**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.
Judie, south bend,
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me,your right hand will hold me fast.NIV Ps 139:9,10
Julie – Ozone, AR
“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the Glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT)
Kim Banks, Newbury Park, CA
Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
NIV
Psalm 46: 1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear though the Earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”
(KJV, via Biblegateway.com )
Mary from Columbia, PA
James 1:2~~Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds. NIV
“But as for you, CONTINUE in what you have learned and have been convinced of…”
2 Timothy 3:14 (NIV)
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 NIV
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
Ginny, Ooltewah, TN
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Tami in DS Louisiana
Proverbs 12:16
New International Version (NIV)
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Better late than never, huh?
Kathy, Mansfield, TX
“The LORD sustains him on his sick bed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” Ps 41:3 ESV
Because my husband had to have emergency surgery! On the road to health now, PTL!
Awilda, College Station, TX
Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Psalm 34:18 Amplified
The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.
Lino Lakes, MN
Pam/Benton, AR
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
Nichole, Iowa
Psalm 18:36 NIV
You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
I forgot to post this…but it’s been in my spiral. I even drew a picture of a stick person climbing a mountain. I’m the stick person. It makes me look skinny.
Amanda in Dover, TN
But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the Salvation of God. Psalms 50:23 (NIV)
Debra – Dahlgren, IL And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:13 NIV
Cathie – Jacksonville, Florida
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
Proverbs 12:16 NIV
BraydenandBodiesMama
We have now moved to Daphne, AL
(This Siesta is a little lonely now as I don’t know anyone here yet! And that is why this is so LATE!!!!)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Deborah J., Clearwater, FL
“He said to them, ‘Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” (Mark 6:31, NIV)
Darcy, Northern VA. Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 NIV
Pam, Sioux Falls, SD
“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.”
Ps. 103:1 NIV
This is real love- not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sin. 1John 4:10
Sydney Newham
Tucson, AZ
Psalm 25:4 NIV
“Show me you’r ways, O Lord, teach me you’r paths.”
“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
Elaine, Bismarck
Cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you;
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalm 55:22 NASB
D’Anna
Kilgore, Texas
Proverbs 31:25
New International Version (NIV)
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
Rebecca, Chattanooga, TN
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.
Romans 12:1 NIV
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. 1 Peter 4:12-13 Msg
Kathy
Lynden, Wa
Becky Pasco, Wa
I Peter 1:13 NIV
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.
Kristi, OKC
“We must obey God rather than men!” Acts 5:29
Cindy Childers,
Newton Tony, England
(sorry for the delay we just got back from Israel 🙂
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Denise Stillwater, Ok
Psalm 139
O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
Beth, Cary, NC
Psalm 27:4 (NIV)
One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Rita Brown
Midland, TX
Jennifer, Denham Springs, LA
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
Brenda, Greenville sc
Philippians 2:10-11 NIV
that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Norwood, MA “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you, he will never let the righteous fall. ” Psalm 55:22 NIV
Kim
Orange City
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27 NIV
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Kelly in Bham, AL
Psalm 23:1 (KJV)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Colleen, Trenton, IL
I Peter 1:13 NIV
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.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will gaurd your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Becky
Isa 51:12
NIV a
I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Terra from Owasso, Oklahoma
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 1 Peter 4:7
Heather, Leawood, Kansas. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (NIV).
Lisa from Greenville, SC
“Call to me and I will answer oyu and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:33 NIV
Laura, Del Rio, TX
“And the ransomed of the Lord will return, and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Isaiah 35:10 NASB
Kim, Anchorage, Alaska. Ephesians 4:1-2 Net Bible
I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. (I Cor. 13:8 Love never fails).
Rachelle, McAlister, NM
It may not look like much but there’s a big lesson in this one:
Luke 8:26
“So they arrived at the other side, in the Gerasene country across the lake from Galilee.”