**Siesta Celebration is January 20-21, 2012**
Hey, Darling Things!
I’m writing you from about 28,000 feet in the air, glancing out at a sunset heavy with steely thunderheads and striped in army blues. I am on my way home the long way from Columbus, Ohio. After our Living Proof Live ended and we ate lunch at the arena, we all headed to our various vans so we could make our ways to the airport. I hopped in the front seat with Rich because Ron and his darling wife Nancy had already headed home. Several of our other buddies were in the back chattering away when Rich overheard me say to my man on the phone, “Honey, I won’t be late! My fight is at 3:47 and I’ll pick back up an hour so I’ll have a nice long evening with you.” Keith was feeling poorly with a chest cold and laryngitis and I really wanted to get back to him.
(Rich) “Beth, you have a layover.”
“A what?”(Like I don’t know what that word means after nearly 30 years in thin air.)
“A layover in Denver on your way home. I think you get home kind of late.”
“But I had a nonstop flight to Columbus!”
“Well, you don’t have a nonstop flight home.”
And he was right. I hadn’t even looked at my arrival time in Houston. So, this afternoon I flew from Columbus all the way to Denver and now I’m on my Denver flight making my way to Houston. This weekend I’ve lost an hour, picked up two, then given one up again. Try to do that math.
But to say it was worth it is an understatement. We had 7000+ women in Columbus, Ohio who were in the mood to lift up some high volume praise to the God who is worthy. We knew we were going to love them within 15 seconds flat. And they were my favorite kind of group in Bible study, too, because they got involved the way a small class would. Super interactive. God so graced us in Ohio and we will remember the time we had with those believers for a long time. I knew God was up to something good when I looked at the stat sheet that K-Mac prepared for me and noticed that the six biggest groups attending the events were six different denominations. There are no words to express to you what that means to us. To God’s credit alone, that’s becoming more the rule than the exception in this season.
I’ve had a very interesting flying day. If you’re on Twitter, I tweeted that the people watching had been extraordinary. You know, I struggle a tad with eavesdropping as it is but when everyone is sharing very big feelings at a very high volume, what is a woman to do? But stare? And so, I nearly cried while a young 40 something Dad with shoulder length hair hugged his varsity baseball-type looking son goodbye as he took off for college for the first time. Both of them had tears streaming down their cheeks. It was a most moving scene and one that I had to restrain myself from joining. Of course, I don’t know if the young man was going away to college or not. I made that part up because it was the best possible scenario to fit the high EQ. The part about the long-haired dad and the varsity baseball-type son was true, however. And they were both crying. If I wouldn’t have to stop and explain when I’m making something up, my posts would go smoother. But somehow I feel an obligation toward confession.
What is indeed an absolute fact is that there was a little girl about six years old that nearly made people punch the windows out of the plane and parachute to Beulah Land while her mother chatted with a friend. Mind you, a six year-old little girl would have to work hard to push me over the edge. I love that age in the largest way. But I was nearly overwrought with the teeming desire to give that darling child a spank offering. But, of course, I wouldn’t have. Goodness knows, I have a deep commitment to all things politically correct.
Well, guess what day it is? August 15th and you know what that means! Spit out your next Scriptures, young ladies, and do it with some fervor. His words are Spirit and life to us. Let’s give them some respect and expect them to do the kinds of things He promised they would. Here’s mine:
Beth, Houston. “Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:13 The NET Bible
A loved one and I are memorizing this together as he seeks to take the next step in a victorious life that demands sobriety. For some of us, it’s all or nothing. Jesus is the only reason some of us are not passed out in an alley with a newspaper over us. If you have struggled to stay sober and the enemy is doing everything he can to suck the life out of you and steal everybody you love, one by one, don’t stay in the shadows. Get out in the light. Own up and let some people cheer you onto sobriety and victory. YOUR GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER YOU. Do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do. You have a calling to fulfill.
I never want to get where we’re playing church around here. The salvation of Jesus Christ is real and it has huge practical ramifications in everyday life here on this fallen planet. Let’s not just talk it. Let’s do it.
Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober.
“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” Matthew 12:35, NIV
The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalms 9:9-10 NLT
Joy, Altadena, CA
You go before me and You follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head.
Psalm 139:5 NLT
Donna, Tuscaloosa, AL.
“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake. I am ready to make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the mercies and unfailing love that I promised to David”. Isaiah 55:3 NLT
Marie, Easley, SC
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37 (NKJV)
Rebecca, Pineville, LA
If had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18
Beth C., Huntsville, AL
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them. Ps 34:7 (NIV)
Jodi, Fairhope, AL: The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NKJV
Miranda, Fort Payne, AL
‘On hearing this, Jesus said, “it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire meacy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous , but sinners.’ Matt 9:12-13 (NIV)
Allison, Washington, DC
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)
Susan, Jonesboro, Arkansas
My Father, You are the LORD, that is your Name!
You will not give Your Glory to another or Your Praise to idols.
Isaiah 42:8 NIV
Lanie Beth, Locust Grove, GA “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6:4-5 The Message
Bath, PA
Remember not the former things, nor consider the ways of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV
Jackie from Lake Charles: “And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; keep my commandments and live.” Proverbs 4:4 ASV
Maurina from Lake Charles: “And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; keep my commandments and live.” Proverbs 4:4 ASV
For he shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 NKJV
Corrie Mount Vernon Washington
Hannah R. | Norman, OK
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 126:3, NIV
Judy – Cottageville WV – “Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” Ps. 63:7
Jennifer Quinton – Prairie Grove, AR
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – Colossians 4:6 NIV
2 Corinthians 10:5
(NIV)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Kris – Maine
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Cara, Valley Head, AL. Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Harriett, St. Albert, Alberta Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said ‘with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” NIV
Deborah,Nashville
“We have redemption in him through his blood,the forgiveness of our trespasses,according to the riches of His grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding”
Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV
Erin, Seattle. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth…” Colossians 3:2 NRSV
Donna – Spring, TX: “I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search.” Proverbs 8:17 (CEV)
Mrs. Beth, two years ago this week God woke me up from a slimy pit of alcohol through some harsh consequences to my actions. Praise be to Him that He, and He alone, has fully set me free! Because of that, I am going to join you in your scripture these next two weeks.
Kaila, Springfield, MO
1 Peter 1:13 (NET)
“Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love
and keep you strong.
Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love
and keep you strong.
Ephesians 3:17 NLT
Kelley, Laguna Niguel, CA
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe..” Phil. 2:14-15(NIV)
Alicia, OKC
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 NIV
Bird – Cypress, TX
The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8, NASU
Heidi, Litchfield Park, AZ: NIV, Col. 1:17 “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Gina, Spring, TX “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Beth, London ON
2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Kinney, Oxford, MS:
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart by acceptiable to You, Lord, my rock & my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 HCSB
Sarah, Chocowinity, NC
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NIV
Kendra, Middle East
“Incline your ear and come to me. Listen, that you may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David.” Isaiah 55:3 NASU
Beth, Thanks for comming to Columbus, we had 40 gals from our church come (Berlin Christian Fellowship), what an amazing time we all had. I was chalanged to prepare for the next step in my journey with Jesus. I bless you and all those who ministries with you!!
Erma
Cara – Fridley, MN
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled.
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NET)
Michele, Pearland, TX
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 NASB
Susan, Platte City, MO “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24 NKJV
Deena, Corona,CA
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Habakkuk 3:17&18 NIV
II Samuel 7:28
O Sovereign Lord, your words are trustworthy and you have promised good things to your servant.
Emily, McKenzie, TN
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3John 1:4 (NIV)
Becky
Owasso OK
“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
Psalm 138:* KJV
Becky, Springfield, MO
Ephesians 6:10 NIV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Rachel * Nashville, TN
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
* Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Atlanta, GA
“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” -1 Corin.15:58(NIV, 1984)
“For I know the plans I have for You, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 29:11