**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.
Jeanie from Martin SD
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 KJV
II Timothy 1:12 nib
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
Kristi Knoxville TN
Jessica, Winston-Salem, NC
“Instruct them to do as many good deeds as they can and to help everyone. Remind the rich to be generous and share what they have. This will lay a solid foundation for the future, so that they will know what true life is like.” 1 Timothy 18-19 (CEV)
Debbie, Sevierville
Trust in Him at all times o people, pour out your hearts to Him for God is our Refuge Selah
Psalm 62:8
“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.” Phil 4:8 (NIV)
so late… sorry!!!
Elaine – Brea, CA
Romans 12:15 (NIV)
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Emily Mechanicsville, VA A fool shows his annoyance at once but a prudent man over looks an insult. Probervs 12:16 NIV
Kristin
Clearwater, FL
“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried in long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
In memory of my Dad who has very recently gone to be with the Lord.
Christy, Summit, MS; “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Diane, Florence Proverbs 3:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction, but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. KJV
Stephanie Mann
Mount Carmel, TN
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Josie, Tucson
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (NIV)
“And this is my prayer for you: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.”
Phil. 1:9-10 NIV
Christy, Talking Rock, Georgia.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Grace, Silver City, NM
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
NIV
Titus 2:11-14
Ellen from Bad Axe
in Michigan’s Thumb
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Ps. 139:14, NIV
Molly, Wilmington, DE:
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:3-4 (NIV)
Barbara, Warner Robins, GA
Romans 2:1 NCV
If you think you can judge others, you are wrong. When you judge them, you are really judging yourself guilty, because you go the same things they do.
Dwynne, Chapman KS (NIV)
Psalm 25: 4-5
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you
are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Angela; Covington, GA
Make allowances for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
Linda, Carolina Beach, NC
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by it’s deceitful desires. To be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV
Melissa Clovis, CA “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:35-38, ESV)
Larissa Simpson Benbrook, Tx
“The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,to the one who seeks him” Lamentations 3:25(NIV)
Lynn, Lubbock. “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
Alyson – Tallahassee
Galatians 3:3 (NIV) – Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
Be beautiful inside, in your hears, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God.
1 Peter 3:4 TLB
Luann, Grand Junction CO
{i want to mix multiple versions together on this one!}
Proverbs 12:16 (New International Version 1984)
16 A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Sharon
Modesto, California
Habakkuk 3:2
LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them know; in wrath remember mercy.
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
Psalm 138: 8 (ESV)
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me;
Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of Your hands.
Cindy – Lake City, FL
James 1:19 (NIV)
“..Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Bobbie, Ft. Walton Beach, FL:
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19 (NIV)
Joyce
Sparta, NJ
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:16-17 (ESV)
Sheryl, Rocky Mount, NC Isa. 40:31 (NIV) But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, and they will walk and not be faint.
Vicki
Murfreesboro, TN
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
“Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Soorin
Eugene, OR
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the woman who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8 NIV
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:2 (NIV)
Emily, Thibodaux- The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man’s inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8 NIVUK)
Cathy, Rhinebeck. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23(NIV)
“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
This verse is very much alive to me after attending the Sugarland concert this weekend at the Indiana State Fair. Please pray for all those affected by the tragedy.
Brenda – Jordan, MN
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Emily Jordan
Virginia Beach, VA
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NIV
Julie, Waco
“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” Psalm 18:30 NLT
MaryAnn, Cincinnati
2 Timothy 2:21 “Therefore, if anyone cleanses *herself* from what is dishonorable, *she* will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Psalm 121.3 NASB
Tara
Greensboro, NC
Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.
Deuteronomy 10:20
NIV
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.
Jeannette from Ellicott City, MD
“And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Phil. 4:19 NET
Heidi Tracht
Nampa, ID
Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
2 Chronicles 20:15b (NIV)
Barb S., Madison, WI
“Good [is] Jehovah for a strong place in a day of distress. And He knoweth those trusting in Him.”
Nahum 1:7, Young’s Literal Translation
“I run the path of Your commands, for You have set my
heart free.” Psa 119:32 NIV
“Be still before The Lord and wait patiently before
Him.” Ps 37:7a