**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.
Rhonda Lima, OH
Ps. 18:46 (NASB) “The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation.”
diane, Baraboo, Wisconsin – “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.” Psalm 119:20 NIV
Houston, TX – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 NIV
Continuing in Isaiah 40…
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?
Isaiah 40:21 NIV
Melana Cummings
Sheridan Wyoming
Janine, Oklahoma City
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathways for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.'”
Psalm 32:8 (NASB)
Sandy, Cedarburg WIsc. A rightous man may have many trials but the Lord delivers them all! Psalm 34:19
Tami
Columbus, Ohio
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
NLT
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not given to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
Cindy in Raleigh, NC
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.””
A fool shows his annoyance at once but a prudent man overlooks an insult. Prov. 12:16 NIV
Psalm 118:21
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
Jen in Jax, fl
Jaime
Fort Collins, CO
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 ESV
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6
“How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 36:7
Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. ESV
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? KJ
liz gladstone or
Jeannette, Land O Lakes, Florida. “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 NET
This was such a word, I had to memorize it!
“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” ~Proverbs 12:16 (NIV)
Hollie R.♫
Granbury, TX
I love that you mentioned that your loved one is memorizing in his victory in sobriety. Re-reading the scripture, it took on a whole new look..get ready for what GOD is going to do by being fully sober, and ready. My prayers with him.
Erin in Euless, TX
“A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1 NLB
Sharon – Glennville, GA
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy,
because great is your reward in heaven.
Luke 6:23 NIV
Sylvia Georgetown TX
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Prov 19:21
Shelley, San Angelo
Proverbs 1:7 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Karen from Martinsville, NJ
“Though you have not seen Him you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
~ 1 Peter 1:8&9
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV
Andrea Porter, Pottstown, PA
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV (?)
The joy of the LORD is your strength.
Sara from Pierre, “He said: ‘The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.'”
2 Samuel 22:2 NIV
I Peter 1:13 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.
The NET Bible
I am going to send you grain, new wine, and oil. And today you will be satisfied in full with them. Joel 2:19- Lyndsey, LA
James 1:5
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Ephesians 5:2 Message Bible
“Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.”
Margo, Laramie, WY
Hear my prayer, LORD God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob. Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
Psalm 84:8,9 NIV (memorizing the whole psalm)
Stephanie, Lititz, PA “He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome works your eyes have seen.” Deuteronomy 10:21
Marti, Loganville, Ga
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Karen, Centralia, Month: For a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires James 1:20 NIV
Cindy- Sheridan, WY
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16
Lorraine, Ada,MI….”I am the good Shepherd, I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” John 10:14 (NIV)
Erica, Houston
Psalm 25:5 NIV
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Karla~Sedro-Woolley, WA Love your post~thank you so much for what you do through and for our Lord!!!
SSMV~Psalm 19:14~NIV “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my hear be pleasing in your sight O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer”.
Lisa, Simsboro, LA
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NIV
from King George, VA
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Dana Pace, FL
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. Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
Chyrll, Memphis TN: And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:12,13 NASB
Madelin
Thousand Oaks, CA
2Cor 9:8 NIV
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Marlinda, Heppner. “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
Carla Lee
Corryton, Tn.
NIV Eph.1:4
“For He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in HIs sight.”
Joyce, Lebanon, Tennessee
Is anyone of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
James 5:13 NIV
let not my heart be drawn to evil
psalm 141:4 niv
Melia, Loganville
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie downa nd when you get up
Valerie, SC
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
Psalm 91:3
Gina, Atlanta: He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 NIV