**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.
Kim, Richmond, Tx, “Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 17:14, (NIV)
Paula, Brownwood, Texas
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need-words that will help others become stronger.
Ephesians 4:29 (NCV)
2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure we will also regin with him.
If we disown him he will also disown us. NIV Columbus,Ohio
Gina, San Antonio, Tx
” ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (Mark 9:23 NIV)
Mildred, Fayetteville, AR
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Ps 73:26 NIV
Jennifer J. – Texarkana, AR
Romans 8:6 (NIV1984)
“The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace…”
Brandy Fox, Siloam Springs, AR
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV
Kristen C. Three Rivers, MI
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not
on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Lori
Odessa, TX
Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)
Where shall I go from you Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from you presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me
and your right hand shall hold me.
Beth,
My prayers for victory in your dear friend’s life…prayers for victory over all sorts of struggle in all our lives. It seems that just as we “get good at the thing,” we slide. It’s such a constant battle to keep our steady balance and not give the enemy a foothold!!!
I was in Columbus. I was with the Siestas in the end. I am grateful for God’s reminder through you; and not just reminder but nudge. Last year in Lexington I was feeling the nudge to get moving…..and I just never did…..It’s there, in me, wanting to “get on with it.” You said, “The enemy just gets us to quit..if not on our faith, then on our works.” That has been me…..
I am not giving up. I know what I need to do. I have a lot to give….why won’t I just do it? I am thankful that God doesn’t give up on us that easily.
Ezra 7:10For Ezra had set his heart to [c]study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.
Ann – Sardis, AL
Rom 5:2 ESV Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Psalm 103:6 The LORD executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
Linda, Richmond, VA
” I lift my eyes to the hills…My help comes from the LORD. He will not let your foot slip.He who watches over you will not slumber ….or sleep. 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 coming and going, both now and forever.” Psalms 121: 1-8
Kathleen, Ashland.
“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
Lisa, Lynnwood, WA
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
Gardner, KS
Proverbs 15:22-23
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
North Palm Beach, FL
“You can get the horses ready for battle but it is the LORD who gives the victory.”
Proverbs 21:31 NCV
Bunny from Fithian, IL
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Acts 4:30 NIV
Jennifer, Huntsville: “Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.” -Isaiah 40:31, NASB
Susan, Canton, Mi
“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
Melinda-Atlanta, Texas
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thess. 5:16-18, NASB
Suzanne; Pasadena, Texas
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1John 4:7
Charlotte, Seymour, Texas “She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 ESV
Philippians 1:29 NIV
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ
not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him.
Karissa, Martinsburg, WV
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
Anita, Purcellville, VA
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Hebrews 1:3 NIV
I was there in Columbus and it was awesome! I am anxiously awaiting your video! Much love, Beth!
Charlotte, Houston Thanks to my son for laying out scripture that is so timely and perfect for a challenging season, I love him.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
I am the vine: you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5
I sought the Lord and He heard me, an ddelivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4
Wendy,Vero Beach
Dear brothers and sisters,
I close my letter with these last words:
Be joyful.
Grow to maturity.
Encourage each other.
Live in harmony and peace.
Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
~2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)
Beth, Toronto: “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…”
Ephesians 1:18, 19 (NKJV)
Carrie Hunter
Hindman, KY
1 Peter 1:6 NIV
In this you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
Marybeth from Norcross, GA
Isaiah 43:10 (NIV) You are my witnesses, declares the LORD, and the servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed nor will there be one after me.
Nancy Tucson, AZ
“Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” Ps. 55:17 NIV
Olda – Huntsville
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah Psalm 84:1-4 NIV
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 NIV
Lindsay, Centerton, AR “Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Kelley, Olive Branch, MS
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…” Acts 20:24 (NIV
Tricia, Tucson, AZ. “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.” Psalm 119:57 (NIV)
Emily from Birmingham, AL (formerly Washington, DC) … “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Holly, Beaumont, CA. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
Tricia Faison, Wendell, NC
Ephesians 6:16-17 NIV
In addition to all of this,take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Patty pierce
Searcy Ar
Phil 4:11
I am not saying this because I am in need for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Gayle, Dodgeville – “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
Mary, Pierre SD
7:7 But I will keep watching for the Lord;
I will wait for the God who delivers me.
My God will hear my lament. Micah 7:7 the Net Bible
Suzanne, East Bernard, TX
“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
Priscilla Mesa, AZ
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
Philippians 4: 8
Anna, Greenville, SC: “My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.” Psalm 84:2, NRSV
Chris
Canton, NC
“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