**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.
Jamie, Sulphur- don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth but set an example for the believers in speech in conduct in live in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
Bethany, Clyde TX
“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” I Peter 2:15
Amanda, Boaz. “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV
Lori, Sulphur-Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord all the earth. Psalm 96:1 NIV
Cindy, Laguna Niguel. “Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Most of all, let love guide your life…” Colossions 3:13-14(Living Bible)
Mandy, Idabel, OK
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Kelly
Avon Park, FL
The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.
Psalm 29:11 NIV
Allie, Sulphur-Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord all the earth. Psalm 96:1 NIV
Janet, West Linn, OR
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1Thess. 5:16-18 NIV
Renita A, Woodstock, GA
Matthew 11:28
New International Version (NIV)
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalms 90:17 NIV
Whitney Snow, Hamptonville; NC: “Fear the Lord you God and serve Him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.” Deuteronomy 10:20 NIV
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.
Deuteronomy 10:20 NIV
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight.” Ephesians 1:7,8 (NEV)
Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life. (Proverbs 4:23 NLT)
Betsy, Lincoln Park
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money (including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions) and be satisfied with your present (circumstances and with what you have); for He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. (I will) not, (I will) not, (I will) not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let (you) down (relax My hold on you)! (Assuredly not!)” Hebrews 13:5 Amplified
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me….Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:10 and 12 NIV)
Shannon Kissimmee, Florida
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
“Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.”
2 Timothy 4:2 NLT
Rejoice always, Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Don’t stifle the Spirit.
1 Thessaloinians, 5:16-19 Holman Christian Bible
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Proverbs 14:30 NIV
Colima, Klamath Falls, OR
Lynda, Ocala, FL: Psalm 4:8 – I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (NIV)
Three Rivers, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
1 Peter 1:13 Message
Kathy, Austin
therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sob er, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Christ is revealed.
Isaiah 43:1 …”Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ESV
Melissa in Greer, SC:
The Lord is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him.
– Nahum 1:7 NKJV
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galations 5:1 NIV
Heather, Shiloh, NC
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
Leslie G. – Warner Robins, GA
“And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” Titus 2″4-5, ESV
Kelli, Indianapolis:
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26 NIV
Christy from Lancaster, PA: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:39 NIV
Angie
Albertville, AL
And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
1 John 3:3 NASB
Marta
Southlake, TX
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 150:6 NIV
Joni, Princeton WV
I have been crucified with Christ & I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me & gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20 NIV
Valerie, Scott City, MO
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Psalm 91:11-12, KJV
Rachel, Ft. Smith, AR: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Cor. 12:9 (NIV)
Jan, Denton TX,
I’m still working on my scripture for this month, so I will post it again. Psalm 121
“I lift my eyes up to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of Heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- He who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over you will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Rachel, Frankfort, IL
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Kim, Hickory, NC
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfullness.
Psalms 86:15 NIV
Emily, Tulsa, Oklahoma:
“So let’s not allow ourselves to become fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up or quit.” – Galations 6:9, The Message
Rhonda
Gilmer
Jeremiah 17:14(NKJV)
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
Galations 6:4 NLT
Heather G
Charlotte NC
Kim, Advance,NC ” But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:”God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ~ James 4:6 NIV
Kristen, Houston TX ::
“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”
Psalm 139:7-8 NIV
Lauren, Arlington, TX
“The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life.” Psalm 121:7 ESV
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30 NIV
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
**Thanks for the Word this week via Blog, Beth. God spoke right to my heart and I knew this was my verse this time:-)**
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks and insult”
Your students can’t see me directly. But if you love them, I live in you and my love is made complete in you. Pass my love on with action and in truth. Whoever welcomes a child in my name, welcomes me.
1 John 4:12
Gretchen, Madison,MS
“Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.”
Romans 6:13