**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.
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6 NIV
Jennifer, OKC
Leah from Athens,Ga…
“Daniel answered and said: Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king’s demand.”
Daniel 2:20-23 NKJV
Sarah, West Monroe, La
“So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.” James 5:16 (NET)
Dolly, Middletown, OH
It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 2 Cor. 8:10,11 KJV
(Guess where I was this weekend?)
Pat W, Green Bank, WV
I have chosen you and not rejected you.
Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:9-10,HolmanChristianStandardBible,p.637.
Helen W, Dunmore, WV
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and He will lift you up.
James 4:10, KJV.
**note,I figure your flight took a detour cause I askd God to protect ya on your flight home with the tornado watch band happening, maybe thats why for the layover.
**and maybe you could pray for me too, cause I am struggling today,and last night,- I am, and need your prayers today.thank you.
and bearbear and molassus love and send a big hello to star.
For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall. Eph. 2:14 NASB
erin, evant-tx
Elizabeth, Portland, Oregon
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and overburdened and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.) Mt. 11:28 Amplified
Erica, Kalona, Iowa
“so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.”
Isaiah 41:20 (NIV)
Nancy
Versailles, Ky
This week is devoted to the letter R
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart! -psalm 32:11 (NIV)
Leanne, Billings, MT
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
Cheryl
Hephzibah, Ga.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
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 realm. Ephesians 6:12 NIV
(Part 2 of 5 Ephesians 6:10-17)
Margo, Burlington On “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Col 3:14 NIV
I don’t know if this is the appropriate place to ask a request. This comining Mon, Aug 22 I will personally be handing out invitations to 32 women in my neighborhood to attend Beth’s Esther study. Most of these women do not even attend a church. The study will begin Sept 13 at 6:30 PM.(Central time) I walk the neighborhood and pray at each home these days. I pray for open, responsive hearts. Would you pray also?
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare (a prayer, a sacrifice) for You and watch and wait (for You to speak to my heart). Psalm 5:3 (Amplified
Version)
Tammy/Siloam NC: For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11 (NIV)
Bombey Houston, TX Psalm 119:66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. Psalm 119:66 NIV84
Kim, New Port Richey, FL
“No one is like You, O LORD; You are great, and Your Name is mighty in power.” Jeremiah 10:6 NIV
Cathleen, Saskatoon, SK Canada
Psalm 26 vs 3, 4 NIV
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.”
He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:30 NIV)
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.
Laurie, Spokane, 1 Corinthians 3:7 NASB, “So then neither the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.”
Connie, Reidville, SC
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1, NIV
Lisa, Jacksonville FL
I’m stealing what I needed: “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
Betsy Roberts – Antwerp, OH
PREPARE your heart …to seek / to do / to teach!
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra 7:10 (NIV)
Bettie Tolar
Pasadena, TX
NIV
Jeremiah 20:11a “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior…”
Jan, Tulsa
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:11b-13 (NIV)
Lala Ball Cooper in Ruston, Louisiana, says:
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6 KJV
Your last blog posting spoke volumes to me. Here it is:
Genevieve, Orange, Texas “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 (NIV)
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14
Vicksburg, MS
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
NIV
Fran, Stedman, NC
“Take a good look at God’s wonders – they’ll take your breath away.”
Psalm 66;5 The Message
3 John 4
I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 2:12 NIV
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4.7 (NIV)
Austin, TX
Jessica, Granite Bay, CA
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
Stacey, Albuquerque, NM Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phillipians 4:6 NIV
Lisa D.
Van Buren, AR
Psalm 107:9
For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
NIV
Lily, Oklahoma —
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 NIV.
Cheryl ~ Concord, NC
“Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult. ”
“Proverbs 12:16
(TNIV)
Jan, Loveland
The unfolding of Your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
PS 119:130 NIV
Barb– Lakeland, FL Psalm 16:11 NCV
You will teach me how to live a holy life.
Being with you will fill me with joy;
at your right hand I will find pleasure forever.
Connie, Chariton, Iowa, Psalm 103:7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel NKJV
“And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:35-36 NKJV
Sara, Great Bend
Do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. James 5:12 ESV
Rogers, AR “So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.” NKJV
Shelly, Lakeville:
“All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.” Psalm 25:10, NIV
Sr. Rebecca, Clyde
Jer 17:14 Heal me O Lord and I shall be healed, save me and I shall be saved. You are my praise NAB
Terri, Papua New Guinea. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23-24, NIV.