**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.
Becky from Marietta, GA
“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way to me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV
Gloria, Cypress, TX
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God”.
Micah 6:8b, NIV
Laura K in Spearfish, SD
I Peter 1:13 NET
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.
Marlene, Chicago, IL
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4
Carol ~ Webb City, MO
“Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God.” I Peter 3:4 (TLB)
Wilmington, NC
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV
Patti, Phoenix AZ
Isaiah 40:29 [NIV]
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Mindy, Van
Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Nancy, St. Petersburg Fl
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 15:13 NIV
Dallas, TX – “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 NIV
My high school senior nephew shared this weekend that this is his favorite verse. I love that young man’s heart!
For He chose us in him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight Eph 1:4 Niv
Katie
Duluth MN
Stephanie, Winder, GA
1 Peter 1:14-15 ESV
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.
Teri in Corpus Christi, TX
Matthew 5:12 NIV (a continuation of Matthew 5:11)
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Psalm 94:17-19,22 (NIV)
17 Unless the LORD had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy. . . .
22 But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
-Katie, IA
Shanna – Petal, MS
Philippians 3:12-13 NIV
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (13) Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behined & straining toward what is ahead.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31: 30, 31 (NIV)
Catching up on my summer memorization — submitting for June 15, July 1, July 15, August 1, and August 15th
Romans 12: 4-8
4. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,
5. so we, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another.
6. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;
7. if service, in his service; or he that teaches, in his teaching.
8. or he who exhorts, in is exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Lynda, Monterey:
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” ~Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24 TNIV
Linda, Bartelso, IL Matthew 7:21 (HCSB) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the the will of My Father in heaven.”
Beverly, Vicksburg, MS
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 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.”
Lynette, Nashville, TN
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20 NIV
Tomi, Des Moines, Iowa
“So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” I Peter 4:19 NIV
But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from past sins.
2 peter 1:9 NIV
Kathleen
Bellmore, LI, NY
I was at the party in Columbus, Ohio & boy was it awesome! I’m wondering if anyone can help me out in finding the name of the song I believe we sang twice about I’m free, I’m free & Jesus being our healing if we’re broken. For the life of me, I think Satan is trying to erase it from my memory because I can’t remember the other lyrics. So I’m hoping someone that was there can help a sister out!
Hi Laura, The song you are asking about is called “The Word of God Has Spoken”. It will be on Travis’ new CD that releases next month. (www.traviscottrell.com)
Jennifer, Greensburg
Psalm 91:4 (NIV) He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Emily, Greensburg
Dear children, do not let any person lead you the wrong way. Christ is righteous. To be like Christ, a person must do what is right. 1 John 3:7 ICB
Heather, Greensburg
However, as it written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Cor. 2:9 NIV
Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida —le contestó Jesús—. Nadie llega al Padre sino por mí. Juan 14:6
(Learning Spanish for the first time as I prepare for a mission trip to Guatemala)
Pam, North Carolina
John 3:30 NKJV
He must increase, but I must decrease.
Kim from Springfield, IL
Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV)
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Shaminder
Toronto,ON
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2
NIV
Laurie, New Hope VA
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1Peter 1:13 NIV
Deb, Pelzer, SC
Psalm 119:112 (NIV) “My heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end.”
Jodi Alley – Humble, TX – “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 NIV
Joan, Fredericktown, OHIO!!! NIV
Isaiah 55 4-5
See I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.
Surely you will summon the nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you
Carol, Cashion, Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” I Peter 1:13 NKJV
Roxy, Columbia, Md.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
Phil 2:13 (NIV)
Sandy, Gettysburg, SD “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (NASB)
Lauren, Senoia
When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19, NIV
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Amen! Blessing and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor,and power, and might be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7:12
Christina, Egenhausen: When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24 NASB
Angie, Hampton, Tn
“Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God.” Romans 5:2 NIV
Denise Coop, Walton, KY
Ezra 7:10 NIV
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
*Loved Columbus – thanks, Beth and team!
Karla, Broomfield, This is both verses for the month, because I never logged in on the first:
“Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.” Ephesians 6:14-15 (MSG)
“With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 (MSG)
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4 NIV)
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the
hand of the diligent maketh rich. proverbs 10:4
Amber, Clarksville, TN
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
A little late, but here it is. . .
Stacyjo, Spokane WA
I Peter 2:1-3 (NIV)
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 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.
Anna, Tyler Texas
Isaiah 33:2 “Lord be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” NIV
ALSO POSTING FOR MY DAUGHTER:
Ella Grace, Tyler Texas
Isaiah 33:2 “Lord be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” NIV