**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.
Christy, FL – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” -Colossians 3:12
Anna Elkhart Indiana
For My thoughts are not your thoughts
Nor are your ways My ways says the Lord.
Isaiah 55:8 NKJ
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 NIV
Rhonda, Houston –
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Psalm 51:3-4 NIV
Laura Greensboro, 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
Ann, Murrells Inlet, SC
“He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses and the Lord was with him;” II Kings 18:6-7a NIV
Susan, Bradenton, FL
Psalm 28:7 NIV
The LORD is my Strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks
to Him in song.
Diane, Lumpkin
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”NIV
Tammy, Sugar Land, TX
“Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.”
Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)
Alicia, Gulfport, MS
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NIV)
Jane- Greenwood, SC
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
Jenny, Des Moines, Iowa
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.
Ephesians 1:11 NIV
Katherine Lilburn, GA
1 Peter 1:22 NIV
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.
Stacey in Midlothian, VA
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
Cheri, Savage, MN Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Karen, Clarksville, “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16
Judy from Lake Charles, LA
“For God has bought you with a great
price. So use every part of your
body to give glory back to God,
because He owns it.”
I Corinthians 6:20 (Living Bible)
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock my Savior!
2 Samuel 22:47 NIV
Kari
Benton, AR
But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul – Deut 4:29 NIV
Lauren, Boston, MA: “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)
Dora, Houston, Tx: The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
-Exodus 14:14 (NLT)
2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV and NET)
Certainly the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Deborah, Katy, TX
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
(Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Jo Ann – Lincoln, NE
Yet (she) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in (her) faith & gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4: 20,21 NIV
Mandy from Mt. Vernon,TX
“For even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.”
2 Corinthians 10:8 (NIV)
Dee, Zeeland, MI
From NIV:
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen, and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:14
Amanda, Katy, TX
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
(Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Kara, Houston, TX
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
(Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Pam, Austin, TX, Galatians 2:21 NIV
“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.”
He will cover you with His feathers, you will find refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be your protective shield.
Psalm 91:4 HCSB
Elise — Newark
Heather, Tallahassee, FL No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and this is their vindication from me.
Isaiah 54:17 NIV
Ack! How do the days pass so quickly?! Missed it yesterday!
Chris Floyd
Kokomo, IN
“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)
Fresno, CA
“…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,…”
Colossians 1:11 NIV
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18 KJV
Lanita from Lake Jackson, TX
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Lititz, Pa.
“Therefore,as God’s chosen people,
holy and dearly loved,
clother yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Colossians 3:12
Laura, Denver, NC
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Colossians 3:2 NIV – Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Roni – Demopolis, Alabama
Valerie, Louisville, KY
Micah 6:8 NLT
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Sharron Kay, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” NIV
I am memorizing the passage Romans 12: 9-13 over several sessions for the complete context.
Holly G
Williamston, SC
SSMT #16 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:8-10 NIV
Stacey-Morocco,In
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Amy from Marion,VA
“My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only He will release my feet from the snare.”
Psalm 25:15 NIV
Jenny – (San Antonio)/Midland – recently moved
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 NIV
Faith
Eau Claire, WI
Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NIV)
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Mary, NH
1 Peter 1:13 Works for me too! Thank you Beth, for this Godly inspiration.
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. (NIV)
Annette, Toronto, ON
Ps. 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. NKJV
Lita – Blairsville, GA
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. I Tim. 1:15b-16 NIV
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. Proverbs 12:16 NIV
Valerie Ontario, OH
“For we are His workmanship(masterpiece) created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)