**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.
Beth. Stillwater. 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
Debra, Mississippi
Psalm 37:5-6 NIV
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like
the dawn;
The justice of your cause like the noonday
sun.
Brenda
Chicago, IL
Psalm 51:10 NIV
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Jessica, Houston:”It is done. I am the alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Revelation 21:6-7 NIV
Melanie, Groesbeck, TX
PLEASE forgive me for being late! My computer was acting up and I finally got it back “online” today…
“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
Patti, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV
Jessica, Toronto
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Romans 15:13
“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.” NIV
Marcia, Salem IN
Traci, vadnais heights, mn.
“Fools show their annoyance at once but the prudent overlook an insult.” Proverbs 12:14
Janet, Fuquay Varina, NC
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, NIV
Runia, Silsbee TX, “So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love”,1 Cor, 13:13, NIV
Gretchen, Kearney, MO “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do no be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
Debbie, Pittsburgh, PA:
” I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 89:1 KJV
Teresa, Austin, TX Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.
Penny from Knoxville, TN
Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit which is so preciaou to God. 1 Peter 3:4 TLB
Marcie, Frisco, TX
I John 2:6 (NIV) “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”
where did the time go? oh, yeah, I was with 3 granddaughters and a horse.
Phyllis
Gilmer, Tx
NIV
Romans 11:33,34 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”
sue
St. Louis
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable-
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-
think about such things…..
Anita, Big River, Saskatchewan
But Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done had been done through God.
John 3:21 NIV
Cynda
Newnan, GA
“For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but [joy] comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5
NIV – mostly
Oh Beth, you have no idea how God timed my life has been the past 52 days, well maybe you would. I attended the Columbus, OH weekend and God spoke right to me, answering a question I had been asking the week leading up to the retreat. On my 40th day of soberity (Aug. 5, 2011) as I counted out my days, I remembered the 40 days Christ spent in the desert before starting His ministry, the 40 years the Hebrews spent in the desert before entering the promise land. I stopped and asked God what he was using my 40 days for? I continued to ask until I was walking out of the bathroom of The Schotts (God can make me laugh!) on the Friday night of the retreat. He said very loud and clear…I used those 40 days to PREPARE you, I delivered you out of the alcohol fog so you could feel what I feel for you…I was stunned and overly excited!!! I could barely contain myself all the way home, I called my sponsor immediately!! But, the most needed thing I heard that weekend was “He speaks tenderly to you when you are in the desert”. I have added that to my morning prayers, “speak tenderly to me today LORD”. After telling a co-worker about the weekend, she gave me Song of Solomon 8:5 “Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her beloved?”. Then I read this blog…Nothing, absolutley nothing is outside of His timing!! Thank you so much for being a vessel of His Word and Love!
Sabrina, Redding. “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
Lois, Abilene, KS
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38 NIV
Wendy, Calgary, Canada
Psalm 51:10 NIV
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Janae- Riverside,PA
Isaiah 33:6(NET)”He is your consant source of stability; He abuldantly provides safety and great wisdom; He gives all this to those who fear Him.”
Lisa McGriff from Dothan, AL
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you sue, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38 NIV
Christa, Kansas City, MO: “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
Please pray that my heart will soak up the word. I’m just copying Beth’s verse because I am losing steam, but I want to make it to the finish line!
Hill, Los Angeles
“But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written ‘Be holy because I am holy.'”
1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of wht we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1
“The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still.” Exodus 14:14 (HCSB)
Sandy in Amarillo Texas
I love this verse because it proves a woman can lead a nation in a Godly way.
Deborah a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.
Judges 4:4 NIV
Stephanie
Corvallis Or
Guide me in Your truth and teach me for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.
Psalm 25:5 NIV
Kelly, Huntsville
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Col. 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters-since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Leslie in Utah
Buffy
Rogers
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.
1Peter 1:13
NET
Sarah, Isle, MN
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face;
my heart said unto thee,
Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Psalm 27:8 (KJV)
Psalm 1: 1-2 (for the month of August– I am pretty sure I forgot to comment on Aug 1st when I was on vacation) ESV
1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Cindy/Midland
cathy, princeton, tx
Psalm 16:1 NIV
Keep me safe O God, for in you I take refuge.
Marcy Amarillo Tx
We also have joy with our troubles, because
we know that these troubles produce patience and
patience produces character and character produces
hope.
Romans 5:3-4
Donna, Loganville, PA
“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
Chesney, Knoxville/Chicago (JUST MOVED INTO MY DORM AT MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE! 🙂 “Praise be to the name of God for ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and disposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things;he knows what lies in darkness. and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you. O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power. You have made known to the what we asked of You. You have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:20-23 NIV (chose 3 verses because I’m memorizing this for the Daniel study) Much love!
Anne Marie, Woburn, MA
You say, “Everything is permitted.” But not everything is good for us. Again you say, “Everything is permitted.” But not everything builds us up. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIRV)
Sophie – Birmingham, AL
“Let the(A) favor[a] of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish(B) the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!” (ESV)
T. Cooper from Amarillo, Texas.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV 2011
Jennifer, Cincinnati
Psalm 25:15 NIV
My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Mary
Burke, VA
Ps 118:5 NIV
In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.
Eposi
Houston, TX
For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)
Sorry I am so late (and also missed the first of the month). Was overseas and just returned yesterday.
Carrie, Jupiter, FL
James 3:16-17
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. KJV
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithfaul.”