**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.
Clinton, TN
But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James 2:8 (NIV)
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Marla, Washington
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11 NIV
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 NIV
Robin Pollitte
Morehead, Ky
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you WILL have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
James 16:33 NIV
my verse is Psalm 100:3
Jyothi from Houston, TX
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7
Continuing in Ephesians
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
ESV Ephesians 1:18
Caroline Auburn, AL
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far way. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it. Lord, you go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:1-5
Casey-Henrietta, TX
Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent and praiseworthy-think about such things.
I am the LORD, the god of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV)
Georgine East
Austin, TX
Melodie, Orlando
Luke 12:31, MSG
Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
“You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our Savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth!”
Psalm 65:5 NLT
“For I know the plans I have for you, “says the Lord.” They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11 NLT
Jennifer:)
Enterprise Al
Amber
Sulphur, LA
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
Amber,
Thanks for this verse. I love it and it hits me right where I am with my walk with God right now. I’m going to use it as my next memory verse on Sept. 15th. Good luck with the rest of your memorizing.
~Rachel
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings and you will go out like calves released from the stall. Malachai 4:2, NIV
Lauren in New Braunfels, TX
Beverly, Glasgow, KY
Psalm 31:24 NIV
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Liz, Washington D.C. (I really am doing scripture memory, I just forgot about the computer this summer!)
Nahum 1:3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.
Bethany, Waco, TX
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 ESV
jamieb
corbin,ky
Habakkuk 3:18 NIV
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Heather – Richland, WA
Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Mandy
China Spring, TX 76633
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV
Spring, TX
Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14
NIV
Tabitha, Stanford, CA
Psalm 103:1-5 NIV
Praise the Lord, oh my soul. All my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul and forget not his benefits:
Who forgives all of your sins and heals all of your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth may be renewed like the eagles.
Jen H. from Ft. Thomas, KY (I started memorizing after I got home from LPL Columbus) forgot to post my first verse!! EEK!)
Exodus 15:11-12
Who among the gods is like You, O Lord? Who is like You? Majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders. Stretch out Your right hand and deal with my enemies, oh God.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Charlotte, Easley, SC
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12(NIV)
Mei, Easley SC
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Lara Harris, Spring Hill, TN
1 Sam. 24:15 HCSB
May the Lord be judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from you.
Where did the time go?!
Greenacres, FL
Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope… Romans 8:20
Rachel Landolt,
College Station, TX
“If you abide in my word, you are truely my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31b-32
Thank you Beth, for your words about sobriety. I too have a loved one who is struggling with sobriety. Thanks for the encouragement and understanding you give in this area.
Sandy, Galveston
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.
Phillipians 4:13
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalm 25:17
Greetings Beth,
My daughters, (ages 20 and 17), and I had a wonderful time bonding at Living Proof simulcast today, 9-10-11. We are truly living proof that Jesus is alive. Thank you for the awesome teaching on Luke!
I tell my daughters and sons, (ages 17,twin to sister, and 15), that they may be the only Jesus their peers may ever see, so shine the light of Jesus brightly! I praise God that my children all love Jesus.
I don’t color my hair and believe me, I get allot of grief from my four older sisters and many sister in laws that do. My husband and I have decided to age “naturally.”
At the same time, we do receive allot of compliments for our hair color. Personally, I think my husband looks quite sexy with his silver hair.
It does say in the Bible, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life”(Proverbs 16:31).
Beth, you can still “trust” me even though I don’t color my hair.(You mentioned in jest today that you don’t trust women who don’t color their hair). Believe me, I am secure in who I am in Christ, gray hair and all. I am getting older,(I’m 49), but that is ok with me because if I wasn’t getting older, I’d be dead.
God bless and keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Marcella Kramer
Isaiah 25:9-And it will be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that HE might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in HIS salvation.” NAS
-Michayila, Magnolia, TX
Marissa, Oklahoma
Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Jerri , Princeton TX
Psalm 119:33 NIV
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
Lisa Corbin,KY Psalm 139:4 NASB
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
Jamie, Phoenix: Isaiah 41:13 NIV
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:4 NIV
Katie Enlow, Paducah, KY – Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Ruth – Bloxom, VA
Psalm 68:19 “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!” NKJV
Been memorizing verses, just not been posting.
“Everything is permissible-but not everything beneficial. Everything is permissible-but not everything constructive.” 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV
Lisa, Ider, AL
“As for you, always be sober minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5
Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!
Ezekiel 37:4, NKJV
Patti, Kissimmee, FL
Lovettsville VA
Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and I say it again rejoice!
Phil 4:4
Psalm 91:6 NIV ….nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
Christina
Louisville, KY
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
I am embarrassingly late on my last two verses, but this date was the first day of school for me and somehow the rest of my life has slipped away the last few weeks! My 27 first graders are a reminder of just how much I need the Lord and His word to do HIS work in the classroom. Praise Him for His mercies each day. 🙂
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Cor. 5:17 NIV
Moyock, NC
Jillian, Louisville ky
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world
NLT 1 Peter 2:12