**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.
Melissa, Miles City, MT: John 8:32 NIV: To the Jews who had believed in him, Jesus says “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Charissa – West Chester, OH
Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Amy, Lancaster, Ohio – “I think you should finish what you started. If you give according to what you have, you will prove that you are as eager to give as you were to think about giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:11 CEV
I was at LPL Columbus, and I claim this verse you spoke over the procrastinating communicator who’s only half done. That’s me! I’m also going into full-time ministry, so I’ll claim that word as well. I am PREPARED! Thank you!
Shelli, Glen Allen, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13) NIV
Amarillo, TX Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Sarah, Christina and Esther May: Wenatchee
” A fool shows his annoyance at once,
but a prudent man overlooks an insult.”
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
Lori Beaube, Hazlehurst, Ms.
16) Rejoice always, 17) pray without ceasing; 18) in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJ
katie g
knoxville, tn
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB:)
Sandy, Lexington,KY “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
…and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:3-4 NIV
Kathryn – Atmore, AL – At another time, I might decide to plant a people or country, but if they don’t cooperate and won’t listen to Me, I will think again and give up on the plans I had for them. ~ Jeremiah 18:9-10 (The Message)
Patti, Sun City Center. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God. 5-6 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father from Whom all things came and for Whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through Whom all things came and through Whom we live.
1 Corinthians 8:1b-3, 5-6 (NIV)
John 14:27 Amplified
“Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.)”
Jesus
Tess
Cartersville, GA
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Melanie
Sweetwater, TN
Galatians 1:10 NIV “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not a servant of Christ.”
I confess, I didn’t post my July scriptures but did memorize them and they have been life to me! Romans 2:13 NIV and Psalm 141:3 NIV
Jess, Grand Forks, ND
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Patty from Vicksburg, MS
“Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. ”
Eph. 3:20-21 NIV
Sheryl, PA – Lamentations 3:21-23
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of His great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
(Claiming this as I just got a difficult medical diagnosis)
Sister Lynn
Clyde, MO
“Then Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior”
Luke 1:46-47 (RSV)
Matia, Fort Worth – “Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard.” Psalm 66:8 ESV
Sheila Armstrong, Union City, Indiana
Psalm 1:6 NIV
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Lawan, Lawton, OK- Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23 NET)
Shari, Ohio “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”
Psalm 18:32 NIV
Lindsey, Avon Park, FL
He who did not spare His own Son but handed Him over for is all, how will He not give us everything else along with Him? (Romans 8:32, NAB)
Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
linde, dallas
“however let each one of you love his wife as himself and let the wife see that she respects(!) her husband.” ephesians 5:33 NIV
Woodstock,VT
michelle
Hebrews 4:16
Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Connie, Tyler We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. Romans 8:26 NIV
Cindy, Gold Canyon, AZ. “As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.” Jer.26:14 NIV
Sarah, Marion, KS, “I’m not saying that because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me.” Philippians 4:11, NIV
De Anna- Greenville SC
Psalm 18 The Message
21 Now I’m alert to God’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. 22 Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick
Diane, Killeen, TX: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30, KJV
Kristine, La Crescent, MN: Let no unwholesome talk proceed from your mouth, but ONLY such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment that it may give GRACE to those who hear it.
Ephesians 4:29 NASB
Psalm 10:30 This God-his way is perfect, the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. ESV
Lee Ann, Wewahitchka, FL
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” –Galatians 6:7-8 NAS
Carla LaFayette, Al.
Oh my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8
Delores O.
Shoreline, WA
You see,at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 NIV 1984
Dawn in Monett, MO
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Kathy, Easley: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindless, love. For if you posess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV
Billie, Greenville, KY “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!” Psalm 47:1-2 NIV
Tina, Gahanna Ohio
For Ezra had PREPARED his heart to see the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. NKJV
thanks Beth for coming to Columbus this last weekend. It was a great time in the word, with wonderful teaching and fellowship with friends.
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. Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Barbie Greer, Yankton, SD
Proverbs 30:27 (NKJ)
Every word of God is pure, He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Heather, Lansing- The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17(NLT)
Melanie Miller, Nampa, Idaho
Eph 1:18. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.
Roxanne, Shreveport, LA, I Corinthians 1:22-25, KJV:
“For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
Denise, Ocean Springs,MS – May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV
Sherry, Hillsboro, OR ~ “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” Romans 8:26b NIV
Audrey, Ohio
Psalm 103:13-14 NLT
The LORD is like a father to His children,
Tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
For He knows how weak we are;
He remembers we are only dust.
1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
This is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared for
those who love Him.”
Tammy from Fort Myers, Florida: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT