Hey, Darling Things!
Melissa and I worked out of town most of last week in New Orleans so I feel dreadfully out of the loop. (That’s a story for another time and an experience that proved very fruitful to our souls.) I was also leaving some space for our beloved Amanda to do some blogging about her trip with Compassion International to Ecuador last week but, alas, her laptop completely crashed and it was everything she could do to borrow laptops and get articles up on her own blog. They had limited time and internet access so doubling up on two blogs was almost impossible. She’s going to stop by later this week on the blog and give you some highlights. We are so glad to have her home safe and sound and grateful to God that He uses her to bring attention to poverty stricken children. Amanda had the opportunity to be under the leadership of our good friend Shaun Groves and to serve alongside many of your favorite bloggers and women I’m so personally crazy about: Melanie Shankle (Big Mama), Sophie Hudson (Boomama), Kelly Stamps (Kelly’s Corner) and Ann Voskamp (A Holy Experience). To say that I’m thankful to our own Lindsee for her partnership in serving you is an understatement. She grows dearer and dearer to us everyday.
Let’s see now. What have I been up to? I know one area where I could catch you up! Like many of you, church life is a huge part of my personal life. We are officially heading into our third month as a church plant at Bayou City Fellowship under my dear son-in-law’s pastorate here in Houston. He has done a magnificent job of leading the charge and bringing the Scriptures. You’ve also never seen a core team work any harder and with any better attitudes. You may recall that we are renting space at a large Christian high school so everything has to be set up from scratch every week for the many children and for anything else unique to BCF. (Like signs, posters, welcome tables, community group information, the platform for worship, etc.) I shared with you several months ago that I was just going to serve wherever they asked me. So, here’s what I’ve gotten to do so far and have loved every single second of it:
*My main job is greeting so I do lots and lots of that. I say a plethora of hellos and ask about their week and I also hug anyone that looks like she needs one or just wants one. I also try to read that look on a face that says, “Don’t touch me.” And then I usually refrain. If I don’t, I usually wish I had. Grin. I just hate the awkwardness of hugging someone who doesn’t hug back.
*I also help with the coffee bar each Sunday morning and I have told Pastor Curtis on a number of occasions NEVER to underestimate the ministry of coffee. We find out just how crucial we are every single time something goes wrong resulting in a dismal coffee fail. (Which has indeed and unfortunately happened on several occasions. The shock and awe on disappointed faces were enough to leave Melissa and me nearly permanently scarred. Caffeine addicts without their caffeine should have their pictures plastered on warning posters. They are dangerous. I nearly wore a bicycle helmet the week following our worst debacle.) We usually serve two different flavors: Texas Pecan and Cocoa Nibs (I never know what to think about the word “nibs.” I wouldn’t have chosen it.)
And, of course, we serve real half and half. That’s key to a decent coffee bar. Powder is unforgivably lame and, should you set it out on the counter, no one will take you seriously as a coffee connoisseur. I also bring some holiday flavorings that tend to be big hits. My friend Beverly Newman (a Christian counselor I’ve known for I bet 20 years and a new member of BCF) has a young adult daughter who is a fabulous cook. Almost every Sunday morning, Beverly brings a silver platter of baked goodies via her talented offspring and we set it out near the coffee. We’ve had all sorts of creations like, for instance, carrot cake balls and oatmeal raisin cookies. Yesterday she sent delicate, nearly paper-thin sugar cookies in the shape of gingerbread men that only had a hint of gingerbread in them. I nearly cried they were so good. Needless to say, it’s first come, first serve so they don’t last very long.
*One week I got to help take the offering and it was so exciting. I was nervous that I’d drop the plate or miss a row or repeat one twice so I prayed that I’d do a good job at it and, frankly, I may have, to God be the glory. Laughing. One of the things that’s so exciting about a church plant is that you are OUT ON A VERY THIN LONG LIMB. Out there at high risk. Many don’t make it. At my beloved church of nearly thirty years, unless we were in a building campaign, I don’t really remember being intensely prayerful or hyped up in the spirit over our offerings. I say that to my shame. It’s such a big church with so many faithful members and I guess I just had the feeling that it would all get covered. We participated in giving, of course, but I just can’t remember often feeling a deep sense of urgency. Taking the offering is a whole different thing at a church plant. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about. Our pastor is very serious about missions and outreach so, on several occasions, he’s designated a large part of what we receive toward another ministry. I’m so thankful for that. I respect him – and his wife – very much.
*And, last but far from least, I get to help on occasion with the elementary school students during children’s church. I love getting to do craft-time with Amanda. She works with the children every other week so she stays quite busy on Sundays and it’s fun for us to partner. Twice I’ve gotten to teach the Bible lesson and I just love it. It feels so good to be teaching on Sunday mornings again. The kids get really involved in the lesson and answer back with great gusto when I ask them to repeat something. They also use a lot of their limbs during worship and I like that. I tend to use mine too. Yesterday our lesson was out of Genesis 18 when the three visitors appeared to Abraham. I got four volunteers to help me act it out: three boys for the visitors and one girl to play Sarah and yours truly was Abraham. On Saturday night, I wished so much that I could find one of those long fake gray beards to wear during the lesson but I did not have time to acquire one. I was so mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner. If only I could have remembered where I last set mine. I had several wigs for such occasions but, sadly, no spare beards. The children and I talked about what kind of meals we might make if God and two angels visited us one day while we were in our tents. Hands down, the children believed God and angels alike would most appreciate macaroni and cheese and who could argue with that? Others felt that pizza would be particularly hospitable. They were so enthusiastic that I had a feeling like God would join many of them for lunch that day. They just might not know it.
I had a really sweet moment yesterday that I pray God will seal in my memory forever. Miss Cassie was leading us in children’s worship and all the other workers and I mixed in with the children. We were all on our feet ready to give God some raucous praise and my darling Jackson caught my eye and motioned for me to come worship by him. It touched me so. I really didn’t know what he’d think about Bibby serving in his class but I knew then that he was not embarrassed. He’s such a champ. Miss Cassie leads us in very upbeat worship where we can sing loud and do lots of hand motions. There was even one time when we got to pogo (one of my love languages) and turn around in circles and pump our right fists into the air as we sang “One way, Jesus!” (I’m laughing but also getting a lump in my throat thinking about it.) There we were, a grandson and his grandmother, grinning ear to ear, jumping up and down side by side, praising Jesus, the worthy Son of God.
And I realized how many of my prayers God had answered. As I lived and breathed, it was praise-dancing with granny. In public.
You mothers and you teachers of children, do not dare minimize the power and importance of your labor. The great commission is never more readily received than by the flailing arms of children.
Oh, mercy. I’ve got to get ready for staff prayer time and devotional. Better run! Forgive type-o’s! How are you girls doing???
My sweet husband graciously stayed home with our 3 kids (he even took over schooling one day!) while some girlfriends and I got of our Ukraine for a weekend- Venice ministered to us! 🙂 We finished up our study (Tammie’s Duty or Delight) and I loved it. We have a full weekend- Marine Ball and my son’s 6th {pirate} bday party. And then military reality hits again as one of the dearest friends I’ve made in the past 11 years moves back to the States on Monday…trusting the Lord will fill in the lonely places for the next 7 months until it’s our turn to pack up and return to the States.
Praising God with you for times spend praising God with family – it IS amazing answers to prayer in our family too!
Now I know why my little one told Ms. Amanda she was sooo hungry during church yesterday. It’s because you had her thinking about yummy foods! Ha! She does dearly love church now, which is a huge blessing, and she can’t get over how much she loves Ms. Cassie. (And her daddy and I are enjoying it just as much!)
As a wife of a church planter, I just can’t get enough of your blogs about your journey. We planted a church in 2009 and have been on the wildist ride. I can relate to your coffee stories and kids church. Every Sunday is an adventure unlike the week before. God is faithful and real. Good thing, because church-planting is often scary! Blessings to you as you support your daughter and son-in-law.
Hi Beth!
It is so nice to hear from you! It would have been better to hear you and Melissa were on a fun vacation trip rather than working. I hope you enjoyed yourselves nonetheless. I would be interested to hear what y’all are working on now – the next big project?
Our small Siesta online study group is in the last week of Breaking Free. There has not been much dialogue, a drawback of not being face-to-face, but everyone says they are learning and growing much, and we are grateful for the study.
Thanks for checking in! 🙂
Praise dancin’ with Granny. in public.
that made me laugh right out loud in my very nerdy office full of programmers. haha. you crack me up, Siesta Mama, just when i need cracked in the worst way!
love ya and all the ladies at LPM!
So good to hear from you! And how incredibly kind is our God that he would give you that answer to prayer with Jackson! I had a similar moment this past spring at a Chris Tomlin concert with my 14 year old niece (I’m single, so no kids of my own, but believing God that my two precious nieces are part of my heritage and I love on them and pray for them as much as possible). As we were standing and singing “If our God is for Us” at the top of our lungs, with hands high in the air, I was almost overcome. Just thanking the Father thru tears on the inside and trying to imprint the moment in my heart forever.
Sounds like you had a great weekend. I had the best time at Fresh Grounded Faith in Springfield MO this weekend. We had a blast praising God.
Getting ready for surgery next week, fifth one in a year and final oe for life!!
I was at the same conference over the weekend and would have loved to have met you!! I hope things go well with your surgery, will be praying.
Are you from the area? e-mail me at [email protected] and maybe we can meet sometime. I got o Branson and Springfield both often.
I am sure my surgery will be fine, just ready to get it over with. Thank you for the prayers.
Yesterday was my day to serve in the two-year old room at church, with my middle boy. How I love serving children and what an extra measure of blessing when one of the children whispers in your ear, “I like you being my teacher, Mommy!”
So good to hear from you this morning, Beth. I needed your reminder this morning that our work as mothers and teachers is important and will not return void. I am a teacher without a classroom right now, having moved to city in another Canadian province where there is an overabundance of teachers. I love teaching and miss my job so much! I’m focusing on teaching Sunday School and raising my own two precious children. My daughter came home Friday with the first negative report card of her life, and it threw us both for a loop. She has such an active imagination that she struggles to focus and stay on task, and her teacher seems to have little patience with her. I’m starting to feel like God may have me at home during this season just to be a support to her and her big brother as they navigate through these tender years. I’ve been feeling lost and sad, but somehow this morning I’m finding some direction. Your blog reminded me how important my work in Sunday School is, and how vital I am to my own children’s school experience. Thank you so much.
Ms. Beth,
You always make me smile! I totally agree with you about the caffeine! I don’t drink coffee but I sure do love my chai tea! I was trying to be good this morning and did not stop at Starbucks for my Monday morning chai tea start and I am totally regretting it now! Thanks for letting us know how things are and giving me a smile!
Beth, the Lord has so put it on my heart lately – that I am to disciple my children. Why do I so often think that my mission or my assignment has to always be outside of my own walls? Sometimes it is…but He has made it clear that He has put a ministry before me that came from my very own womb. So I loooove that you said this:
“The great commission is never more readily received than by the flailing arms of children.”
Great confirmation for me. I’m grateful 🙂
– Katie 🙂
That is exactly what the Lord has been telling me for the last few months!!!
Hi Beth!
So great to hear from you! I have been praying for Amanda as she is off in the Amazon and praying for her Mama too that God would give her the assurance that God was taking good care of her baby girl. Grin.
I have been busy myself. I work in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. I pray I can be a light to my coworkers, very sick children and terrified parents. I love being able to wrap my arms around a sobbing parent and tell them I’m praying for you and your child. It’s such a privilege.
Signing off as off to work I go. Be Blessed Siesta Mama!
Hey Beth! I enjoyed reading about how things are going with the church plant. It makes me smile to read it:) I was thinking about you all and the church plant recently, wondering how things were going. I am so happy for you, you are being immeasurably blessed, I can tell!:)…thanks so much for the encouragement! I teach 6th grade girls now, and I do love it. I want to be used by the Lord to somehow impart to them the importance of a real relationship with Him. They are at an age where they look up to me still, and aren’t as critical as some older teens can be. They are chatty, have mercy, I am trying to learn how to get them to be focused so that I have time to talk about some scriptures:)…how am I doing? I was trying to post about it on my blog, but I think my computer is oppressed or possessed or something, and I’m not techie, and I can’t make it work right now, don’t know why-help me, Lord! I have finished a book study with a group of women at my church, and finished Tammie H’s study on my own, and my church just wrapped up a missions conference this weekend, and I just started going to a women’s weekly lifegroup Bible class at my church. I LOVE it too! Such a blessing to me…hope my post wasn’t too long, love you Beth very much! ((HUGS))
What a blessing that you live close by your grandchildren and that they love their Bibbi so much!
My man and I just finished the First Annual Great American College Tour, visiting our four sons at their various colleges throughout the US. Such a blessing that we have found them happy and loving where they are during this part of their life’s journey. They range from 2nd year in law school to freshman at undergrad. We decided that, since it is so hard to gather all of them together at one point during the year and it is also hard for them to make it back home now due to activities, school, work, etc, we just had to pack up and visit them. My word, it was FUN! So glad to be home again, as quiet as it is now.
Thanks for sharing, Beth!
My Family and I are doing great. We have exciting things going on in our church family as well. Our youth pastor and his wife are in the process of adopting a child from the Congo. They are allowing us all to see God at work in this process through a blog they have started http://www.foreverbygrace.blogspot.com/ This has opened the flood gates of adoption in our congregation. We have several families looking into adoption, Praise be to God.
Our family is also praying about what God would have us do.
Last week in my prayer time I asked the Lord to show me what He would have us do. I asked that He show me what His will is and not mine or not to adopt just because others were. After I finished praying I went to my Bible reading, I am reading straight through the New Testement section by section, just so happens that same morning I came to Mark 9:37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” I have never had the Lord speak so clearly and quickly. Please pray for me and my family as this all seems overwhelming.
Also Miss Bibby, I can understand how you feel about the offering thing. I’m the treasurer at church as well. It is awesome to see God at work in peoples giving.
You are a riot! I love these quick updates from you that leave me grinning from ear to ear, with tears in my eyes, feeling like you’re sitting in my living room with me drinking coffee with real cream in it.
I also love to see how precious you are as a most prominent leader in our world, yet serving regularly with utmost humility as a follower. Your words about Curtis are so honoring to him and it all just speaks volumes about your character!
Thanks for being so real and genuine. I don’t think you’ll ever understand how many lives you are blessing!
OHHH!!!! Dear Beth CAN I RELATE!!!!!
First of all I wondered where you were last week thought maybe you took a large detour after Casper and ended up stranded in Jackson Hole for a week!!!!
Anyway, My daughter has been going to a larger established LCMS (That is the strict Lutheran chruch) in Bismarck for years and now started to go to a brand new one she says “Mom, I just feel more needed there!” Something about being smaller makes you feel more needed. I have the opposite probelm but am enjoying it the same. We have a tiny rural church which will celebrate 100 yrs next year and then possibly close. We get 40 people on a real good Sun. My job and joy!!!??? There is an adorable 4 yr old girl her 6 yr old brother and a 10 yr old girl with LD problems I have them all to teach every Sun! What a challenge! I am delighted to do it cuz I have no grandchildren I can not get my three children married!!!So this is as close as it gets. I go to the main worship service now with Glitter glue on my face and glue on my nice blazer and just yesterday we acted out Moses in the basket and when Lilly Ann got to put her baby doll in the basket I brought, that we had in the make belief water, well, she loved the basket so much she took it home!!! It was my favorite basket too!!!!
Then I have a teenage boy who is in Confirmation class and noone feels a need to teach him. He is Hispanic and has acne and very shy but I love it and am gona try and instill in him a real love for the Word.
My favorite time of day now is when I have a freshly perked cup of coffee each AM and my Bibles open in my lap to study. I spend so much time in the Word now and absolutely love it. I have about 20 books, Bibles and commentaries in a pile.
Over the weekend I found a loved one is suffereing from breast cancer and is on chemo this person has been an extreme challenge for me to love and mostly forgive but God is doing a great thing through me for her. I am so happy!!! Yes, God is good and yes things are not always perfect but His love is still there and is perfect. I am doing Jesus the One and Only with our neighborhood gals but whew!! I am not facilitating! Bless you Beth and your family at LPM and your flesh and blood family (actually we are all flesh and blood family through Jesus how great is that???)
Hugs from the Heart land,
Betty M
Good afternoon Beth,
I love to hear about your life! What a blast it is to serve Jesus! I had a fabulous weekend. Friday night my amazingly handsome husband took me out to dinner then we played Wii until we were so tired we fell asleep on the couch! Saturday I attended a friends bridal shower and we lingered long enough to head to Starbucks for coffee and conversation. I went to college with these girls and it is especially precious to me to “grow up” with them. As our conversations turned from the silly things of a young woman’s life, to marriage and babies. What a blessing. Sunday I was honored to pray for the persecutued church at an incredible worship service at my church. Then I took a glorious nap that lasted for over 2 hours! Whew…what fun.
Glad to hear from you,
Cindy
Oh, Beth. I had such a joyful lump in my throat and sting in my eyes while reading the last bit of your email. I can so picture you and Jackson in my mind. Precious, precious, precious.
Hugs.
Sooz
Hi!
So nice to hear from you! My heart is wrapped up in children’s ministry. I teach eleven 4 and 5 year olds on Sundays, but am facing a difficult health diagnosis and am wondering if I will be able to keep up with my class anymore. Breaks my heart. But, God is good – He is faithful – and He will lead me through the days ahead.
Jesus loves us, yes I know – for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong – we are weak but He is strong.
Hugs…..
Hello Beth!
So wonderful to hear from you.
When you mentioned acting out the Bible lesson in Sunday School, I immediately thought of our daughter. She worked as a day camp counselor last summer at our local YMCA. Once a week, she was responsible for a Bibles lesson. Of course, with 7 and 8-year olds, you must be able to hold their attention. It was so much fun to hear her relate the stories of the children when it was her turn. They would get so excited and beg to take part in the lessons. Isn’t it great? It is the kind of zeal that we, as adults, many times could use!
Thank you for allowing us to share in your daily life.
Have a blessed week.
I’m on week 2 of the James study and lovin it! At first I laughed at the idea of memorizing the book, but then I heard your cd of it and I feel a challenge coming on. To say you inspire me is the utmost understatement.
I would give anything though to have a church family like yours. It’s all I can do to show up on Sundays. Please pray that the Lord would lead my family to a church that blesses us like yours does.
Looking forward to seeing you in Jan!
Traci
I love these updates from you. They’re my favorite!
Things are going fairly well here. I’m about to hit six months of dating that British Boyfriend of mine. In the past six months, we’ve flown back and forth across the US and the Atlanta four times, which is a pretty good record for six months. He’ll be here again in 31 days and we’re blessed enough to get to spend 15 days together when he comes this time. I’m going to show him his first (and hopefully not last) American Christmas. 😉
Things on the foster care side have been tough. Nineteen days ago, my foster daughter (who has just barely turned 18) was arrested and charged with a felony. The last three weeks have been a whirlwind of trying to take care of the practical side of things (I had co-signed on her bills, which was a huge mistake on my part) and trying to figure out how to handle the emotional / spiritual side of things. I’m really conflicted about what kind of role God would have me serve in her life right now. And, it’s incredibly sad to know that a girl you loved and took care of is now sleeping on a thin mat on the floor of a jail cell. I left the parking lot after yesterday’s visit feeling completely void of emotion about the entire thing. It’s just surreal to see someone you love in that situation.
Oh my gracious, Amy Beth. Whoa. That is a LOT. But it is very fun for us hopeful romantics to hear about your overseas boyfriend. Thank you for humoring us! Please check back in with us in 32 days.
I will. 🙂
And, that was supposed to be “the Atlantic Ocean” by the way. We are very lucky to have a Delta flight attendant helping us out with some buddy passes. 😉
Dear Amy,
I hate to say it, but we have been there…I just poured out my heart to God-He loves her more than you do. I know that God is right there feeling all of the hurts and pains of this moment. I will add you to my prayer list-get on everyone you knows prayer list-they don’t have to say names, they can just pray for a friend in need! You can love her through this, you can love her in spite of this, but you don’t have to love the mess. i had friends who told me that they would wake up in the middle of the night to pray for our daughter. And this is the hardest part-you have to praise God anyway. That always takes the longest to kick in for me, but it makes the trip a little shorter-just praise Him in the storm. Sometimes I would be crying, flailing around, begging for things to be resolved and it would hit me and I would just start Praising God. That always helped. Like Beth I think said, I scared the dogs, but I would put on that praise music and say God, thank You for this miracle You only can perform!
Just prayed for you, dear Siesta! You CAN do this! Your mention of your foster daughter reminds me of Galations 6:9…”and let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we SHALL reap, if we do not lose heart.” Don’t lose heart…stay strong in the Word! I’m guessing that nice boyfriend of yours may be a nice diversion as well. 😉
Another encouraging vscripture in parting: “…to know the LOVE of Christ which passes knowledge, that YOU may be FILLED with ALL the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)
Good Morning!
Do you know what you will be teaching in January at HFBC? 🙂
Out of the Book of Deuteronomy! So hope you’ll join us!
Tim Hawkins says that a non-denominational church is just a Baptist church with a coffee bar! HA HA HA!
That’s awesomely funny!
Can I get an Amen on the half and half??
My brother and I were profoundly by the power of praying grandparents. We both have fond memories of a Baptist church in the panhandle of Texas, decorated in avocado green no less. We both loved singing beside my grandparents who could not carry a tune, but sang with great gusto! My grandmother said it was because she was an Alto and just trying to harmonize. She would laugh and wink when she said this.
I understand the lump-in-the-throat – last night I had the privilege of singing “Sing to the King” next to my teenage daughter and she was belting it out! I’ve thought of it many times today with a lump and a tear. Did my mama-heart good!!
Holy cow Siesta Mama, we have missed you around here (and around Twitter!) I think I must have been wondering awful hard about how you have been doing and what you have been up to, because for some odd reason, you were in my dreams last night! Can’t remember what the dream was about but I DO remember that I was at your house, sitting across from you sharing a coffee (which is odd in itself since I don’t drink coffee) and shooting the breeze. Had to chuckle at myself upon awaking to find myself right here in my own house and disappointed that it was only a dream! Life will get crazy in the next few weeks as we are packing up to move out of a large church parsonage (after 14 years) into a much smaller home of our own. Praise God! My husband is nearing retirement and we just kept getting the “nudge” to go ahead. This 53 year old body just does not have the energy, wherewithall, the whatever it used to have to get these things done! You know what I mean? Well, thanks so much for stopping by the blog today! As I said before, we have missed you. Now I’m off to finish my homework for Revelation, Session 7 Wednesday night! Big hugs Beth!
Just finished teaching my wonderful, Kindergarten class. I love teaching the students new songs during Bible period, and talking with them about the meaning of the lyrics. We talk about singing with our hearts and not just our lips. I do love my job and praise God for the opportunities to share His love.
Sounds so fun. I remember building a church when my kids were little. We would help,out with things that the contractors allowed lay people to do. It really brings you together.
This week I am busy with Family Promise. Do you know this ministry? It is a ministry where churches help homeless families by feeding them and allowing them to sleep in our classrooms for 7 days at a time. I love meeting our families and helping out. It is a great ministry. This ministry helps the families to gain their independence once again by teaching life skills and of course, showing the love of Jesus.
So glad to hear from you again. God bless you sweet sister.
Lawan
Phil 4:8
I’m getting over a nasty cold, and now my daughter, Angela, has it, too. So she’s home sick from school. I looked at that sentence about not underestimating our jobs as mothers over and over again. I so often think my life is being wasted. That because I can’t hold down a job outside the home because of severe anxiety. I beat myself up constantly over that, for not trusting God enough to go out and get a job. Right now, I’m not sure He wants me, too. I mean, our financial situation is hard, but we have everything we need. I do know that sometimes my husband has to decide which bill he can get away with not paying this month, if something comes up, and I feel so guilty about that. But even while I’m asking God for more faith, so I can help, but thank you for letting me know, that as a mom my life isn’t wasted! I do spend a lot of time talking with my kids and listening to them, and sharing scripture with them, and occassionally (when I’m up for it) some praise dancing. And of course, when I can tear my preteen daughter away from her Justin Bieber music long enough! 🙂
She told me not long ago, that she tells our neighbor, and her dear friend, Jackie (she’s 67 years old and they really are friends), everything. She told me that Jackie knows about every single depressive episode I’ve had in her lifetime since she’s known Jackie. I must have looked terrified at that thought, cause she then said with great emphasis, “And she loves you! She thinks your one of the most wonderful people she’s ever known.” This blew my mind and she then told me about how she also knows about all the times I’ve helped others and been there for my friends. She said that Jackie describes me as a very caring person, who would do just about anything for anyone. I must have looked shocked, because my daughter than said, “You don’t know that about yourself. You don’t see that. Mom, you jump up and run the minute you know someone needs help and you can help them. Or you at least pray, when you can’t do anything.” I guess she’s right. I mean, I did drive my friend to the hospital and stay with her when she didn’t have a car and needed a treatment. Blew my entire afternoon but that’s okay. I also picked up a little girl who was locked out of her house on a rainy day and her parents weren’t home yet. She was so cold! I almost got in trouble for that one. I won’t tell you that story, though. I’ve already said enough. But thank you for reminding me that even though there’s more I need to be doing, my life is valuable right now!
Oh, and I did a double take on that part about being into your third month at BCF! I thought to myself, “has it really been that long,” while doing the math in my head, and YES, it has!!! That is so amazing! God is so good! I’m hoping to get the chance to visit (if I can find a ride and a place to store my luggage) when I go to SSMT celebration. I’m not flying out until that afternoon or evening. I don’t really know the flight schedule. Josh booked it. I know I told him I was hoping to catch a Sunday morning service, so he booked my hotel and flights accordingly! I love him so much! Yet another thing he’s sacrificed for me to get to do, even while I’m being a pain!
Shellie,
As I read about your financial difficulties in your post, I thought about Dave Ramsey. Perhaps you have already heard of him and even follow his budgeting technique/advice. If so, then I imagine that is helping you out a lot!
If not, I would encourage you to check out his website at http://www.daveramsey.com. My husband heard him on the radio in December, 2006. I bought the book, The Total Money Makeover, for him that Christmas and we started our “Dave Ramsey budget” in January, 2007. It has made a world of difference in our lives, to say the least! His financial software (~$20) is well worth it and makes it easy to follow a budget!
Blessings to you and maybe I’ll see you in Houston in January! 🙂
Yes, we’ve been through a lot of Dave Ramsey stuff and it is helping. It’s just that we had dug ourselves into such a ditch, it’s hard to dig back out, but we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It didn’t help when the economy crashed in the middle of it! It’s a whole lot better than when my husband was working on commission! That was stressful and hard to budget! There were no guarantees, but then there really aren’t in life anyway, but it is nice knowing that as long as he’s able to keep his job we’ll get the same paycheck every month!!!
Praise God for half and half…I know there will be a good coffee bar (along with other wonderful things) in heaven and powdered creamer will not be allowed.
I just spent 10 days in New Orleans and am wondering if you ate any great Cajun food while there. I’m looking forward to some real Mexican food and Texas BarBQ in January.
“a granny and her grandson worshipping together”…you are so blessed…my kids’ lovely grandma went to heaven on aug 9th.
I will never, ever forget the time I saw on one of the bible study dvd’s where you tell the story of “praise dancing with Bibby” and I just cried like a baby. Thanks for always reminding us the importance and power of prayers that seem so “far away!”
Love you Mama Beth! Praying for LPM always!
Fran
Loved your report of happenings at BCF!
Here’s a funny story for the next time you are at your coffee bar and see the Half and Half Cream. A friend told me that years ago her neighbour sent her little daughter to the corner store to buy some Half and Half and the daughter came home and said they didn’t have any; they only had “Moytee Moytee”. The mother was quite puzzled and wondered what “Moytee Moytee” was so went to the store to check. It was a store in a small town in Quebec and all the cartons of Half and Half were turned so the French side was showing “Creme Moitie-Moitie”. The mother told her friends and the story has been passed down and now we all call it “Moytee Moytee”.
Seeing children worshipping is so precious. We have one little guy at church, Aaron, who is 4 and he can read and follow the words on the overhead and he is very outgoing and such a joy to watch. A few weeks ago we were singing a chorus where the lines were “we lift up our hands” and he was standing on a pew and both arms shot up in the air and then when the line came “we bow down” Aaron bent right over at the waist. He was so cute.
Thanks for giving us a catch up!
The last part of your post just blessed my heart I could just see you and Jackson worshipping together that. Is so cool. Thanks for sharing hard to believe you all are in your 3rd month already .
Thankful for you MS. Beth you bless me so.
Carol
Beth, I’m so crazy about you! I love hearing about the church and y’all’s hearts for ministry. It’s so special. I have been touched time and time again by your books, blog post, and Bible Study. Thank you a million times. Love reading Lindsee’s post also! You guys are such a blessing!
Loved reading this–did my heart so much good. Today has been a rough day with my 3 precious children (3 and under) and this was like water to a thirsty soul. Thank you for your ministry. And yes, I am abundantly grateful to the amazing children’s workers at my church, especially the preschool workers who teach my 3-year-old daughter and even let my 18-month-old son sneak into the 3 and up class. What a blessing to pick up my grinning children with their Bible crafts and hear them singing songs about Jesus.
I LOVED the ending of your post!! I once read (either here or on Amanda’s blog) about Amanda singing “How He loves” with Jackson at the top of their lungs in her car and I pray I can have a similar experience with my little one who is on his way! I actually think about it every time I hear that song! 🙂 It’s so great when we see God’s promises come to fruitation. Thanks for the update!! Love ya!!
Just poppin’ in to say “I love you” after too long away. I have been soooooo…..busy with our amazing God as He’s been revealing so much of Himself to me. I’m in a season where HE is answering so much prayer and I can hardly stand it!!!! I’ve been havin’ me some MAJOR praise-dancin’!!!!!! Whoooooo-hoooooooo!!!!!!!! 🙂
Dear sweet Beth,
It is great to hear about what is going on in your life 🙂 I spent the weekend in Chicago with my aunt. Had the honor of taking her to Harvest Bible Chapel and hear Dr James McDonald preach, all I can say is YEAH!!! We go there any chance we can to worship there.
With lots of love and “hugs” ( I love tight hugs)
Beth—I love reading your summary of these first few weeks at BCF. We just love it there and are recently found our areas to serve. I love how hard every there works and how God is continuing to bless this new church. I have joined in for the time of prayer before service recently and really love that. What a great foundation. It was so funny to read your comments on working at the coffee station. I myself don’t drink coffee but I can relate as in years I past I used to drink a soda every morning. Our son is in 5th grade and loves the Children’s ministry. However being a typical boy we don’t get to hear about the songs and the bible stories being acted out nor any other details. Usually he just says it was fun or it was good. Praise God for all the lives being touched and changed at this new church (and for our awesome Pastor and the word from God that he shares with us each week!)
Beth, It sounds as if you serve in some of the best places in the House! I serve as a greeter and information hostess at my church on Sunday mornings. I love it, love it, love it! It is a thrill and privilege to greet a new family, single or couple and welcome them in to service or a class. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
My 17 year old son just started learning to play the bass guitar and has already jumped in to playing in our church’s youth band. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten that lump in my throat when he and I practice the songs together….me on the piano, him on the bass, both singing praises to our One True God. I get choked up every time!!!
I just wanted to say thank you for your example. It is appreciated.
Hi Beth,
It’s great to hear about the new church and how God is working. I have listened to some of Curtis’s podcasts and I enjoyed them. I plan to visit the church when I come for the SSMT event, which, I am so excited about I can hardly stand it (I am coming from Indiana and it may be the only chance I get).
Memorizing scripture this year has been amazing. I was not sure that I could do it but He has been faithful, He gave me the ability. PTL! 21 of 24 so far woohoo! If there is anything that I know it’s that with God all things are possible. I learned the hard way that without Him the old me rears her ugly head. So memorizing has keep my eyes and mind fixed on Him.
Want you to know that I truly appreciate you, God has given you an amazing gift, a heart for Him and for all of us.
Thanks for the shout-out for children’s ministry, Miss Beth. Having taught children’s classes for a number of years, I didn’t realize what low regard most church people have for them until I began teaching a women’s class on Wed. nights and everyone seemed to think it was a step up. In fact, I think someone actually used those exact words.
Someone in leadership in our church tried to talk me into an adult class on Sundays because she thought I was “wasted” in the children’s ministry. I expressed to her my urgent conviction that we MUST have outstanding teachers for our children to ground them in Scripture. We have to stop feeding them spiritual baby food for eighteen solid years, and then wondering how we lost them when they get to college and they have no answers for hard questions.
From now on, I’m going to tell them that Beth Moore is happy to do children’s ministry on Sunday mornings. (Is that okay?)
Anne
Wish I was there helping right beside you. I miss teaching Sunday School so much, it is really hard not having a class to teach and just doing Women’s Bible study once a year.
You never know what influence you have on young kids. I had one boy who was six years old and he was so excited that I was going out to eat with him and his family. When I went back home to my “Home Church” one girl ran up to me and said, “Do you remember me?” of course, I did she was a handful, but I loved her anyway. I love teaching.
New Orleans, has changed so much. Last time I was down there, I couldn’t find where I usually eat and the destruction from the hurricane is prevelant.
So glad God has given you the opportunties to reach others and we look forward to Amanda telling about her trip.
I totally understand coffee ministry! We are in the middle of A Woman’s Heart for Sunday School and every Sunday I bring a Starbucks traveler for the class. We love it!!! Haven’t had to resort to a hard hat yet thankfully!
Have a wonderful week,
Dawn 🙂
I am drowning in wifedom and motherhood. It has been a handful of days where you just try to keep up with the laundry and pray the rest takes care of itself. whew! I know there will be days I miss this. Right??