Hey, Sweet Things! I miss being on here with you! I’ll need extra patience from you for another four weeks. But, I’ll tell you what I told some of you who are on Twitter. When it seems like I’m really quiet, it’s because I’m talking my head off to you through writing. Believe you me, you are on my mind continually as I write straight to you in every segment of this curriculum. Melissa would say the same thing. Bless her heart. She worked all weekend because she needs to be finished with her excerpts a tad before I do. It’s best not to glamorize writing because it is a very demanding assignment but, if God calls you to it, receive it with joy and with the open-mindedness of a student rather than a teacher, with much self-discipline, and with relentless prayer.
Melissa said something to me yesterday that I’ve thought about a lot. She said, “You and Daddy and [insert Amanda’s nickname] are pretty much my social life right now outside of home because I can’t be a dependable friend.” Whoa. Have I ever been there. People ask often how I’ve “balanced” (me balanced???) ministry with family and I’ve said the same thing over and over: I dumped practically everything else. If you have the updated version of David: A Heart Like His, it’s dedicated to my friend, Johnnie Haines, because she stuck with this on-again-off-again friend for 30 years. I’d drop out of communication for weeks at a time. I’m not suggesting anybody out there dump their social life. It’s not healthy. It’s just what I had to do for long stretches of time in order to fulfill my responsibilities to family and calling. These days I have my fellow sojourners at LPM and YOU and I am inexpressibly grateful. Truly, it’s one reason why I love blogging so much. It’s the way I get outside without ever leaving my home or office.
Well, that was a rabbit trail. I meant to just get on here and tell you quickly what I’ve been doing for the last few days. Friday was my wildman’s birthday (I first wrote girthday! It just so happens that his girth is not a bit bigger than it was when I met him.) I asked him several days earlier where he wanted to go eat for his celebration and he said, “I just want to get to-go food so that we can have the babies, too. It wouldn’t be as fun without them.” I agreed but I stressed about him not having something special to eat for his birthday and then it hit me that I should do what most wives might do: bite the bullet and cook. That would have been a quicker decision if I’d been able to take the day off but I didn’t have the luxury. So, what to cook?? Then it hit me: Christmas dinner.
(Side bar: I tweeted that the first person who guessed what I was making for his birthday dinner would receive the book of her choice and I purely laughed out loud as it took several hours and several hundred responses for someone to guess it. FINALLY, after about 25 shots at it – ministerially speaking –ย our own long-time Siesta – on Twitter as @Micheledidasko – got it. What made it so hilarious and so GOD is that she hadn’t ever done Breaking Free. Well, she took her win as a sure sign and that’s what she requested. We love you, Michele! You’re a great sport! And I hope your care package makes it there soon!)
Good heavens, you guys. You’re the worst things on earth about getting me off on a tangent. Back to Christmas dinner. It’s my man’s favorite meal on earth and, six months after the holidays, it was sure to taste so good that we’d want to slap something. So, I went to the freezer section of Kroger for a turkey, made cornbread for traditional dressing, then broccoli and rice casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy and Sister Schubert’s Homemade Rolls. AND, drum roll please, WHITE WEDDING CAKE!!!! I know you were expecting Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake but I’d just baked one on the 4th of July. Keith’s mother always makes him a scratch German Chocolate Cake so I had to come up with something different. The 4-Moores LOVE white wedding-type cake. My cake portion was really good but you should have tasted my homemade cream cheese frosting. Honestly, I could have fluffed it up like a pillow that night and slept on it. Oh, for the sweet dreams!
We had the whole family over, stretching from Keith’s Dad, “Big Pops,” to Annabeth Ellen Jones, who, by the way, is the potty-trained princess. We had the best time even amid the chaos that is my cooking. (I made this whole gorgeous meal then threw Chinet and plastic forks at them. When someone arrived and saw the dining table barren of dishes and asked if I needed help setting the table, I may even ever-so-slightly-recall saying something like, “I worked all day long before slaving over this meal.” Servant-fail! Blast it all!)
Even so, we had a great party and I ate Christmas dinner again the next day all by myself. Then Amanda and Melissa came over yesterday late afternoon and we four original Moores heated up the leftovers and ate it AGAIN, cranberry sauce and all. Then I threw the rest away…because, by then, we were on our way to celebrating our girthday.
Yesterday both girls looked shocked when they walked in the door and saw their Daddy and me dressed alike. It was an accident. I guess I got the subliminal idea for purple in my head when I saw him dressed and ready to take me to breakfast at the BBQ place. (Yes, you read that right. You can get ribs right alongside your flapjacks.) When we were on our way in the car, he looked over at me and said, “We’re dressed alike.” (Kinda horrified. Then I was, too.) So I said, “No, we’re not! These are clearly two distinct shades of purple!” Then I kind of made that “puh” sound, like “it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that.” Then we got to the BBQ restaurant where you slide your tray all the way down a cafeteria-style line and the young woman at the cash register had the gall to say, “You are dressed alike.” I said, “Well, it was an accident…” to which she said, “Oh. I thought maybe y’all were on a team of some kind.”
To which Keith said (in that slightly irritable way that Keith says things when he’s exasperated), “Well, we ARE on the same team. We’ve been married over 30 years!”
That’s the story of our lives. We never do anything simple.
After both girls made ample fun of us, Melissa clicked this picture with her cell phone. So, here we are. Team Moore.
I love you guys.
So good to hear how you are! My husband and I matched for church not too long ago… Goodness. He goes in to get some last minute sermon work done before I even wake… and when I walked into his office we both just looked at each other stunned. ๐ We had our fair share of jokes that morning… None as good as Team Smith. ๐
I have missed your posts. I actually thought perhaps the server was failing in updating me when a post was so I was checking in constantly! Thank you for writing as you are able.
I will continue to pray for you as you wrap this up these next weeks…. Thank you for serving the Lord and us!!!
Finally, I have a quick request to make of someone there at LPM… I don’t know who to email. For those of us doing scripture memory and hope to TRY to come across country for the celebration, can we get a little guidance on what part of Houston to even look at for hotels, etc.? ๐ I would be so appreciative. I am praying God will make it clear if I am to go or not. Either way, I am richer for all the Scripture memory this year. Woo Hoo!!! ๐ Thank you Mama Beth!
Heather,
The church is near 610 and I-10. The Galleria area is a wonderful place to stay with great shopping and great dining. Last year the LPM had a sort of headquarters hotel near the church and several of the Siestas stayed there. There is an Embassy Suites near the Galleria. It could sleep up to 6 people with 2 double beds and a sleeper sofa if you are on a tight budget. Furthermore, the hotel serves a made to order hot breakfast which is inclusive of your rate.
Email me if you need any help. I will be happy to help you if I am able. ๐
Thank you, Roxanne!! Will there be a headquarters locale this year for siestas? I live in Idaho and would be coming alone as far as I can tell… so I would love to be somewhere where other ladies are for the event. And the Embassy idea is great for the budget! Again, this is all just in “maybe” mode at this point. Just trying to figure things out. Is there a better direct email than the blog?
Blessings on you! ๐
A quick Hello to you too!! I just took a break from cleaning and decided to check the blog( I’m sure it was the Holy Spirit that prompted me!) , and much to my surprise, there was a cute little message from you!! Now I can get back to cleaning with a smile on my face!! Love the pic of “Team Moore!” ๐
You make 30 years of marriage look like the happiest thing on Earth! Perseverence is good.
Woman! You make me laugh!!
Happy Birthday to your hubby!
every single word of this post made me happy! i love your tangents and your happy and your love.
Go, Team Moore!
Happy belated birthday to your man.
I related to this post on MANY levels — right down to the Chinet. ๐
What a wonderful weekend, and I love your Christmas dinner idea. What a fun change from the “norm.” Have a blessed week!
I love you too, Miss Bibbs!! I look forward to the James study coming out. It was good hearing from you.
Dear Church Lady,
Do I have a laugh for you. I thought your photo was for real and I found it on “google images” one day. It was so cute that I used it to advertise “When Godly People do Ungodly Things” Beth Moore Bible Study. (Loved the pointed finger like mom used.) Well, our youth director laughed and told me that was a lady from the Saturday Night Live comedy show on tv.
So, now I am laughing too!
What a fun re-action to your picture we had.
Thanks Joyce. I am the secretary at the church my family attends. The name came from on of my friends at church. She lovingly calls me Church Lady. Making light of the character on old Saturday Night Live shows (not that I would advise anyone to watch them, but the character sure has some funny skits). Thanks for the laugh.
Love how you guys dressed alike and then the gal at the cash register thought you were on some kind of team ๐ Beyond hilarious! ๐ Love you, too, Beth!
HAHAHA I love you Mama!! โฅ I was deliriously happy that whole day!
Sounds like I should have went with my first choice and came over for supper to help you eat all that wonderful food. Rain check? ๐
Team Moore rocks! That is a beautiful picture, y’all look so happy.
Hope you got your hall pass ๐
Michele,
That was a win we could all partake in and enjoy!!! You made it so much fun!!! I can’t wait to meet you at SSMT 2012!!! You are hilarious!!!!
Blessings to you, Dear Friend!
Congratulations! I was sure it was pot roast. Hope your study is wonderful.
Thanks! I did guess a LOT. I was going thru the supermarket meat counter in my head, even guessed squirrel just in case Keith had been hunting, haha
HA!
Squirrel?! Hysterical. You remind me why I need to take time to read these other posts. Can you say squirrel in Greek? Just askin’
Well, while the Message uses “squirrel” twice, it is not in any of my Logos Greek resources. But the online translator says it is ฯฮบฮฏฮฟฯ ฯฮฟฯ (skiouros).
๐
My parents, who are going on 40 years (I do believe) showed up at my neice’s birthday with similar green shirts, jeans, and similar shoes. It happens:)And it tickles us so when it does.
What a fun and happy post!
And I love that y’all dressed alike by accident… we all need to be reminded we’re on the same team with our spouse at times, don’t we? I just love that.
Happy Birthday Mr. Keith… may this coming year be your best ever!
So glad you shared here as well as twitter for those of us that don’t have internet on our phones. Thank you! Love the fact that you didn’t want to be dressed alike to the point of denial. AND it is great that your man wanted the cashier to know that you had been on the same team for over 30 years! Love you and have been praying like a crazy woman for you guys during your absence as I know what that means…JAMES is around the corner. But after many more hours from you and Melissa.
You know, you can read twitter tweets (messages) on your computer at http://twitter.com/
Beth, I just got tears from the big smile on my face reading this (with my mouth watering)! We spent the first seven years of our marriage in Houston. I had way too many “girthdays” with the amazing food there! Now we’re in San Diego and have to drive 3 hours to Yuma, AZ just to get something that resembles southern cooking. That’s where the nearest Cracker Barrel has the gall to be. Praying for you gals as you wrap-up. Our Bible study group can’t wait to get our hands and hearts on James!
Julie,
Are you familiar with C3Church in San Diego? I had the privilege of serving with some of their church members recently at an event in San Diego and they are all simply full of the love and light of Christ!!! Just wondering…..
Hi Roxanne! I haven’t visited c3 church yet (I attend Daybreak Church in North County) but I’ve heard wonderful things about them!
I’m praying for you Siesta Mama! May God give you the wisdom, and endurance, and peace of mind to bring this one to a close. I’ve been doing the Patriarchs throughout the summer and have been so blessed by it. Thanks for being His faithful servant.
We love you.
This just positively made my day! I’ll tell you, I’d give my right arm for Thanksgiving dinner right now. And there’s nothing wrong with a husband and wife being a little matchy-matchy! ๐
“Servant-fail!”
bahahaha. we say this with our youth when we’re on mission trips and someone needs a not-so-gentle reminder/attitude adjustment ๐
totally just made my day!
Go Team, Go!!!! Happy Birthday, Keith
Loved the post. Thanks for that. Needed it just now. I am doing “Beloved Disciple” right now (on VHS mind you!) and am sad that it’s almost over. You’re my best Bible teacher ever.
Lisa – we are too – with my summer group in Phoenix AZ. LOVE it – I did part on my own, and bless the Spirit, I can’t even remember it from spring 2010 it’s a whole new study. And the videos are fantastic – though I can’t borrow the ones I miss since we don’t have a vcr anymore! Ha – speedy technology IT husband! Have you done Session 4 yet, the one on inspiration of Scripture? It was a great time, and I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the greek terms, and the notation Mama Siesta made about word – Logos vs Rhema. Mama – you inspired me to get in the Logos and learn the Rhemas with my concordance and lectionary!!
Bridget in Phoenix
You couldn’t have picked a better “team”‘color. I LOVE purple. It just so happens to be my favorite ๎
My favorite is purple too. I keep trying to convince my hubby that only real men wear purple! He is still sticking with his camo though!
Thank you thank you for this post. It’s so encouraging
I know my call, it’s massive and I have two little ones under 3 years old. I am building a business to provide resource for the orphans and I love it. I thank God for it. But after I have been a Mommy, wife and business woman there’s not a lot left at times. Like Melissa says “I am undependable”. To hear that you and Melissa have walked this is such an encouragement. Not to let my social life go at all, but that others have been in this space. Where my focus right now, for this moment, is family and my calling.
Yay! So encouraged!
I am SO SO SO glad you and Mr. Moore are on the same team!!!
Thanks for this fun message…I was just thinking of you! ๐ You always make me smile. ๐
Love, love, love it that you and Keith are on the same team…..after 41 years, my husband and I find ourselves on the same team too on many mornings!!!!! Also, Beth, I just loved to hear you say the table service was Chinet and plastic forks…….that way often here for our big family get togethers!!!! Life is good and God is magnificent!!!!
Love to hear from you!
You made my day, dear friend! What fun to have you as my friend via this blog- I laugh full time with my close friends. You made me let go out loud all by myself on this blog site- THANK YOU!
This has been a startling week as one of the “old girls”- my husband after almost 50 years has decided to start a new business- what in the world- I needed the Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha….. you provided dear one- God Bless you and yours
Lack of a social life has been on my mind a lot lately. We moved to the other side of Houston recently, which is far enough away from friends to feel like a different state. I am also Great With Child and the SAHM of a 2-year-old, a combination that makes getting out and making friends extremely difficult. So there’s a lot of loneliness. I was working on Priscilla Shirer’s “One in a Million” study today during nap time, where she asked what hardships you’re going through now. Loneliness was one on my list. It was a good reminder to me that it’s just for a season and I may even experience God in a new way during this time. I’m sure that Melissa is thinking similar thoughts.
The other day at the grocery store, the clerk looked at me and said “I guess purple’s your favorite color?” I said “No… why?” She said “Well, purple shirt, purple jacket, purple purse…I just assumed.” My first thought was “I had never noticed that.” My second thought was “I wouldn’t really call this shirt purple…it’s more of a mauve…”
It is always embarrassing when you and your spouse inadvertently dress alike. I guess some people do that on purpose, but everyone I know would deny it was deliberate until the end of time.
Love that picture of you and your man! If that’s not a couple in love I don’t know what is…
That is a darling picture!! I have heard of chicken wings and waffles but never ribs and flapjacks! My husband loves breakfast, I love real food. That would be a great place for us to go. I might have to google it!!
Michele was so adorable when she found it she won!!! I was cracking up at all of her comments; especially, “I’d like to thank the Academy…” She was like a giddy school girl!! That is the kind of win we can all enjoy!!!!! Way to go, Michele!!! BREAK FREE, BABY!!!!
Blessings to the Moores, Joneses, and Fitzpatricks! Thanks for letting us do life with y’all!! Sure is fun doing it together!!!
xoxoxo
Yes deliriously happy is NOT an understatement. I haven’t felt like that in LONG time and I so appreciated it.
I was thinking about it… Beth made me feel so very special, valued, and loved when she knew me, gave me a fabulous Bible study, invited me to dinner (even if in jest), and said she loved me. I was estatic.
In comparison, Almighty God knows me intimately, gave me His amazing Living Word, invites me to commune with Him constantly, and tells me He loves me. So, why am I not nearly as thrilled with what God is trying to give me?
I adore Beth and am so thankful for her. I just wonder how different my life would be if I could get to a place where I fully receive that love and fulfillment from our God who is constantly present with endless love.
And the first thing I wanted to do was find people to have Bible study with so they can be blessed also. I have been interested in others and saying encouraging things quite a bit in the last few days (Not something my scarred heart typically does much of).
To me, all that is a prime example of the fact that you can’t give love to others until you have received it in your heart. I got a huge and very needed dose of love from Beth, and have been getting good chunks from some Siestas I’ve grown close to. Now I have to figure out how to receive that regularly, if not constantly, straight from God.
Not sure how to do that, but God is on it and at least I have an idea of where we need to be.
I am so thankful for Siestaville โฅ
Thanks for sharing that perspective Michele! Siesta-ville does indeed rock, and I’m grateful for all the insights I gain when I take the time to read posts. Here’s some fun verses to check out about God’s love for us:
Psalm 30:5, 78:38-39, 86:15, 103:8-10
Joy and blessing to y’all today!
Bridget in Phoenix
Thanks Bridget! God has been speaking to me about it today. I think one big part of it is who we are seeking. I desire Beth’s approval more than God’s. It is so easy to idolize her, you know? Working on that.
But, I’m actually wondering if it is possible to seek or receive God’s love & approval until one has first learned how to do that with people, as it is supposed to happen in childhood.
It would make sense, especially if childhood was traumatic, that it would be very difficult to bond to anyone until you get some time in a safe, loving environment, and if you’re already an adult, that can be excruciatingly hard to find.
So thankful for God’s patience, grace and mercy.
Hey Michele,
I know what you mean about being “smitten” by receiving public love and acknowledgement from Beth. I am sure it is not because of the “celebrity” part of it but moreover because of your incredible respect and love for her. Your question was why don’t you get that excited over God’s everyday love for you. He does love you from everlasting to everlasting!!! Do you realize that God is loving you THROUGH Beth?? He knows what gets to you, girl! But you know what, Michele? Now that you spoke those words, “So, why am I not nearly as thrilled with what God is trying to give me?” I say to that watch out!!! You are fixing to go on a wild ride with your Father because you are so ready to receive it. With the mouth we confess!! Hang on and enjoy the ride!!!
Hang on? Now I’m skerred!! haha
Such wisdom, thank you! I can’t wait to hang out with you in person! ๐
Love it! Love that you are so down to earth … all that anointing wrapped up in a perfectly relatable fun package. God does give gifts to the body of Christ.
Hi Beth! Love your tangents and rabbit trails!
Happy late birthday Mr. Keith! y’all are a great team.
Adrienne
Sweet, Beth…..just plain ole’ sweet ๐
You and Keith have lots of fun! Your Christmas dinner sounds delicious, but how in the world did you cook it all AFTER work and eat BEFORE midnight?? ๐ Your schedule has always amazed me, but you do it all so well! It’s great to hear from you! Nothing like a ‘quick hello’ taking a bunny trail–love it! You’re just plain FUN>>>
Yea for Annabeth! (and Amanda & Curt-they just got a raise from not buying diapers anymore!) We’re praying for them and their new church, that’s so exciting.
Stay in out of this heat–we just got home from Co. Springs and even on the days it hit 90+ there it didn’t seem near as HOT as it is here.
Can’t wait for the new James study!
Girthday. so perfect….you wouldn’t believe the things that get typed because of apple’s “auto-fix” ๐ sometimes it’s just oh so temping to leave it! ๐
Beth, SO JEALOUS of your delicious Christmas dinner! YUMMMM! SO, as a “guilt offering” for making us all so hungry…..would you share your White Wedding Cake recipe? My girth and I need some cake! Bahahahahaha!!!
Asking God to multiply your time and energy for the remainder of James! To God be the glory!!!!
Cindy
Ahh Beth! It is so good to hear your voice through the writing on my screen. I have just finished Esther last week and cried that it had ended. It has been such a beautiful journey with you. I love that you are investing in us each day as your write James. Thank you and God bless!
So glad you have Keith as your integral part of Team Moore. And glad you could enjoy some frivolity amongst the hard work.
Much love, Emma
Oh mercy! This was Chad and I on our anniversary dinner in May. We were out of town and I (for the first time in years) did not pack for him. I walked out of the hotel bathroom feeling really good in my kelly green dress and sandals, until I saw him in his lime green polo. THE ONLY shirt he had. (Other than his red TSAT official shirt for the next morning’s race) We laughed it off and went to dinner.
Our server showed us her “notes” on us from the hostess station…Table 63 the “Greens”. We had the best laugh. ๐
I will be packing for him from now on!
Steph.
I just love that this afternoon I watched Video Session #10 for the John: The Beloved Disciple series and you talked about the white wedding cake for the feast in heaven. Even though miles separate us, it is wonderful to be in the sisterhood of Christ. Good bless you. I am looking forward to James!
yeaaaa, another Siesta dancing through VHS land of Beloved Disciple! I’m having so much fun with it, only on session 4, with # 5 tomorrow, looking forward now to white wedding cake – YUM
Oh Beth, we had a blast trying to guess Keith’s birthday dinner. ๐ I think most of us guessed mashed potatoes and gravy. lol Happy Michele won! Team Moore looks cute in their purple (of different shades) shirts.
Much love,
Patty
Hey, so good to hear from you. I am 12 dasy post hysterectomy and am just barely beginning to get around, was in hosp. five days. Today I was heaven, my sissy, who is so dear to me and staying with me while I recover, made me fried squash and pineapple upside down cake!!! Earlier I was looking through our Siesta Fiesta Cookbook looking for something for tomorow for her to fix me. She may not want to come back…..wonder how she would feel about Christmas dinner?
Kathy,
I was amazed when I had my hysterectomy 3 years ago at how many women had gone through the same experience. Take good care of yourself and follow all the doctors orders! ๐ They aren’t kidding when they tell you that you need 6 weeks. What a blessing to have your sister to help you.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks Nancy,
I’m not quite two weeks and this is harder than I thought it would be but I’m hanging in there. I had two shoudler sugeries last year and it was a piece of cake, this is not!!
Go Team MOORE!!
Happy Birthday to Keith! Love you Beth, and thanks for the update ๐
My mother and I got the same remark about being dressed alike at church a couple of weeks ago. You see, when we were buying our summer “wardrobes” we came across a sale on polos at Penney’s. So we just piled up a stack of polos and that’s what we’ve been wearing all summer. So, naturally, we match all the time. It’s not that we co-ordinated; we just bought off the same sale table, and yours truly is too pre-occupied with other things to worry about clothes beyond wondering which color polo I’ll wear tomorrow.
Sad, but true.
HA! I love that you served on Chinet, and believe that this Thanksgiving I will be doing the same. Yes, I will. And, the purples are so not the same color. =) Happy
belated birthday to Keith!
Thanks Beth, for everything.
Happy Belated Birthday to both you and Mr. Keith! I’ve not wanted to join any more social media outlets as I can barely keep up as it is. But it seems as though I’m missing out on some great things by not twittering. I can completely relate to Melissa. I know this is a season and I believe that it is part of God’s plan for our lives. My hubby and I have only half the time together that you all do, but we’re certainly on the same team loving life and serving where God wants us to serve. It’s a crazy life, but God is so good I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Another thing that makes me happy is seeing you, and I am super excited to get to see you in 32 days in Columbus OH!!!!! Hope to bring my hubby with me. Looking forward to some great praise and worship and a good word from the Lord! ;o)
I told Chris (my husband) that I wanted a massage and a pedicure for my birthday in a few weeks, but I’m thinking that I want Christmas dinner instead! Boy, turkey sounds wonderful right now…. Of course, we don’t have air conditioning and it’s creeping up toward the 90s around here, so he’d just roll his eyes at me.
Thank you, Siesta Mamma, for your words on writing. I’ve been avoiding working on something I flat KNOW God has told me to write because it feels like too much. I’ve been focusing on the challenge instead of the One who gives me strength for the challenge. Just what I needed to hear today.
Runia, Silsbee, “Immediately, the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”, Mark 9:24, NIV
My husband and I make every effort not to dress alike (go together is ok, match is not) but he hasn’t figured out after 30 years of marriage that he has to be the one to change his shirt b/c changing my outfit would require starting over from the foundations to the flourish (jewelry)!
I absolutely LOVED your phrase “foundations to…flourish.” I’m going to use that! (With your permission, of course).
I love it!! Thanks for sharing and happy birthday to Keith!!
This post made me so happy. Especially the end!
Love the pic of team Moore and love your “quick” hello!!! Thank you for your dedication. Doing inheritance now. I’m loving it and loving Him!! Love, Kimberly oh and congrats Michele!!!!
Thank you Kimberly! ๐