**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.
LuAnn, Port Huron, MI
By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me–a prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:8 NIV
Nan, Coppell, Tx
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9, NIV
Just a few days late 🙂 Karen – Cookeville, Tn.
Proverbs 22:4 NKJV
By humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches and honor and life.
The inexperienced believe anything, but the sensible watch their steps.
Prov 14:15 NIV
Diane
Vinton, La
Lorie, Columbia Sc
Oh how I love your law!It is my meditation all the day.
Ps. 119:97 ESV
(I chose this verse to encourage me in my scripture memory review and press forward towards the end of the year.) Keep up the good work everyone!!! 🙂
Beth S. Mankato, MN (back at college for last semester!)
The end of a matter is better than its beginning,and patience is better than pride.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV
Vale más el fin de algo que su principio. Vale más la paciencia que la arrogancia.
Eclesiastés 7:8
Kay, HOuston, TX:
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer.
–Psalms 19:14 NIV
Robin, Thorndale, PA
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Matthew 8:26 (NIV)
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:16-17 NIV
Beverly Parrish
Jackson, MS
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Lana, Nebraska
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 (NIV)
Jan, Marion IA Micah 7:18 NASB “Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and passes over the rebellious act of the remant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in lovingkindness.”
Sorry so late. My computer has been in the shop.
Life has been hectic with back-to-school and all so I need to do a repeat on my last verse. I didn’t quite get it committed to memory.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
“But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Jennifer
Charleston, SC
Diera, Austin
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 NIV
Christi, Clinton, Utah-
“LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known.” Habakkuk 3:2
SEE YOU IN SALT LAKE CITY THIS FRIDAY, LPM TEAM!!!
II Sam. 22:17 (NIV)
He reached down from on high and took hold of me, he drew me out of deep waters.
(Sorry this is late, but I am a teacher and back to school craziness has kept me occupied this last week…)
Heidi~Lindale, TX
NIV Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
MARIE, Byhalia, MS
Psalm 67:1-2 NASB
1 God be gracious to us and bless us,
And cause His face to shine upon us– Selah.
2 That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” I Peter 1:13 NIV
Holly Belt, Spring Hill,TN
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Elaine, New Orleans, Louisiana
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV
Fix your attention on God. You will be changed from the inside out.
Romans 12:2 MSG
Michele ~ Kenosha, WI
Jennifer B, Plano, TX
Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
Psalm 63:3,4 NIV because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
Johnnie
Wake Forest, NC
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:7 NKJ
Marianne, Saegertown, PA
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.”
Psalm 130:5 NIV
Cindi
Madison, MS
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing, You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 30:11 NLT
Psalam 1:1-2 (NIV)
“Blessed is the (wo)man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But (her) delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law (s)he meditates day and night.”
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NIV
Psalm 100:3 (NIV)
“Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. “
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfaing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Psalm 32:10 NIV
Rissa, Boaz: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
Wheaton, IL
“You have been wandering aound in this hill country long enough; turn to the north.” Deut 2:3 (NLT)
Gal 6:10 NIV therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers. Merredith, champaign
Janice, Tulsa. “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
Helen, Cambridge, UK:
Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls,Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation.
Habbakuk 3:17-18 AMP
Carolyn, Union CIty, GA
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV
Courtney, Chicora. “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
For the Lord your God is living amoung you. He is a might savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. He will calm your fears with His love. Zephaniah 3:17
Tiffany, Chesterfield:
Assuming you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as [all] truth is in Jesus [embodied and personified in Him], strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion. Ephesians 4:21-22, AMP
Courtney, Chicora. “Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person, in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.” for 8/1/11
Cheryl from Hattiesburg, MS
Phillipians 4:7 (ESV)
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Nancy, Dallas
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:8 (NIV)
MaryD, Charlotte.
John 15:9(ESV)
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB
Knoxville, TN
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
i Thessalonians 5:16-18
NIV
Running late, but here nonetheless… 🙂
Julie, Wentzville, MO ~
“Strip yourselves of your former nature – put off and discard your old unrenewed self- which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind – having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude-, And put on the new nature – the regenerate self – created in God’s image, Godlike in true righteousness and holiness.” – Eph. 4:22-24 AMP
Tami
Platte, South Dakota
James 1:19 HCSB
“My dearly loved brothers, understand this:
everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak
and slow to anger.”
Teri in Florida
Psalm 112 (NLT)
1 Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.
7 They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
Shannon: Elmira, Canada: Isaiah 52:6 (NLT) But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them.