna in Alabama
Beth,
Just want to say a big thank you for your generous giving for the relief in this devastated state. I am an Alabama girl. We spent the day in Tuscaloosa today. So many wonderful people have come to the aid of those who have lost everything. Pictures and video don’t begin to show the devastation here. But God is good and He is providing! Keep praying!
Thank you for caring about our state 🙂 we are getting to work!
This Alabama Siesta thanks you and Praising our GOD
for ALL the Prayers going up .
How I pray for those in Alabama and all southern states that were affected. We in Tennessee have over 30 deaths and much destruction. Many areas are dealing with flooding issues at this the anniversary of last year’s devastating flood. My county had a devastating EF5 tornado 2 years ago on Good Friday, and some of the same areas were hit again this week. Thankfully, we had no deaths this week. My daughter and just turned 2-year-old granddaughter spent the day with me since they had no electricity. We had storms all day and had to go to our safe spot 3 different times for tornado warnings. My sweet granddaughter is scared of thunder and it boomed from 5:30am until 8:00pm. All day, over and over, I heard her say “No udda, no udda” (thunder). Several times she would put her little hands together and say “Jesus, no udda.” When a blast of thunder would rock the house, she would begin to sing “Jesus uves me”. There truly is something about the name of Jesus. Even a tiny toddler is comforted by His name and knows who to turn to when “udda” is overwhelming her. How I thank Him for keeping us safe until the storm passed. How I pray for His comfort, peace, strength, hope and help for all those in need. Thank you Beth for your tender heart.
Dearest Beth,
Words fail me. I have written, deleted and re-written.
Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity during this very sad time.
I live in Birmingham which is a very short drive from Pratt City, Pleasant Grove and Tuscaloosa. All of these areas are devastated.
God was so gracious to spare my family and me from harm. But I am painfully aware of the destruction and the unfathomable loss of life in our area.
At my work place we lost 2 people to the storm. One of them was the mother of an infant. We also have people whose homes were completely destroyed.
Please pray for peace and comfort for these families. Also, pray especially for the children who have been affected by this tragedy as well as the students at the University of Alabama. I know they will never be the same after this.
God has given me this verse for the past couple of days…”For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
Thank you Beth, Living Proof and Siestas for coming together and praying for Alabama.
Patti in Halfway, MO
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the evil one.
Praying for those in AL, my home state, and my sister and mom and extended family are all okay, thank the Lord.
John 15:8 KJV
Herein is my Father glorified, That you bear much fruit. So shall ye be my disciples.
“The Lord WILL fulfill His purpose for me; your love O Lord, endures forever-do not abandon the works of your hands.” (Psalm 138:8 NIV)
*(This verse touched my heart this week as my heart/prayers go out to all in Alabama. Have a blessed week.)
Kathie. Satsuma, Alabama.
Too far south for the tornadoes as to property damage here but praying fervently for those North of us who have lost so much. Supplies and ‘hands’ are being rounded up here to go there.
Thank you LPM!!!
HIS, Kathie
Wichita Falls, TX
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Mat 6:24 NIV
I have three friends that I haven’t been able to get ahold of since the storms: Mary Faye, Frankie, Joletta.
Please pray that they are safe.
Thank you!!
Praying right now Donna! Thanks for their names. He sees and knows…
Thanks for your prayers!! So many of our neighbors have lost so much!! We have been blessed and all we had was a loss of power for a few days. The children are the ones that just break my heart in this. So many of their familys have been wiped entirely out, so many children have lost their homes, schools, parents, brothers, sisters, & friends live will never be the same for some of them..It just breaks your heart…I just pray that God will hold them close in his hand. Our state is hurting right now but we will heal and be stronger for it. There is nothing you can do but turn it all over to Jesus and he will heal all their hurts. Please continue to pray for us.
Please also keep Ringgold, Georgia in your prayers. We have had a large amount of destruction and loss. We attend church in Chattanooga. Apison is by us also. Had several friends killed, homes and businesses destroyed.
Your prayers are coveted for restoration and also that God will allow those in need to see they need Christ most.
Thanks, Melissa
I am a sister in Rainbow City, Alabama. We have been so blessed. We did not loose anything but power for a short period of time. There is so much loss around us. Please pray that we will reach out and help in anyway God leads us to.
Not in AL across the state line in GA in a county that was named a state disaster area early in the day. My person and material property were untouched! WAIT siesta’s it get’s better. My mom and dad live in Parrish, AL, Brother and his family in Jasper, AL, my Nephew in Bham and my Niece in Auburn. God BLESSED me beyond measure as destruction hit literally ALL around us. From within a thousand yards to on his college campus. Praising God every day for NO injuries or loss of life and being reminded even now as the chain saws are still cutting to pray for those who have been devastated by the loss. My parents in their 70’s remain without power, but I was able to hear their precious voices last night when their phone service returned. They keep an old dial phone for times like these. I just wanted to share a BLESSING in the midst of the turmoil. Praying, praying praying as only ‘one piece of His peace’ can.
The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6 NIV
Kathie
Aiken, SC
I live in Glencoe about a mile from Webster’s Chapel and Silver Lakes where there was so much devastation.
Hey,
Just another sister from Alabama. I do live in Elmore County which some parts did have damage but our neighborhood was not harmed. Thank you so much for your prayers and assistance. Please keep all those who have lost loved ones in your prayers as funerals are beginning to take place now and we all have friends and family touched by these storms.
Roxie, Jerseyville, Psalm 57:1 NLT
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to You for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings until this violent storm is past.”
(Rev. 3:20 NAS) “Behold,I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him, and will dine with him, and he with me.”
Beth,
May God pour out His blessings upon you for your generosity. I live in Jasper, Alabama and my youngest son lives in Tuscaloosa. He is the assistant manager at LifeWay which is just down the street from the devastated area. He had gotten off work and was able to get home before it touched down. I will forever praise God for His protection of my child. Thanks to everyone for their prayers. There is so much sorrow all over our state, but at the same time, everywhere we turn, there is thanks and praise to God. Even our TV announcers are talking about how God can carry us through as we draw strength from Him. God is already bringing good from this tragedy, as He promised in Romans 8:28.
Beth and LPM,
I am a little late reading this post, things have been crazy here. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity during this time! You have no idea how much your words of encouragement and support mean at a time like this. I am a college student here at the University of Alabama and hardly able to believe what I am seeing. This city as well as the rest of the affected areas in Alabama will need prayers for a long time to come. The good news is the body of Christ is coming together in amazing ways! By the way, Siestaville is appropriately named. I got on here to rest and clear my mind of what the past couple days have brought and I already feel renewed and encouraged! Thank you!
Laura Prater Tuscaloosa, AL