**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.
Johanna, Carlsbad “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
Those who do not control themselves are like a city whose walls are broken down. Proverbs 25:28 NCV
Angie, that is an awesome verse! I don’t want to be unprotected — Lord, help me control myself!!
This is such a profound verse! Thanks for sharing this one…a great reminder to be self controlled and alert!
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC:
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. Psalms 147:3-5, NIV
Hannah from Albuquerque, New Mexico:
For to set the mind on the flesh is death,
but to set the mind on the spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6, ESV
Denise
Deming, New Mexico
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” KJV
Suzanne, Harrisville, RI
Galatians 5:6 NIV
For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision or uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
Elaine ~ Powder Springs ~ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)
Karessa, Peoria, IL: …but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3 NIV
“No one is like You, O LORD; You are great, and Your Name is mighty in power.” Jeremiah 10:6 NIV
Kay
Tupelo, MS
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16
Dawn, Zionsville.
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Galatians 5:16
Amber Mooon, Lincolnton, NC
“Even though the nations around us worship idols, we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.” – Micah 4:5 (NLT)
Vee, Howe, TX “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 KJV
Jamie, Holly Springs, NC
Psalm 91:1-4
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and a buckler.
Kristy
Princeton, NC
Joshua 3:5 NIV
Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you”.
They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. Daniel 12:3 KJV
Linda and girls, Pauls Valley, OK “Cast all your care on Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 NIV
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:29 NIV
Finally,be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but againt rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
Carol Peavy
Jena, LA
Nikol, Birmingham, AL: “Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!” – Jeremiah 39:18 (NLT)
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
NASB
Kim Safina, Los Osos, California
Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. Psalm 96:6 NLT
* (((( hugs )))) precious Beth, rest your heart,soul,mind so that you will be able to CARRY HIS LIGHT with strength. Be Still…
Susan B. – Chapin, SC
Habakkuk 3:2
Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33: 3
NIV
Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl “Those who look to him are radian; their faces are never covered with shame.”Psalm 34:5 NIV
Proverbs 12:16(NIV)
Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult.
Bobbie
College Station, TX
Jean Schlosser, Rubicon, WI
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man
Overlooks an insult.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage: yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14
NASB
ginger, Trussville: “And we have believed and come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” John 6:69 (NASB)
Lindsey
Fuquay-Varina, NC
“A fool’s annoyance is known at once,
but the prudent overlooks an insult.”
– Proverbs 12:16 (The NET Bible)
Melissa, Glasgow, Ky. – “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” – I Peter 5:10, NAS
Janell~Frisco~”He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge: his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”~Psalm 91:4 NIV
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and a raging firethat will consume the enemies of God” Hebrews 10 vs 26.
Anna. Limehouse.
canada/.
Linda, Holts Summit, MO
Beth’s verse was perfect for me this time – Prepare your minds for action…. Thanks, Beth.
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:13 NIV
Peggy, Corpus Chrisit, TX
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
KJV
Nancy Columbia MO These people rise up like a lioness; like a majestic lion they stand. Numbers 23:24
Kim, Nashville, TN
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Cindy, Lexington, Ky – For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 NASV
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life.” Prov. 15:4. NIV
Laurie, Gibsonville, NC
“For as the human body apart from the spirit is lifeless, so faith apart from (its) works of obedience is also dead” James 2:26 AMP BIBLE
Missy S, Winston-Salem, NC
“They are not just idle words for you–they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” ~ Deut. 32:47 (NIV84)
Kelly, Greer, SC
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
-Phil. 4:7 (NASB)
Praying this one over and over as my babies go to school for the first time this week!
Stacy, Indianapolis, IN Ephesians 4:29 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
kendal. north wilkesboro, nc.
for where you treasure is, there your heart will be also. matthew 6:21 (niv)
Thanks Beth, love this verse!!
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogerville, TN
1 Peter 1:13 HCSB
Therefore, get your minds ready for action, be self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Susan, Andover,KS:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:25-26 (NIV)
“…and loving instruction is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26 (HCSB)
Loved them both!
Sharon, Griffin, Ga
If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.
John 14:15 The Message
Wanda North Canton, Ohio
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 NIV
Heather, Wilmington, DE.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4, NIV
Kelly, Chesterfield, Missouri
Psalm 62:(1-2 adding) 3
How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down- this leaning wall, this tottering fence? NIV
What we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our action when we are present. (2 Corinth 10:11 NIV)
Angela
Lexington, KY