OK, Siestas, remember two posts ago when I told you about finding those old Scripture cards in that desk drawer? Eureka! Old girl struck gold again! To appreciate this particular brand of gold, you have to think in broad terms. In my family, amusement is a fist full of gold. Absurdity is a brick of gold. And a belly laugh is a ton of gold. To my dear friend Sophie (Boomama) and me, the national reserve of gold would be anything that makes us lean back in our chairs and clap our hands with glee. I’m not saying you’re going to get one of those. I’m just helping you sort out various levels of gold so that you know when you’ve struck the mama load.
I was three drawers down this time, looking for a set of immunization records which, incidentally, I never found. Since this is the second discovery I’m sharing with you from this old desk, I’ll provide a proper visual.
I love, love, LOVE that piece of stained glass above it. Keith’s youngest sister, Mary, salvaged it – with permission – from an old Methodist church under reconstruction. Our friend had it framed for us and we’ll keep it forever.
Back to the desk. So, this time it wasn’t Scripture cards from the family altar that I found in those bottomless drawers. It was speaking notes from the 1980’s and early 1990’s. Honestly, I sat in the floor slack-jawed, looking from message to message and laughed so hard that I could have cried. And sometimes I felt like crying so hard that I could have laughed. I wish you could tell from this picture how thick the stack is. (Every bit of three or four inches.) Some of the messages are on typing paper from my first word processor but many of them are handwritten on notebook paper.
How about a closer look?
Could you possibly have missed that I used HOT ROLLERS (I think you’re supposed to say it really loud) as an illustration?? I bet you anything it was to explain how we need to plug in to the Holy Spirit. Bless my sweet heart. I can hardly sit up to type. The worst part is that I am still using hair-related illustrations. One would so hope she’d grown in 25 years. Below is one of my favorite smatterings of messages. Please behold the broad stretch of topics. Can you make out the one at the top about “Table Manners and Table Settings”?
Talking was all I ever could do. My brothers and sisters were musical and theatrical. I simply talked. As you can see, it took me a few years to figure out what I was actually called to talk about. There were innumerable messages about Christian fitness in the stack. I may keep some of them. After all, Jane Fonda made an aerobic come-back. Here’s another one. The part that nearly sent me over to my side, kicking my legs, was the “POEM, end.” (It is of such importance that, lo, it is in my notes twice.) Well, of course, say a poem then end. That’s what speakers and even preachers did in those days. Please note my commitment to cultural relevance as the inclusion of a story about Rosanne Barr clearly illustrates. (Correct spelling of her name is actually Roseanne but I didn’t know that at the time nor did anyone ever whisper in my ear, “You’ll be showing these notes to a LOT of people in 20 something years.”) Oh, what I would give to know what story I was telling about her. As you might note, my source was the Enquirer.
No doubt, you are on pins and needles by now over this riveting post but, alas, the fleeting clock permits me, yea, only one more brick of gold. But it’s a doozy. This is a list of my seminar topics that I included in my “packet” to anyone who showed interest in asking me to speak.
Perhaps my favorite of all is “The Many Hats of God.” (I can no longer sit up to type for laughing. Lord, I am so sorry that I helped these innocent audiences of God-fearing women picture You wearing all manner of head gear.) My mind is eased only by the clear remembrance of often receiving a potted plant as honorarium. And, if you care an iota about accuracy, please picture me giving most of these messages wearing a corsage pinned over my bosom by the pastor’s wife. (That is not a bad word. Check your hymnbook.)
In closing, permit me to say that, if you think the (looooooooong) life of a Christian communicator is easy, you have clearly been set straight today. My son-in-law Curtis, is presently going through a stack of old cassette tapes of my earliest Sunday school lessons and messages to see what needs to be kept and what can be tossed. I can hardly look him in the eye right now. And he’s my pastor. Oh, the gifts that keep on giving.
Well. There you have it. Surely somewhere in those notes you’d find this saying: “Be patient. God is not finished with me yet.”
And, Lord knows, He’s still not.
Actually, I’m thankful to God for all those early notes and all that He taught you in those years because, dear woman of God, He knew what I would need to hear from you in the early 2000’s to the present. God used you mightily, dear one, in my own life, in my marriage (Believing God had a huge impact on saving my marriage)and in my ministering to my kids and, by His grace and mercy, the privilege of ministering to women and couples after coming out the other side. I sit here and cry at the love God has for me and how He showed me through you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being faithful to what God taught you and continues to teach you each day. And for being obedient to share it with me. I love you much, dear sister.
Hey Sharon,
I’m compelled to ask any advice you may have on staying patient & trusting God through marital storms. My husband & I have been separated since Jan 2010. I don’t want to fall short of His promises by one step, but I could use some encouragement on not losing my hope. I’m open to any words of wisdom you may have. Thank you! Bonnie, 29, Charleston SC.
Oh, Beth, it’s how true to life and how relevant you are that makes us love you so dearly. You made me laugh during a very painful journey! I can’t decide if that’s good or not. I’m not sure I can afford the distraction!
HEy! Beth!
I know what you mean by these little treasures! It takes me soooo much longer these days to clean drawers etc becuz of those hidden treasures. For me it is volumes of journaling I did as a result of my mood disorder. I can be going through some areas and find my notebooks and i will spend hrs just reading about those dark days. It is soo enlightening. Sometimes I find prayers I have written or some essays on depression. Once when I was fighting suicidal thoughts I wrote a piece in which I was able to see my family grieve by my graveside at the graveside service. Some of these things are pretty powerful. At this stage in life now, I am liberated from the mood disorder, how long I am not sure but I give the Word and Jesus the full glory for it and use every opportunity to praise Him! It is soooo freeing to just need Jesus these days and not meds and tons of emotional support from others who can not be there for me all the time any way!
Beth, you are so sweet to share all these things with us! Helps me to be able to laugh at myself and the things I have done over the years. But always being comforted by knowing that the heart was in the right place. Seeking God’s will and that He be glorified. So precious!
Love, Dayna
This is the very reason I tend not to answer all the self reflective questions in your studies. You know the ones with the hearts beside them. I am so afraid that one day some one else or even myself will reread the comment and I will be totally emberrased with myself. LOL. Not to lay all that burden on you – I don’t write to much in a prayer journal for the same reason. I’ve been known to even throw away journals. Talk about insecure. Hahaha.
PRICELESS!!!
Oh Beth, I love it. It just shows how God is faithful. My Dad has lead a Sunday School class for over 50 years. He found notes about Jonah– “A Big Fishy Story” is what he called it. He shared it on many different situations and as a result found a deeper meaning in the story every time. That’s whats happened with you too; as I have taken all of your Bible studies and see growth in you, my church, and myself. 🙂
Beth, I love it! The things we keep!! My 25 year old mixer had problems today. I can’t get the mixers to eject! I’d say it’s time for a new one. But there has to be a good story there. I can’t just toss it … and I’m not putting it in my junk drawer … think I’ll keep it in my kitchen as a decoration! It was given to me as a wedding present … almost 25 years ago … what a God-story!!!
THANK YOU for being my faithful friend…..Hanging in there thru the years….Blessing all of us ladies. You are my hero for clinging to Jesus every single morning. xo
Sharon
Oh I love it. Thank you. LOL… I’m often reminded when I thought I had it, I sooo didn’t. Thank you my Lord for your grace and humor. In God’s Love, sheila
So…um…what are you saying? Are hot rollers “passe?” Hmmm…If so, then I’m very old school, ’cause I use those things just about every day! No lie – I’ve gone through two sets in the last couple of years. My sister felt sorry for me and gave me hers, which had been sitting unused in her bathroom closet for about five years – they are much sturdier than the newer sets I had!
I would love to see the looks being exchanged between you and Curtis!! LOL. All those old notes sound like a book to me – Maybe entitled “Transformation in progress”??? :o) I know Jesus will be transforming me until the day I cross over to completion.
Thanks for sharing your golden treasures.
I just love this post (and loved the one with the family altar Scripture cards too)! What treasures we can find looking back on things, to be sure. P.S. Of course we’re singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” this Sunday for the holiday weekend, so every time I typed or sang the word “bosom” yesterday getting the computer ready and then having choir practice, I kept thinking of your post!
Oh, Beth, I just love your transparency and willingness to share. Your blog touches me so often, but this one particulary because my son, who has had a really tough year (was diagnosed w/ epilepsy last year at 15 years old and has to work through so much as a young man dealing w/ why God allowed it) went through a leadership camp this summer and came back on fire! He announced that he had talked to our Pastor and was going to speak! Talk about out of MY comfort zone!! Lol Well, he spoke last night, and as a mom, I was just scared to death about what he would say and had to realize that everyone knows he is a kid and that they would be proud of his courage. He did fine, and I’m so excited to see the change in his heart through all of this…so hearing about your early days and remembering the quote “Be patient, God isn’t finished w/ me yet” is a perfect reminder for me today as I smile over what God has in store for my quirky but precious almost 16 year old! Thank you so much for sharing!
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal
I Corinthians 13:1 NIV
Kari
Benton, AR
It is humbling to see what God has done. If your heart was right…and I am sure it was, I bet the Lord used the ‘hats’ powerfully.
I have a ‘hat’ God story. I am a Christian ‘talker’ also. A few years ago I had a themed speaking engagement titled “Run for the Roses”. The women’s ministry leader asked me to share about running your race. Many women at the event would be dressed to the nines with big hats like they were at the Kentucky Derby. As I ‘talker’ I tossed around the idea of whether I should wear a hat or not… to speak. I planned to share my ‘hat’ struggle in my opener. One day while I was going over my notes for my talk, the Lord whispered to me He had struggled whether to wear a hat or not also when He was in the garden. I was blown away. I did not think of that. I used Jesus’ hat in my talk…the crown of thorns to close my talk. Also at the time I owned one hat. My wedding hat. Because Jesus wore ‘His hat’ I could wear mine to finish the race. Jesus indeed ran for the roses. That may not seem deep but it was powerful how He used two Hats to share a picture of the race. He called the crown of thorns His Hat. Not long after this talk He also said ‘Runaway Bride’ to me. Could that be a picture of the church today? Blessing to you B. My friend and I call you affectionately ‘the Big B’. Your notes show how you have grown on the true vine. b
Beth, I also have a piece of stained glass (from our church when it was renovated about 3 years ago – with permission). I have the glass in front of the bedroom window that I use as my office because the morning sun comes in there AND IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL WHEN THE COLORS ARE COVERING ALL MY SS NOTES, PRAYER JOURNALS, AND STUFF. I always ask God to bless “it” all even more for His glory. Love you, see you in Columbus, OH.
Mama Beth,
I have to tell you a story that has nothing to do with your post. 🙂 This past weekend, my husband and I were blessed to attend our 3rd Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s marriage retreat at the Cove in Asheville, NC. We were eating breakfast one morning with a lovely couple from Houston and found out that he is the chaplain for the University of Houston’s football team in addition to being the regional FCA staff person. Any way, he asked me had I ever been to Houston. My husband very theatrically pushed his chair back and said “Oh here we go!” And I launched into “Oh yes to celebrate with Beth Moore”. The wife cut me off and said at First Baptist! She had been at the Siesta memory event too! Well, I then said “and you know that Curtis has started Bayou Community Church .” They both looked at each other and said “No! But we are looking for a new church and were just praying this morning for God to show them where we need to go.”
So in case a very large football playing looking man named Mikado and his beautiful wife (whose name I cant remember. shame on me.) show up to Bayou then praise Jesus! And my big mouth!
Tracy L.
Richlands, NC
Thank you Beth. Both this entry and the one about the “family altar” have been just what I needed and, while you get a laugh at them, I get tears of joy and hope in addition to a good laugh. All I’ve ever been good at is talking…and reading….and sometimes writing (yes, even writing poems, but not as much). It’s only been in the last 5 years that I even believed God would use those gifts. Growing up I was told I talked too much, but today I know God made me that way for His purpose…and much of my hope has come from watching you.
I love that you can look back and laugh, because it removes my fear of doing it.
I often say, “Well, Beth did this or went through that…” and my friends don’t understand how we (all siestas) can know someone we don’t really know…but we do.
When you’ve done multiple BIble studies, Live events, and blogging together for years (1998), you just get to know someone….but mostly it’s a a gift from our God.
I needed to know you, Amanda and Melissa….and He knew it.
Thank you for loving Him so much…and for sharing your family with us.
I look forward to Heaven where we will get to know each other.
Until then, keep digging for gold.
You are so real Beth Moore…I love you!
Angela
Garner, NC
Love the things you are finding in this desk! And for the record I could SO relate to the hot rollers example! Proud to say I use them on a daily basis (and sometimes more than once a day)!
This (and possibly my hormones) just made me bawl. He is so faithful. Thank you for your willingness to be used by Him.
I know this isn’t about the post but please could I ask for prayer for a family from our church. They have a 12 year old boy who went out to ride his bike about 6 hours ago and hasn’t returned yet. Please pray that he is safe somewhere and finds his way home or is found by someone.
Beth, Love you and love you sharing these memories. I have to say that I remember several messages where you shared poems and I loved them. I have the poem books that you wrote several years ago. Perhaps your messages were lighter back then. I probably couldn’t have handled more at the time. It’s been great growing up in the Word with you.
Thanks for your faithfulness!
Nope, not finished with you yet:) Or any of us still here:) Patience. Yeah, and some kind of maturity to be gained in the process of waiting and refining. He’s been talking to me about that. He has been with you all along Beth! He never left your side. He has been faithful to you:) Blessings to you tonight Beth:)
Hi Beth,
I noticed one of your speaking topics was “Have You Checked the Children?” Wasn’t that a line in a horror movie from the 80’s? lol!
I just loved this post! I think it’s a sign that your feet, Siesta Mamma, are still firmly planted on the ground to be able to laugh at yourself, and to invite others in on the joke.
Poem, end.
🙂
Good timing to read this post…
I just hit the “send” button to sign up for my 25th high school reunion (boy that sounds OLD). No actual things taken out of drawers, but just recalling how worthless and inferior I felt back then – and just a little afraid that despite all that God has done since then, that seeing those people will trigger it all again. I don’t know how many years of personal success is required in order to overcome the stigma of being the daughter of a mentally ill alcoholic. Everybody in my current life thinks I’m amazing for what I’ve been through and survived. But I have a feeling there will be some there who still view me with the same old lens.
I guess I will just let God deal with that too.
John 8:32 (NIV) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Thank you so much for sharing these treasures! My husband and I just did our first parenting seminar for our church. It didn’t really go how I saw it going in my mind. Thanks for the reminder to not take myself so seriously. Maybe I’ll have to stick my notes in a drawer somewhere so I can find them 20 years from now and strike gold.
Susan Griffith of Holland, Michigan – Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” NIV
Linda, Burnsville, MN
Psalm 27:14 NIV
“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 71:20
Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.
Marti, you posted your verse under the blog that Beth wrote on the 29th…you have to post under the new verse for July 1. It is up now 🙂
Cheri, Savage, MN.
IJohn 2:16 N (NLT)
“For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust foreverything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world.”
Linda
Burnsville, MN
Psalm 27:14 NIV
“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!”
Precious Beth, you really are a giggle looking for a place to happen. Please be comforted by the fact those notes really are treasures of gold. I have a collage hanging on my wall that my sister made for me from my paternal grandmother’s teaching/preaching notes. (Yes, she was given to preaching now and then much to some of my relative’s chagrin). Many, many times I have paused in front of that frame and been encouraged to see the fading ink of her very recognizable handwriting telling of God’s greatness while surrounded by equally faded bits of flannelgraph stories she taught for decades. She rejoices now in the presence of our King, but I get to touch and see the evidences of a life well lived for that very Sovereign. And I am reminded afresh that a baton has been passed into my hands, and I imagine someday your notes-smiles and all–will have the same affect on some of your darling offspring. Just imagine such a collage hanging in Annabeth’s hallway someday and be blessed. Right after you stop laughing 🙂
JACKPOT! That’s what I just hit when I read your post!!! Can I just say I LOL’ed with God about how GOOD He is! I am in the process of writing my first (and hopefully not only!) bible study that God has called me to and I can’t tell you HOW MANY TIMES I’ve said to Him, “Lord, what I wouldn’t give to sit down w/ Beth and pick her brain!” In fact, I said it again to a friend over dinner this week as she asked how my writing was going…and then VIOLA! Here’s your very encouraging post that reminded me we all start somewhere! Beth Moore did not become “Beth Moore” overnight and “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips those He calls.” So thank you, THANK YOU, Siesta Mama for mentoring me through this post. Thank you, Lord, for providing the encouragement to keep on keeping on…one step at a time! Much love, Kristen
Beth,
I think the first time I saw you speak was about 15 yrs ago and I remember being very moved by it. I think you have definetely grown in your speaking style over the years but I really believe that the Holy Spirit was doing “His thing” through your speaking right from the start. So even tho looking back at old notes and hilarious illustrations chosen might feel embarrassing/painful/laugh-able…whatever….(I really “get” that as I look back on my own stuff – which I hate doing for those same reasons – makes me want to crawl under a bed)… because God was in it when you presented it, it accomplished all it was suppose to and many of us grew in our faith bc of it.
In other words it was really good in “its time” – bc God was in it making it better than what it looks in hindsight.
Kind of like hair isn’t it? We thought our styles were so beautiful then but it pains us to look back on them now. But bc the majority of us were wearing similar hair styles we ALL thought it looked good then. 🙂
And on top of all that….look at all the gold its providing all these years later. Nothing like those gut wrenching belly laughs to ease some stress.
Thank you for who you are and for your faitfulness over the years to continue fleshing out what it looks like to be a Christ follower in real time.
And I am praying for your completion of James. Call me weird but I never tire of hearing how its going.
Trudy
Thanks for the smiles and a good girly giggle! Needed that today more than you know!
I loved both posts about this old desk and the spiritual treasures you found.
I just spent two days organizing my house top to bottom. I found some great stuff too…. from my childhood, from my husband’s earliest years in ministry, photos, talks and journals…. It is ALL just a testimony of God’s patience and faithfulness. I am so thankful!!! 🙂
Heather,
You actually got your house organized top to bottom in JUST 2 days???? Wow, I think mine would take at least 2 weeks sans 4 kids 🙂
Great Job!
Beth, Beth….I loved your post on the notes, but was (for some reason) so excited to see that old desk. I have, what looks like, the exact one sitting in my foyer. It belonged to my great grandmother who gave it to my mom, who gave it to me when we moved in our first home. I love that desk. I have everything in it…records, pictures, office supplies, you name it. I go through it every so often like you do. I really is the only piece of furniture in my house that has been passed down through the generations, so it means the world to me. My family was a “furniture” family. This particular set of great grandparents owned their own furniture store in Rocky Mount, VA. Anyway, I just thought it was really neat that you have the same desk.
Love Ya!
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
Rita – Alva, Florida
II Timothy 2:15
“Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved, a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing the Word of the Truth.” – Amplified Bible
I think I’m really tickled because I have kept all my notes thus far. To say I’m worried what I might think in 20 years is a vast understatement. However, I was certainly amused by this post and loved it! I am thankful the Lord’s not done with you yet. Or done with me. Lord knows I have a lot of growing and maturing to do. Such a great post!
Hannah, Chesterland, OH
“In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.”
Psalm 33:21 (NIV)
Julie, Chesterland, Ohio
“In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.”
Psalm 33:21 (NIV)
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
I really thought I was gonna get through this one without crying because I was in stitches the whole time! BUT NO! He’s not finished with me either! Thank you, Beth, yet again! I’m so glad you found those notes for us!!
I am LOVING your journey through ‘the artifacts’ (LOL!!!)…thanks for sharing…and for a powerful and personal reminder that He IS completing the good-great-amazing-wonderful work HE started in us…according to HIS plans, formed long ago in perfect faithfulness…HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!…what a privlege to make this journey together…blessings sisters!!!!…sandyT/kc
Cindy, DIberville, MS
so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the LORD, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:6 (NLT)
Eph 5:6 NIV “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.”