**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.
Jennifer S. Oklahoma City, OK
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1Cor 13:4-8a
From Evans, GA: “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13-14 NAS
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. HE cares for those who trust in HIM,
Nahum 1:7 NIV
Suzann Benson
Kingwood, WV
Mary, Chattanooga, TN
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Becky in Norfolk, VA
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
Allison, Kalamazoo MI
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you. Psalm 63:3, NIV
Kelly, West Richland
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Kim, West Richland
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Donnicia/Raleigh NC
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
New International Version (NIV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal
Psalm 19:14 NIV
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Cheryl, Redlands, CA: 2Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Pam~ Rome,GA
“The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.”
Psalm 116:5,6 (NIV)
Kim ~ Niceville, Florida
You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:114 (NIV)
“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified.
Do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Linda, Fort Collins, CO
God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
Suzanne, Tucson, AZ
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”
-Proverbs 19:11 NIV
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Colossians 3:12 (NASB)
…If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all. Isaiah 7:9 ESV
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” NAAB
Beth,
I send a huge hug and a gigantic “thank-you” for this past conference in Columbus! God is working in so many lives and you certainly are an instrument for Him. My Daughter-in-law got tickets for us to attend this past weekend, for my birthday(JULY) when actually it should have been for our anniversary Aug.14- 31 years. Anyway- we had been praying for her mother to also attend with us. (Marriage is being attacked big time) The Lord had it all planned out that 4 of us were there to be encouraged, lifted up, humbled, and revived to return home and to set plans to hold each other accountable in our daily time with the Lord! All 4 of us are definately in the valley and dessert climate at the same time. The Lord spoke through you and your worship team and sparked a new fire within us to keep on keeping on. AMEN! We currently are starting our QT in James and going at our own pase and then meeting once a week to share what the Lord has revealed to each of us through His word. Today, the 2nd day in James and I’m only to verse 8, wow- maybe we will be finished in time for when your study comes out!
One last note~ I was born and raised here in Ohio. My mother was born in Harrison, Ark. Married in Arkadelphia, back in the 40’s ( Honeymoon at the Caddo Hotel of all places!!!!) Then I ended up attending Ouachita and graduated in “77. Small world, Huh?
Many blessings to you and your team as you serve our Lord and Heavenly Father. Hope to meet you at the wedding feast, which by the way….one last item to show how the Lord PREPARED me for this past weekend. I’ve been reading Zola Levitt’s booklets on the 7 Feasts and Festivals and it all tied in so well with your theme of PREPARE! Many Thanks and Blessings to you!
Nancy
Dawn, Dubuque, IA
“Teach me to do your will for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 NIV
Jeanie
Sparta, 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 hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Teresa, Semmes, AL, Colossians 4:6 NASB
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.
Kay, Greenwood, SC
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10 NIV
Karen, Cottonwood, CA
“to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Eph. 3:21 NIV
Mariposa Sivage, Albuquerque New Mexico
Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Yes Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. Isiah 26; 8-9 (NIV)
Hey, Marilyn, Great verse!!
Hey, Rosalye, great avatar! I haven’t seen Little Lulu in a long time! :-}
Troy, Ohio
Isaiah 30:15 NIV
This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.
Psalm 51:10 NIV
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Revelation 3:1 NIV
Lamentations 3:58-59 NIV You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. LORD, you have seen the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause!
Jeanette, Tualatin, OR
Psalm 22:3 NIV
You are Holy, O You who dwell in the holy place where the praises of Israel are offered.
April – Oviedo, FL
Hebrews 13:16 NIV
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Lu, Raleigh, NC Psalm 23:3 NLT
He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.
(Do it in me LORD!)
Lindsey from Dubach, LA is memorizing Philippians 4:8 (NIV). “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Gina, Kosciusko, MS
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
Sacha, Midland, TX
“He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.” Psalm 121:3, 4 (HCSB)
April, Greensboro, NC: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Hebrews 13:15 NIV
Terrie, Birmingham, AL
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me- everything you heard from and saw me doing. Then the God of Peace will be with you .
Philipians 4:9
NLT
Katie (Firestone, CO)
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10:13, NKJV)
Stefanie McClurg- White Oak, Tx-“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. “-Eph 2:10 NIV
Good Stuff!
Melissa; Nashville, TN
Ephesians 3:16-17a (NIV)
“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”.
Melissa Irwin: Nashville, TN
Ephesians 3:16-17a (NIV)
“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 heart through faith”.
Linda, Dallas, TX
Matthew 5:14-15 NLT
“You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”
Jeri, Stillwater, ok. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6 (NIV)
Joni, Port Neches. “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life.” Deut. 30:19-20 (NIV)
Ps. 131:1-2 NIV
My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Heather, Hot Springs, AR, Amplified, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions and instructions which you were taught by us, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
Anyone else from Hot Springs, AR, or nearby?
Carol, Gig Harbor, WA
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Erin, Phoenix. “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)