**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.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) ~ For I know the plans I have for you,says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Junction City, OH
Ashley, Colorado
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19, NLT
Mary, Satellite Beach
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. ~ Psalm 90:12 NASB
Rita Faulkenbury
Hickory, NC
“This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalms 118:24 KJV
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night.
Psalm 121:5-6 (HCSB)
Allison, Ruston
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,” Colossians 1:4
“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.” 1Peter 1:13
I’ve been sober 6 years now. Thank you for the refreshing reminder!
Martha, Florida
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has know what God has PREPARED for those who love him. 1Cor2:9 NIRV
Psalm 31:24 (KJV)
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer O.
Janesville, WI
James 4:17 NLT
Remember it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Psalm 25:12 NIV Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
MaryS
Houston
Let every man be swift ot hear, slow to speak. James 1:19 NIV Lacie, Americus
Columbus was wonderful, uplifting and I am now starting to “train like an athlete” with my bible study. I am 59 and definitely feel a calling to “teach the younger women” to love their husbands, train up their children, and be in the word daily. But I need to walk deeper in the word and this is the year for “training”. Thank you Beth for being real and authentic with us. We love you … mainly because you are sold out, crazy about and on fire for HIM!!!!!
Please consider coming to Dayton Ohio – The Nutter Center at Wright State University! I work at WSU and would be delighted if you could come!!! Lots of hotels nearby, good eating places, a beautiful mall! May the Lord bless you, make His face to shine upon you and give you peace!!
Lucia, Valdosta GA
Micah 6:8 (NIV)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Andrea, Tulsa. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3
Joyce, Big River, Saskatchewan, Canada
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Boni, Manassas, VA. John 15:4 (NIV) “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.”
Pamela, Canada
Psalm 19:9-11 NIV
“The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
By them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.”
Allyson, Winnsboro SC:
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
1 Corinthians 8:1b (NIV)
Jamie, Ft. Worth
“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
1 John 2:6 – (NIV)
Julie, Clarks Summit, PA
Continuing with August 1 verses.
John 15:4-5 KJV
Abide in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abides in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.
“Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” Psalm 123:1
Elvira, Grande Prairie, Alberta
Habakkuk 3:19 NIV
“The Sovereign Lord is my Strength,
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.”
in Muscle Shoals, AL
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the (wo)man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 NIV
Autumn – Foster, KY
Psalm 67:1-2 (NIV)
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us:
May your ways be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Stefanie Dailey- Parrish, FL
It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. Hebrews 10:14 MSG
Sheila
Sevierville, TN
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
Trudy, NC
LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. LORD our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. Is 26:12-13
Kari McClain, Three Rivers MI
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21 (NIV)
Jill in Palm Coast, Fl
Can anyone hide from me in a secret place?
Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth? says the Lord.
Kari, Camarillo, California: “Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me” – but I will not be mastered by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV
Jo Ann, Philadelphia area. “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.” 1Peter 5:10 (NAS)
Sue Groveport, OH Colossians 2:16 NIV
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day.”
Michele, Cumming, GA
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new EVERY morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
jill in Palm Coast, Fl
Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth? says the Lord.
Jer. 23:24
Johanna from Forsyth, MT
Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1Peter 1:13
(claiming this for sugar sobriety)
Sharon Meekins
Richmond,VA
The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV
Sue, Newnan
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 The NET Bible
Kathy @ Wilmington NC
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit. Ephesians 3:16 NLT
Linda, Delray Beach, FL “And I will ask the Father and He will give you
another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth.” John 14:16
Julie, Nebraska: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s might hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV.
Matthew 12:36
New Living Translation (NLT)
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
Malachi 4:6a ESV
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers
Bridgette Jencks
Panama City Beach, FL
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Now to Him who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE than ALL we ask or imagine, according to His POWER that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever, AMEN!
I KNOW we aren’t supposed to “talk” on Scripture days, but I’m about to fall out over the “spank offering”! I love it! xoxo
Carmen, Eau Claire, WI
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 NASB
Susan
Windsor, CA
But you, Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalms 86:15 NIV
Katherine, Charlottesville, VA: Phil. 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (NIV).
Georganne, Piedmont, Oklahoma Isa. 33:2 NIV
O LORD, be gracious; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.
Psalm 94:18-19 (NIV)
“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”