My Favorite Sunday Ever

Well, it finally happened! After 2 years of God stirring up Curtis and Amanda and spooning them onto the same ministry page and after six months of praying and planning with a core group of believers, Bayou City Fellowship blew open its doors last Sunday, September 11th. On so many levels, it was the Sunday of my lifeā€¦and, just so you know, Iā€™ve loved me some Sundays. Youā€™ve got no hater here. Ink canā€™t convey what growing up in the church meant to a child whoā€™d come from early victimization and was all but paralyzed by fear and insecurity. I know my story is not everyoneā€™s but, for me, church was a safe place. A happy place. A lively place even long before the days of praise bands and raised hands. It was there in that small circle of Sunday school chairs in Arkadelphia, Arkansas that I met the love of my life. It was there that I memorized my first Bible verses and, there, my head plunged beneath the waters of baptism at the ripe old age of nine.

If Iā€™m counting them right, Iā€™ve belonged to about 6 or 7 churches in my 54 years and most of those changes were necessary because of moves. I canā€™t say that a single one of them was intolerable. If youā€™ve been around the LPM blog very long, you may know how dearly I loved HFBC and what tears I shed in saying goodbye to the church where Iā€™d worshipped for almost 30 years. At first the sense of lostness was palpable. Then, suddenly, as I crouched with other believers way out on that limb, in the throes of desperate prayer, and complete dependence on God for this infant church, it was like quart of Red Bull started coursing through my veins. People would ask from time to time, ā€œAre you guys scared?ā€ Well, alive is more like it. Alive and AWAKE.

Itā€™s been one of the most exciting things Iā€™ve ever been part of. Many of you who have been involved in church plants have said the same thing. I guess one reason is because itā€™s just so out there. History canā€™t make it float. Heritage canā€™t make it float. Habit canā€™t make it float. Only Jesus can make it float. If He does not shine His face upon us, we will fizzle out like a year-old sparkler on the 4th of July. The other big thing from a personal standpoint, making it so exhilarating is the band of new relationships. How often does somebody make 50 new friends without getting on Facebook? I know at least 20 childrenā€™s names and they know mine. OK. So I have candy in my purse. Is that against anybodyā€™s religion??

Sunday two weeks ago, we had our BCF dress rehearsal. Everybody on the core team has at least one job to do so we got there early and into our places. (The first wave at 7:00 AM. The second wave at 8:30. Thatā€™s my wave. Service begins at 10:00.) Iā€™m on the host team so we mostly practiced welcoming each other at dress rehearsal and we taste-tested the coffee at our makeshift coffee bar. Other teams were practically as busy at dress rehearsal as theyā€™d be on opening day. The utility team and the childrenā€™s team require the most hands on deck because they have to set up and tear down every week. God graced us lavishly with space to rent at Houston Christian High School (Beltway 8, close to Hammerly ā€“ a gorgeous school and a great one). So, on these Sundays, halls and gyms transform into childrenā€™s areas with bright primary colors, songs, sounds of laughter, and stories about a great big God and a Savior who could walk on water. A Man who could take one boyā€™s lunch and feed thousands. Someone who said, ā€œDonā€™t hold back those children from me! Theyā€™re what the Kingdom of God is all about!ā€ We feel like God gave us one of the most gifted couples in our entire area to head up our childrenā€™s ministry. I pray for Dustin and Cassi second in line only to Curtis and Amanda. I wondered if theyā€™d be overwhelmed on opening Sunday but their team was prepared, all the children welcomed and well cared for, and I saw nothing but smiles as I picked up Jackson and Annabeth.

Oops. Iā€™m getting ahead of myself. Iā€™ll back up and give you a short run-down of our first Sunday from the pitifully biased point of view of Blonder Than She Pays To Be:

I got there a few minutes behind schedule because Iā€™d asked special grace from the pastorā€™s wife. Saturdayā€™s simulcast in Lubbock made for a pretty late Saturday night so, by the time I got to the church, everything was already in high gear. This was the scene at the welcome center for the children. As you can see, we were getting a few things ironed out before our guests arrived.

We met for prayer in the gym and, after our pastor asked us to get in small groups and agree in focused intercession, one of our team members also requested that we gather around Curtis, lay hands on him and call out to God in his behalf. It was such a powerful time that I donā€™t think Iā€™ll ever forget it. I could get tears in my eyes just thinking about it. At this point, you realize that we didnā€™t even know for certain that anybody else was coming. We were “in the presence of the God in whom [we] believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” (Romans 4:17 ESV)

After prayer, we all scurried to our places. Mine last Sunday was beside those at the front door to the chapel. I will work in the childrenā€™s area pretty regularly but, when Iā€™m in big church, I get to be on the team that welcomes people. I always wanted to be on the welcoming committee at HFBC so Iā€™m ecstatic about my new job. I get to serve in this capacity as long as I donā€™t clog up an aisle or a door so I intend to stay light on my feet on Sundays and move from place to place. (I have promised Curtis and Amanda that I will not let BCF become a place for signing books or taking pictures. I just want to be a fellow church-servant so badly. On our first Sunday, thatā€™s exactly what I got to be! A good sign indeed.)

I wish you could have seen the host team and I staring through the glass doors for signs of guests. Sure enough, by 9:30 they were coming. To say that we tripped over one another to welcome people is an understatement. Mind you, weā€™d been planning this moment for 6 months. It might be safe to say that there were some among the host team who were willing to elbow others to get to the guests first.Ā  Iā€™ll not mention any names but, if I remember right, I think her initials were BM.

Side note: Someone who will remain nameless but is related to me had brought donuts for the team to dress rehearsal the week before and I couldnā€™t eat one because of a bread-fast I was observing for the simulcast. I could not WAIT to sink my teeth into a warm Shipleyā€™s on our opening morning and, lo and behold, no one brought any. I said to my son-in-law Colin, ā€œIā€™m starving for a donut.ā€ (A sick exaggeration, of course.) He said, ā€œI donā€™t have a donut but I do have some peanut M&Mā€™s. Would that do?ā€ In a pinch, YES!

At the exact moment I threw a handful in my mouth, our first guest walked through the door. Not to be outdone, I flew over there, chewing as fast as I could, and greeted her with great enthusiasm and with tiny chips of brilliant red, blue, and green lodged between the opening teeth of my lifelong overbite. In hindsight, I wish Iā€™d waited. I saw a piece of peanut on her shoulder after I hugged her. I wanted to swat it off but I was afraid sheā€™d think that I thought she had dry scalp. It was a lose-lose. Another of our team members was equally enthusiastic. She showed us later how sheā€™d nearly wrapped herself like a pretzel around the first guest she got to greet. (Donā€™t be scared to visit. If we canā€™t bring ourselves to settle down some over the next few weeks, we overzealous ones are prepared to take medication. Or have it forced upon us. Maybe we could wear a relaxation patch of some kind.)

Then I looked inside the chapel ā€“ still about 25 minutes before the service ā€“ and spied two women from the back with really cute gray hair. I descended upon them like a seagull dive-bombing a surf. We are hoping to no end that God will build BCF into a multigenerational body of believers so gray was one of our favorite colors last Sunday. If we donā€™t turn out with many senior adults, Iā€™ll pray about letting my hair go its natural color. And I feel utterly certain that God will say no.

Their names were Irma and Joanne. Iā€™m talking about the two women in the chapel. Stay with me here. And, are you ready for this? They are SIESTAS. Yep. Siestas. They live in Houston and knew about Bayou City Fellowship through our blog. In fact, I do not doubt they are reading this right now. Hi, Irma! Hi, Joanne! I loved meeting you both! Are you coming back this Sunday? Huh? Huh? I, of course, asked them if theyā€™d be coming to our SSMT celebration but Irma said sheā€™d found so many verses to be a bit daunting. I bet many of you can relate. But I told her the same thing Iā€™m telling you: itā€™s not too late! Choose a psalm with 20 verses and get busy!

Back to BCF. The host team got the chance to welcome many people on Sunday. We think we had about 500 in all, counting the children. We were ecstatic. It was the perfect size for our first Sunday because we had a room full of worshippers without being overwhelmed. Our praise to God knows no bounds. Our whole family was involved. I wish I could see your faces when I tell you that Melissa manned the coffee bar. She did a splendid job, but when she ran out of half and half, youā€™d have thought we were on the edge of Armageddon. The Texas Pecan coffee was other-worldly in my opinion but she quipped, ā€œWITH NO HALF AND HALF???ā€ I agreed. It was unheard of. I just adore her. No one on earth is like her. Colin, Melissaā€™s man, was extremely busy because he is on the utility team, setting up and tearing down. (She is, too, by the way.) During the service, Colin passed one of the offering plates and, honestly, if I loved him more, Iā€™d throw my back out. I would not trade him for anything on the planet. Melissa sat on one side of our hard-working pastorā€™s wife. (Donā€™t get me going on the pastorā€™s wife. It will put me over the edge. She is taking her place right beside her man and I am so impressed with God through her that I hardly know how to handle it. I have begun to call her First Lady. She has failed to acknowledge the honorific, however.) My older sister, Gay, sat on Amandaā€™s other side. It is a picture that will be engraved on my mind as long as I have memory. Ā I sat on the other side of my sister and Keith sat next to me. And his handsome twenty-two year old nephew sat next to him. And itā€™s very likely that any unattached young woman within five years of him wished she were sitting hitherto.

And, Curtis?

Well, Girlfriend. Curtis preached.

I do mean Curtis PREACHED.

And I got a word.

And many of us rededicated our lives. Iā€™m not being facetious. I really did. 54 is no time to shove everything over to the young. They need you to stick with them. And, oh, Lord, have mercy, I NEED THEM.Ā  Iā€™ve hardly known what to do with myself since giving up Sunday school. I have a new job at church now: itā€™s called Whatever. Iā€™ll rock babies. Iā€™ll tell stories to children. Iā€™ll welcome guests. Iā€™ll help Melissa with the coffee. Iā€™ll pass the offering plate (and probably try to peek in it). Whatever. Iā€™m in.

Because I love church life. Even in all its imperfections and missteps. Even with its questionable reputation. Even though, at best, it can only point to Jesus and feign to replace Him. God used it to scoop me up when I was freefalling into an abyss. God used it to light a torch in me for missions and for the lifelong study of Scripture. God used it to teach me how to take a messy stab at teaching. God used it to show me how to love and to be loved. God used it to teach me how to forgive and feel forgiven.

Infinitely more than that, Jesus loves the Church. The big One. The one weā€™re only a speck on the face of. We – a people crouched on a tiny new dot on the Kingdom globe – want to take our place, shoulder to shoulder, with all the others who lift the Name of Jesus sky-high for any eye to see.

We want to take our place next to you.

And, if you happen to find yourself shoulder to shoulder with me, you might check your person for a rogue piece of peanut M&M. Iā€™m a hugger, you know.

 

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364 Responses to “My Favorite Sunday Ever”

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Comments:

  1. 51
    doo-dah says:

    Thank you for sharing the details, I loved reading. You are the best story-teller Siesta Mama! My prayers will continue for Bayou City Fellowship, may God bless in a very special way.

  2. 52
    callie says:

    It is so great to read this post and think about all the prayer that went into this first Sunday. Can’t wait to hear more about how God is using BCF. If I’m ever in Texas, I just might have to stop by to see it for myself! šŸ™‚

    Callie @ A Chance To Die

  3. 53
    Siesta OC says:

    To say I adore you would be an understatement!

    Oh, and telling children Bible stories, girl, mothers would sit in. I know you can tell a story, the of joy of telling children…that is something that would be so fun to see.

    I am absolutely thrilled and blessed by this beautifully written piece. The whole run-down, the fact that you would fight to greet (I believe it) and just the limb-standing. I was so blessed!

    500 people!!!?! That is incredible. Yet another reason I wished I lived in Texas.

    You brought up the fact that it is not too late to go to the ssmt…I tried in the beginning, but fell behind. I wanted to go but I thought it wasn’t fair to go if I hadn’t done the full years work. I have never been, and would love to give a go. If I have your permission.

    My heart gushes with the love of church-life. I know that feeling too. And i know what it is like to have problems in it (which usually makes me close off myself) but I miss that church-love. And I smile thru emotional welled up tears while reading this, just so thankful to GOD for giving me a love for HIS people. There is a special love that happens when you meet to LOVE the LORD.

    Love you Lady!
    M

  4. 54
    TheModMom says:

    Praise God for blessing BCF with such a mighty team and a wonderful first service. I’m a long-time reader, faithful Tuesday night Bible Study go-er and HFBC member but first time poster. Not sure what made me wait so long to post, but goodness this seems like a great post to comment on! We’ve been praying for y’all like crazy and are so thrilled everything went well!

  5. 55
    Kay Martin says:

    How very special!! Loved hearing about your first Sunday. I pray God will so bless this new church and all His servants who are using their God-given gifts.

  6. 56
    Volleyball Ginger says:

    what a blessing! Thank you for sharing BCF’s first official Sunday with us. I think there may be many Siestas who will want to attend when we come in January!!! I know of 3 right off the bat! šŸ™‚ Love to you all!

    Ginger
    Wetumpka, AL

  7. 57
    Rosalye says:

    Love it! Been praying for your fellowship. It is so exciting to see the Holy Spirit at work!! We are rejoicing over 3 new Explorer’s Bible Study classes that stemmed from our group this past year! To God be the GLORY!!

  8. 58
    tammy says:

    L.O.V.E.

    After reading your post I am going to pray bigger prayers…just picturing you with your family…especially your grown daughters & their husbands makes me yearn for this with my girls. I have 2 teenage daughters & I have been praying for the immediate needs (protection (heart, mind & body), friends (to not draw them into the world & away from the Lord), BOYS (healthy interactions….distant attractions) family (that we won’t just make it through this stage but will actually enjoy some of it).. I’m going BOLDER & asking for BIG things as I look toward their adult years (Lord help us to make it to them)!

    I’ll be smiling as I think of you all this Sunday:)

  9. 59
    Katy says:

    My life-long friend Christi and her husband R.T. Dukes are apart of the core team!! I live in Marshall, TX and have been praying for y’all!
    Love,
    Katy Roberts

  10. 60
    Jessie says:

    “History canā€™t make it float. Heritage canā€™t make it float. Habit canā€™t make it float. Only Jesus can make it float. If He does not shine His face upon us, we will fizzle out like a year-old sparkler on the 4th of July.”

    I so needed to hear this. Rich and I are attending a very small church, in MUCH need of Jesus reviving and healing touch. We are ministering to the best of our capabilities, and it so often falls short. I’m teaching a Sunday School class,and want so desperately for these 13-14 year old girls to come to know Jesus and His saving grace! It is nothing that I can do, but EVERYTHING He can do! I just needed to hear that! Thank you for sharing Beth! May God bless this new church, revealing Himself to each of you and the community you serve!

  11. 61
    Elisabeth says:

    I love these posts the best, Siesta Mama! Been praying for Amanda and Curtis as i knew last Sunday was nearing! I want to move to Texas so badly. If I can find a job & I do move, I’m all over attending! How fun that would be. I’d want to help with starting a high school ministry. That’s what I DO! I’m praying. I love y’all so much!!!!!

  12. 62
    Sherrie says:

    Praise the Lord! Thank you for sharing. I love seeing Him move and the work He’s continually doing in this fallen place. I will keep you all in my prayers.

  13. 63
    Tanya in Alabama says:

    Love me some church too! So glad it was a wonderful day. As you described your family I could only imagine how your heart overflowed, absolutely gushing I am sure.
    May God be Glorified!

  14. 64
    Sondra says:

    As I set here at my computer, the tears are flowing from my eyes. Praise our Lord Jesus for the beginning of a good work in Houston, Texas. Thank you for sharing your new church with us. God Bless all of you who are sharing yourselves for the Kingdom of God. Couldn’t love you more.
    Sondra, Lincoln, Ca.

  15. 65
    Lynn says:

    I just loved this post!! Your excitement came through loud and clear and I’m so excited with you. You had me laughing at the M&Ms story and tears in my eyes over the unity and committment of the team in your prayer time. When we believe, God shows up BIG TIME!!! I can just see you scurrying around
    doing “Whatever”; love that job description!! I am encouraged at how you love ‘the church’ and challenged to do the same. Blessings to BCF as you serve together to reach the lost and broken of your city.

  16. 66
    Dana says:

    I have been praying for the new Church! Hallelujah! I’ll keep on praying too. Thanks for sharing. Please continue to share.

    Love yall,

  17. 67
    Nancy Jensen says:

    So happy for y’all! Your joy was leaping off the screen at me. šŸ™‚ To God be the Glory for ever and ever!

    Thank you for sharing!

  18. 68
    Mona says:

    Ah Beth ā€“ I am excited with you about this church plant! I know you must be busting buttons at how God is using your children to get this thing going. I would be! I pray Godā€™s richest blessings on this new body of believers.

    I gotta tell you that your blog made me laugh and tear up. I do tear up at the drop of a hat it seems sometimes. As a matter of fact, our church had a prayer conference last night, and on the way out, even though I was smiling ear to ear and had thumbs up, one of the young ladies said ā€œLet me see your eyesā€¦yes their red; I know you enjoyed it then.ā€ Ha! I work at the church with her, so she knows me pretty well; bless her turkey-heart [wink].

    Anyway, Iā€™ve noticed that Iā€™ve heard (seen) you mention gray hair twice in the last week or so (simulcast and today.) Iā€™m one of those ladies that you canā€™t quite understand because Iā€™m 49, and Iā€™ve never died my hair (unless Sun-In or that costume spray-on color counts). Let me ā€˜splain, for myself at least. I know that if I ever started dying my hair, Iā€™d end up looking like a skunk most of the time or a Cruella wannabe (and since I have my dadā€™s eyebrows, that would not be a good thing!) For one thing, I canā€™t handle the smell of the stuff, so I know I would procrastinate in getting the roots done (my mom is in her mid-70ā€™s and still dyes her hair blonde.) Iā€™m a terrible procrastinator anyway, so why add one more thing to the list?! :o) Anyway, from far away, I look like a platinum blonde. I know this because when I went to a wedding recently, my youngest sister was driving down the entrance road and saw us getting out of the car. She recognized everyone but me, and she wondered ā€œwho is that blonde lady?ā€ Iā€™ve been a brunette most of my life, but starting getting gray in my early 30ā€™s. It wasnā€™t until she got closer that she realized it was me. LOL. But, when Iā€™m feeling old, I comfort myself by reading Psalm 16:31, ā€œGray hair is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness.ā€ I know the only righteousness I have is Christ in me. Maybe one day Iā€™ll get to wash His feet with this crown and all those tears being stored up! Itā€™s a nice thought anyway.

    I just realized its past lunch-time. For some reason Iā€™m craving coffee and a donut. Blessings2U!

    • 68.1
      Lina says:

      Mona, I’m a 51 year old with silver hair…and frankly, it doesn’t make me feel old at all! In fact, I feel kind of glamorous and special :-). Like you, I was a brunette but I did dye and hightlight for many years until I just got tired of it. I love my hair now and somehow just feel authentic and natural this way. I love the lightness and shine of it…and my husband loves it too. So I stand, misunderstood, with you sister, …blessings to you!
      Beth, thank you for making us feel a part of the BCF excitement. May God be glorified!

  19. 69
    Warm in Alaska says:

    Yay! That was so much fun to read! Hugs to Irma and Joanne! I’m glad Siestaville was represented in the pews (I know, I know – I’m sure they were chairs, but I do love the word “pew”). Pew with a View – that’s what I felt like I had while reading this post – Thanks!

  20. 70
    Blair says:

    Beth,
    You make me laugh and cry! Your sweet spirit and silliness is so comforting and inviting. You make me want a fire lit in my church, under my butt! God bless you and your new church. God bless every church big or small for His glory!
    Loves!

  21. 71
    Heatherly says:

    I’m learning to love church again, and your post helped me to realize that.

    As you gushed about church in genera,l and BCF in specific, I started to think, “Man, I wish I felt that way again.” And then I realized. I think I just might.

    Many blessings…

  22. 72
    Mischia says:

    Oh, Mrs. Beth, I love your joy about the church and the start of this church plant!!

    Oh, how I too love the church! (I write this with tears streaming down my face.)My husband and I have the privilege of serving the body when a small part of the body is without a human shepherd. I can say without a doubt each of the churches we served and are serving now, we loved each place of believers immediately and completely, because they are such a reflection of Him.

    I am so grateful for Jesus letting me love and serve each person in each individual part of the body.

    Thanks for being excited about serving and doing whatever!

  23. 73
    Gail says:

    I can only just smile, laugh out loud, some times cry with you, rejoice with you all, and praise God for how much you enrich my life in Jesus, Beth. Thank you, Thank you, every study, every post, God is shining through you, even with your hugs that leave little pieces of “what ever” behind!
    May the Lord be with every word spoken in this new Fellowship, that is praising HIM! IN Jesus Alone!

  24. 74
    Amy Storms says:

    Love this!! My pastor-husband was on a church plant ten years ago…we started off in a movie theater, then a high school gym, and now we’ve been in our very own building for about a year. Such exciting times…”alive” is the perfect word for it. Blessings on Bayou City Fellowship, and many extra prayers for Amanda. šŸ™‚

  25. 75
    ConnƩ says:

    Beth,
    Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us all! My sister and her husband planted a church, I remember all of the prayer, hard work, sacrifice and dedication it took, now over 20 years later – it is STILL growing! Praise to Jesus only! Want to thank you also for putting in the comment about Siesta’s still joining in. I was blessed to meet a sister in the Lord at the simulcast in Albuquerque last Saturday. I had my spiral notebook in hand while waiting to get in and she asked about it. I have emailed her your comment (not too late) so thank you, I pray she will join in and we may once again meet in Houston! (she is from DC). Anyway, blessings on BCF, praying for Curtis, Amanda and the rest of the group! To God Be The GLORY!

  26. 76
    Nicile says:

    Wow! How beautifully exciting! Wish I lived in Houston! I grew up and went to Langham Creek but now am in Keller. However, my Mom is in Houston and does not hve a church home. I’m hoping she will visit! Praying His richest blessings over BCF!

  27. 77
    Amy says:

    One of my all time favorite posts of yours. May God richly bless His tiny new dot on the Kingdom globe!

  28. 78
    Emily says:

    Love this!

    I am just so so so excited for you all and for the great things God will do with and through BCF! Have been praying right along with you since Amanda announced it on her blog months ago. I was visiting a friend in Houston over the weekend, and counted it an honor to pray for you on your first day from just a few miles away instead of a few states away. If I hadn’t already been planning to go to my friend’s church – her dad is the pastor – I even would have considered joining you!

    Can’t wait to hear more about how the Lord grows and uses BCF for His glory!!

  29. 79
    Betty Barnard says:

    I am so touched by how God blessed you with all this. It is a blessing for me to be included in the sharing of it. Please pray for our church, we are going through more turmoil than can be tolerated almost. May God lead us, and may He be greatly glorified……
    Much love to you Beth,
    Betty Barnard

  30. 80

    I’m a couple of states away but I feel like I was with you that Sunday. I’m so excited to see the birth of a baby church. Thank you for sharing this. I have no doubt BCF will fluorish in years (or maybe even just months) to come. Now, I want to move to Houston…

  31. 81
    Julie Reynolds says:

    Oh Beth, you do know how to tell a story sis! You made me feel as if I were right there and I have to thank you for this. I have been praying for BCF (along with all our siestas) since its first mention and I thought of you all often last Sunday. I am so excited for all of you and for the Body of Christ as this journey continues.

    Can’t wait to see this great work for myself in January after the SSMT celebration, bringing my First Lady. It should be a hoot!

    Praise Jesus for His glorious and miraculous works!

  32. 82
    Erin Pittenger says:

    This made me cry tears of joy!! I’ll be praying for all of you!

  33. 83
    Tracey Knight says:

    beth, i just had to refrain from going into a full-fledged ugly cry here at my desk at work on my lunch hour! thank you for the precious reminder of what church should be. i loved your sweet words about fbc-arkadelphia (my home church) but mostly about how much Jesus loves the church. “Only Jesus Can Make it Float” – that should be a t-shirt!!! šŸ™‚ love you much!!

  34. 84
    Kate says:

    That was so exciting to read. A little over a year ago I helped pioneer a church in the Park Hill area of Denver(not that Park Hill means anything to you…lol). Ahh memories. šŸ™‚ Anyway, I am sooo happy for Curtis & Amanda’s new adventure, and I will continue to pray for them. šŸ™‚

  35. 85
    Shelley says:

    VERY COOL!

  36. 86
    Crissy says:

    I am so excited for ya’ll!!! If we were there we would be right with you! It has been our hearts desire to plant a church where we live but we are just waiting on God to confirm that. We patiently wait for His leading in “whatever” He has for us. Love ya’ll!

  37. 87
    Lindsey says:

    What a sweet post to read. I cried multiple times while reading it. I don’t know your family personally (although it is a dream) but I was praying like crazy for BCF on the 11th. Praying that God would bring people to Himself and that He would be glorified!
    I loved reading this cause my husband is actually interviewing to be a campus pastor at a brand new branch of my church in my hometown. Not exactly the same kind of church plant, but one nonetheless, and I appreciated hearing your story! If you think of it, pray for Zeb on Sunday at his interview!
    Thanks for sharing. Please keep us posted on BCF
    His,
    Lindsey

  38. 88
    Sarah says:

    What great news! And you tell the BEST stories! šŸ™‚ I am with you on the M&M’s! I did that the other day with a huge bite of sandwich and then someone called me that I HAD to take the call, (wouldn’t you know, because I don’t get calls often that are that important!) Thankfully this time she needed to think out loud and I could get by with “um-hum” and “mm-mmm” “yes”, etc.!! šŸ™‚

    Praise the Lord! So happy for y’all. God is so good!

  39. 89
    Diana A. says:

    I sit here with tears flowing down my face!

    The LORD is ever sooooo good!!!

    I am starting a new women’s group at my church, not sure if even one single face will show up, but trusting God to call those in need to join me.

    Thank you for the first visit at Bayou, it was almost like we were with you…probably the closest I will ever get on this side of heaven, but atleast I know what to expect in heavenlies…I think Jesus’ welcome will out do our blond beloved mamma!

    God has surely blessed you all, and poured Himself out on your new beginning! Praise the LORD!!!!!

    Love to you and your whole family! šŸ™‚

  40. 90
    Kristie says:

    I have NEVER smiled bigger while reading a post on this blog! Hallelujah for Church life! Hallelujah for God PROMOTING you to kids’ ministry! šŸ™‚ I’m so excited that YOU, “THE Beth Moore” (with worldwide ministry to women everywhere–teaching God’s Word to hundreds of thousands, complete with LifeToday tapings and DVD studies and camera feeds with ProPresenter and live praise team and packed civic centers and gigantic blog)–YOU GET IT! You get what a HUGE honor it is to serve CHILDREN! Jesus says that unless we become like them (maybe even with M&M’s in our teeth?), we have no part in His Kingdom! Makes my day! Hope more Church folks will embrace this honor of bringing the little ones to Him! Hugs to you!

  41. 91
    G.J. says:

    Beth – this will go down as one of my most favorite ever posts of yours. Nobody can paint a picture with words like you do. I feel like I was THERE with y’all. I could just FEEL the energy as I read. Had to stand up – feel like running!

    Praying for God to just continue to pour out His glory on BCF and Pastor Curtis and sweet Amanda. I’m going to pray for her as a sister pastor’s wife. I could just see Melissa as barista and Colin taking up that offering. I bet you were just about to explode with JOY. And peanut M&Ms? Hilarious!!!

    I love what you said about church life – thankful that IS my life too – because CHRIST IS LIFE and He loves His Church. I believe BCF is going to be a wonderful place, a warm and welcoming faith family.

    Love y’all so much,
    G.J.

    P.S. Glad you like the color gray – I’m “headed there.” šŸ™‚

  42. 92
    CJ says:

    I am full on crying right now! You are quite the story teller indeed. This is a picture of church how it is SUPPOSED to be! Blessings to BCFand all who worship there.

  43. 93
    Lisa says:

    Praying for BCF and that God will bring forth a harvest of new souls through this new church.
    Can’t wait to visit while in Houston for SSMT!

  44. 94
    Michele says:

    This has been an extremely emotional week. God released me from my church (long term bad situation). God also closed the door on a dream opportunity I had been hoping for.

    Still knocking on other doors. Today I was sorting & deciding what to purge if I move south. What would I not need or have room for in a small apartment? Pondering leaving the only property I have owned, the house where I spent 16+ years with my beloved dog and my cat.

    Thinking about all I have, sad for all the families who lost everything by fires, floods and tornados this year. 1500 families in Texas just last week.

    After 42 years here, the painful memories far outweigh the good ones. You were sad to leave your church, but you have great things to look forward to. I have no idea what is next. I guess I should hold off on purging until God gives me something to look forward to, because it is too painful right now.

    So thankful for Siestaville, and clinging to Jesus for dear life.

    • 94.1
      Kathy B says:

      Praying for you, sweet girl. Had just typed that whole “Ask..seek…knock,” verse for someone else and sensed a straighten-up-and-listen moment. Praying God continues to pour genuine healing on your wounds.

      Have you tried donuts? Forgive my frivolity. Hoping for a grin.

    • 94.2
      Siesta OC says:

      I am so sorry. Lord, I lift this sweet sister up in prayer to you. You know the plan and that your plan is the Plan A and that never changes. Comfort her In Jesus Name! Amen!

    • 94.3
      Lynn Gilliam says:

      Michele-
      You are actually awaiting the adventure that God will take you on! One thing that Beth said when she was here in Lubbock last Saturday, “If you have a heart to do His Will, you will not miss His Will!” Your pain is real, but He will heal you! And remember John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world, you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Trust Him, Michele!!

  45. 95
    Jenn says:

    I love you Beth Moore.

  46. 96
    Rhonda says:

    This sounds like one of the greatest days of your life.
    Thank you for sharing it with us!

  47. 97
    laurie mcelroy says:

    oh, beth! i just LOVE YOU! i read this laughing out loud in my quiet house and crying my eyes out at way you are the definition of LOVE!

  48. 98
    laurie mcelroy says:

    and my crazy fingers somehow hit the send button before i was finished! lol.. i can only strive to be half of what you are to so many people. Jesus shines directly through you and not one soul ever doubts your pure motives in all you do – and that is to share the love of Jesus Christ! your sweet words of encouragement to your two siesta guests have also encouraged me! i
    what an honor it must be to be a part of something so beautiful as a baby church that is 200% all about God.
    each of you are a blessing to me and to so many countless others- especially those darling kiddos who get to hear stories told by you!

  49. 99
    Karen says:

    Beth,
    Thanks for being such a great example to us!

  50. 100
    Dionna says:

    So excited for this new adventure for your whole family. And I adore Amanda’s new nickname “First Lady.” She will wear it well. šŸ™‚

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