**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.
Dawn, Orland Park, IL: “But the LORD turns His face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.” (Psalm 34:16 NLT)
Note: I am memorizing Psalm 34. This verse is hard, but true.
Alta, Indiana
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? RUN in such a Way that you may win!”
1 Corinthians 9:24 NASB
Loved you in Columbus”)
Conné, Angel Fire:
“But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the (Holy) Spirit (responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit); then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).” Galatians 5:16 Amplified Version
Laura from Canton MI:
Romans 14:8 NIV
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die,
we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
Cassandra, Crawfordsville, Indiana, “I will sing of Your love and justice; to You, LORD, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will You come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.” Psalm 101:1-2
Paula, Russell, KY
I Corinthians 13:11 NET
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. But when I became an adult, I set aside childish ways
Michelle, Houston “Hagan brillar su luz delante de todos, para que ellos puedan ver las buenas obras de ustedes, y alaben al Padre que está en el cielo.” Mateo 5: 16, NVI
Lexington, KY
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5 NIV
Kim, Poplar Bluff, MO. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15 (NKJV)
Dixie, Santa Monica, California
Isaiah 30:18, NIV
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all those who wait for him!
Marilyn, Amarillo , TX: “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace”. Acts 20:24
SusanD, Southern Illinois, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 NIV
Gizmo, Spring Branch, TX
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15(NIV)
Yanna, Bryan, Texas “and we will cry out in a loud voice;
“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Revelation 7:10 NIV
Callee from Houston: “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chron 16:9
“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh. 8:10b NASB
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
Jane from Virginia, “…because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18, NRSV
Ashley Sullens
Kings Mountain, NC
Psalm 62:8 NJKV
Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Lindsey, Jenks, OK
“Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in You alone.” ~Psalm 33:22
Letha. Mountain Home, Arkansas. Psalm 63:8(KJ21) My soul followeth hard after Thee; Thy right hand upholdeth me.
Mark 14:38 NKJV
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Vicki, Colleyville, TX. “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” Psalm 105:4
I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25 NIV
Kathy, Shreveport, Louisiana
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. I Corinthians 4:20 NIV
Vicki, Surprise, AZ
I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
Psalm 119:60 NIV
Diane – Roswell, GA
“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 (NIV)
Chrissy, Detroit Lakes, MN: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7 (AKJV)
“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1 KJV I truly love the worship, fellowship, and Bible teaching of our church.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness & peace for those who have been trained by it.”
~ Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Kristin, Jacksonville, AL. “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11(NIV)
Susan, Tucson. ” The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his toward you and bring you peace.” Number 6:24-26 NIV
Jenny, Elida, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Dueteronomy 6:7 (NIV)
Grace, Elida, “Do your best to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
Jane W., Charlotte
“Jesus turned, and when he saw her said, ‘Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.” Matthew 9:22 NLT
Cheryl, Coffeyville, KS
“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Eph. 3:17b-18 NIV
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:5, NLT
Courtney, Houma, LA
Tatia, Elkridge, MD:
“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)
Kathy from Ontario Canada
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.
Psalm 28:7 NIV
Staci – Wichita, KS
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so you may know him better.
Ephesians 1:17 NIV
Hebrews 13:5 Amplified Bible
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!]
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. I Peter 2:2,3 NIV
Nancy, Denver
…”He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”
Hebrews 2:18b NASB
He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.Psalm 18:33
Beth this verse is so dear to me. It has been in pursuit of me ever since I was 16. A friend had given me the book Hinds Feet on High Places. Well that book and friend have been there for the long haul.
As each year went by till now that verse peeks itself out time and time again reminding me of the power of God and the miracle he has been in my life. The pursuit of Him. The courting of Him in and to my heart.
Also thank you Beth and the team for coming to Columbus. The message from God this past weekend has pierced my heart. God is preparing me for other things but there are few things we need to work on to get there. He wants me to finish the mission he has put me on to get to the other side. Right now I am in a women’s bible study on “me, myself and lies” by Jennifer Rothschild. Between you and her and what God gives you to teach I am learning to stand on the truths of God. To get them in my head and learn.
You see we have a long road ahead of us. My son Matthew is about to have reconstructive surgery on his feet and ankles. Its a 6 hour surgery and a 6 to 7 months healing time. My Matthew has been through so much and at times I have to battle the my mind and my enemy. He uses these times to take me down. But the one thing that has transpired just in the last several months is the wisdom that only reading God’s truths and getting them into my head and the transformation it is having in my life and then pouring it out to others. Beth you message came at a God moment that forever will be in grained in my heart. He touched me with His word. So when this time of surgery comes which will be in January that I now have a weapon a powerful weapon against the enemy. The joy and peace and the love I feel from my God is amazing.
Thank you to all of you and the worship music was incredible. You could feel the Holy Spirit there. The craving of the ladies and the lifting of the spirit. Thank you.
God is taking me to higher places. He is the power. He is my feet when I cannot walk. I love Him so much.
Hope, Faith, Love
Melissa W – Marysville, OH
Amy – Custer, SD
“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
Lisa, Fredericktown
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:8-9, NIV
Kay, Sheridan
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 32:8 NIV
Kim, Dinwiddie, VA
“The LORD will guide you (me) always; He will satisfy your (my) needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your (my) frame. You (I) will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Isaiah 58:11 NIV
James 1:26-27
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Dawn, Clinton, PA
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you can test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:2, NIV
Susan, Wake Forest 1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV
It (love) is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.