**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.
For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:8, KJV
kathy West Milton
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and morrows; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Tammy, Hendersonville,TN In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 NIV
Isaiah 40:29-30
(after learning this I will have 4 verses in a row from this chpt)
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out, he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted and young men will give up.
Linda, Newark, DE
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Phil 4:6 HCSB
Cindy, DIberville, MS
For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.
1 Samuel 12:22 (NASB)
Michelle, Moundridge
“Oh LORD, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth.”
Ps 8:1a,NKJV
Melissa Stauffer, Centreville, Michigan
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
Btw changing all pronouns female (no offense).
Is. 41:9-10
For I have chosen you . . . fear not for God is with you. He will strengthen you. He will help you. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.
Judy, East Chain, MN
“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
Suzy – Atlanta
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Valerie, Farmington, MN
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV
Debby, Ellicott City, MD “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 NIV
Valerie, Omaha
“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
Melissa, Perry, GA
LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6 NIV
Megan–Kansas City, KS
Psalm 33:4 NLT
For the word of the LORD holds true, we can trust everything he does.
Debbie from Westerville, OH
2 Corinthians 8:11 NIV
Now finish the work so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
WHOA!!!! What a weekend in Columbus, OH. Thank you, Beth for coming to our fair city and bringing the words of Sweet Jesus to us!! I loved every minute of the PREPARE study and I know that God IS preparing me for something huge in my ministry.
Shannon in Louisville, KY
And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Tanya, Somerville,Tennessee
Revelation 17:14 “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with Him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Woo Hoo!!!!
NIV
Beth, we just started “There and Then, Here and Now”!
Love it already and seeing God reveal Himself by the minute!!
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Kathie
Aiken, SC
Dinah from Baraboo, WI
God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5 NIV
Karla – Cedarburg, WI
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay.”
Hebrews 10:35-37 NIV
Jan, Winnipeg, Manitoba “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV)
Deanna, Maytown AL
1 Peter 1:13 ESV
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Susan, Barrie, ON, Canada
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and diruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
Laura, Jefferson, Maine
Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” KJV
“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
Andrea Bishop; Smackover, Arkansas
Miquela from Knoxville, TN:For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jer. 29:11 NIV
Sharoni, Houston, TX. “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it ~ we’re called children of GOD! That’s who we really are.” I John 3:1, The Message
Meredith Smith, Gridley Ca
Ephesians 2:8-9 “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.”
Christy Crosby, Clarksville TN
Proverbs 12:16 “Fools show their annoyance at once,
but the prudent overlook an insult.” NIV
Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Ruth, Coeur d Alene, Id
Theresa, Pace Florida
Psalm 116:1&2
“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me
I will call on him as long as I live.”
NIV
Can I just say again I love the LORD!
Annita, Haleyville, AL
I will bow down before your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. Psalm 138:2 KJV
Denise–Orange City
Proverbs 12:16 ESV The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.
Kelei. Iowa Park. Romans 10:17 “Consequently,faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”
Madge, Marietta, GA
Proverbs 22:3v(NIV1984)
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Naomi, Acworth, GA
Proverbs 22:3(NIV1984)
A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Leah, Little Falls,
The LORD bless you and keep you, the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
LuAnn, Winfield, Provb 12:16 NIV 16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
I’m taking my que from the Siesta Mama’s blog post a few days ago….I really needed that word!! Can you say attitude adjustment?? Thanks!
Ashley T, Charlotte, NC – “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hbr 4:12 NASB
Sheree, Phoenix, AZ
“Watch over your heart with all diligence for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NAS
Leah, Taylors,SC He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev 21:4-5
Kim, Corning, NY. “Then the Lord passed in front of him and proclaimed: ‘Yahweh-Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand [generations], forgiving wrongdoing, rebellion, and sin'” (Exodus 34:6-7a HCSB).
But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
MATTHEW 6:33 (NIV)
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
PHILIPPIANS 4:13 (KJV)
Nakeisha
Houston, TX
Beth, Marion NC
Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jeremiahn 6:16 ESV
Lauren
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (ESV)
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8 NIV)
Rhonda, Searcy AR