**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.
Tami, Palm Coast, FL: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
Oops…Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10, NIV
Beth and Team;
WOW….my mind is still reeling from my participation in the life changing event of this weekend in Columbus, Ohio! Beth, what an annointed woman of God you are….so thankful for how God has gifted you to touch, and move so many people. I would love to say that your message of preparation inspired me to prepare to be just like you…well, I would truly love that, but I don’t think He has gifted me in that way. But, a thought that kept entering my mind was Chaplain….I’ll keep ya posted. Until then, I simply walk each day trying to deepen my relationship with our Lord, and reach out to others for Him. Please pray for me as I am married to an unbeliever with a couple of dangerous addictions. I’m surrounded by friends who are unbelievers. Pray for strength, boldness, and wisdom so that I may win others over for the God that has done so much for me.Thank you, thank you, thank you for ALL you do for Him and His kingdom.
Praying for you, Stephanie. Please make sure you have at least one strong, godly friend with whom you can get fellowship and be refreshed. You need that when you are surrounded by non-Christians. Find people who will minister to you, and help strengthen you so you can minister to others.
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Melissa, Walla Walla, WA “Fools show their annoyance at once,but the prudent overlook an insult.” -Proverbs 12:16 NIV
What can I say? It stuck with me! 🙂
Peg, Naperville, IL
“as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 (NIV)
Oops! Forgot my info…I’m trying this again…
Deb, Windsor, CT:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10, NIV
Kristen, Denver: “Guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23, TNIV
Beverly in Bayou Vista, TX
Psalm 86:11 Lord, teach me your ways,and I will live and obey your truths. Help me make worshiping your name the most important thing in my life. ERV
Jennifer, Charlotte NC
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26 NIV
Michelle Bossier City, LA
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
“But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Kim, Dickinson, ND Titus 2:3-5 NIV
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God.
Tiffany, Columbus: “O my people, trust in Him at all times., Pur out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psm 62:8 (NLT).
Amy, Hood River,OR “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12 NIV
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul”
Psalm 143:8 NIV
Lynn
Rochelle, GA
Sandi H. (Holt, MO) — “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV)
Ruth, Sanger, TX Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
Jennifer from Chantilly
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.
Jeremiah 31:25, NIV
Sara Springfield Mo
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Proverbs 23:21
Vanessa Szanto, Rio Rancho NM
…never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 NIV
Andrea Hart Orlando, FL Psalm 51:12 (ESV)
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
Romans 5:18
Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. (NIV)
Kristi Walker, South Carolina
Deborah, Waco, TX
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14 NIV
Shelly, Rochester, MN
“What shall I do, Lord?” I asked. Acts 22:10a NIV
i wait quietly before GOD, for my hope is in HIM. HE alone is my rock and salvation.
psalm 62:5
Judith
West Columbia, TX
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”.
Isaiah 40:29 – NIV
Patti, Colorado
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will set direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
emi, white house: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” Psalm 145:1-3 NIV
Trish L. West Linn, Oregon
“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
Jodell, Frankfort, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Vicki Knott
Greenwood, SC
Shelly E. Portland, Oregon
Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly, the prudent quietly shrug off insults.”
Proverbs 12:16 (The Message Bible)
Tanya, Valley Center, KS
“Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic].”
Isaiah 28:16, Amplified
Annabel, Valley Center, KS
“Be glad because of what the Lord has done for you.
Be joyful, you who do what is right!
Sing, all of you whose hearts are honest!”
Psalm 32:11, NIrV
Julie Tuttle, Chico, CA: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me…Learn the unforced rythems of grace.” Matthew 11:28,29
Cheryl in Fairhope – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…” Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
Amber Brown, Euless Texas
Guard you heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
Proverbs 4:23
Hi Beth!
I was one of the 7,000 women @ The Schott in Columbus OH this weekend and I have to say it was truely, breathtakingly amazing! I love you so much and hearing you speak in person is 10 x’s better than on DVD…and Travis and the Praise & Worship sessions were on another level than I have EVER experienced!! If that is just a glimpse of heaven then I can’t wait! I could have stood there all day singing w/Travis! and when the instruments stopped and all you could hear were the 7,000 women singing, it just gave me chills!
This is such an awesome work you do and I am still on my spiritual “high” today, even on a Monday and back at work where everyone was trying to bring me down (Satan of course!), I just kept singing “In Christ Alone” over and over in my head and was determined NOT to let it bring me down!
I love you guys and can’t wait to see you again!!
God Bless you and your family!
Brandi Hall
Michelle – Little Rock, AR
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,) so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6, ESV
Carol – LaGrange, Ga. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV
Sharon, Hamburg, NY:
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” Romans 14:8 (NIV)
Charity
Cardiff, Wales
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honour you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” NLT 1 Peter 5:6-7
Brandy, San Angelo, TX Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” New Living Translation
Jill Plano, TX
Isaiah 43:19 The Message
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?
There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Rachelle, Gardner, KS–“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40: 28, NIV
Julie, Texarkana-“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 NIV
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
Tilley in Franklin, TN
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8 (New King James Version)
Christina-Edgewood, KY
Psalm 100:5 (NIV) For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Carrie, Boston
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV