Ladies! We’re only a few days away from welcoming you to the great (and large, mind you) city of Houston. To say we’re all pumped and scurrying around would be an understatement. We’re all so ready to see y’all!
A lot of you have been asking for details as far as schedule is concerned, and also some recommendations of some good restaurants to eat at, where you can shop and what in the world can you do in Houston for an entire weekend? Before our first SSMT, Amanda wrote a really informative post about all things Houston, so I’m going to rip a few things off of that post and add some more. At the end of this post, you might be tired of hearing all about Houston!
Don’t let the words “winter season” fool you. Houston tends to have a mind of its own. Those of you coming from snow will be pleasantly surprised to get a break from the bitter cold! It can be a little chilly inside the church, so you may want to layer up, or bring a light sweater. And if you’re stressed about packing, we encourage casual! Jeans are great!
Friday:
Partly Sunny
High – 75
Low – 58
Rain – 10%
Saturday:
Partly Sunny
High – 75
Low – 60
Rain – 10%
Sunday:
Cloudy
High – 76
Low – 64
Rain – 20%
So you can plan accordingly, here is the celebration schedule:
Friday:
5pm Check-In opens
6pm Doors open to Worship Center
7pm Celebration begins
10pm Evening concludes
Saturday:
8am Continental breakfast available
9am Celebration begins
12pm Celebration concludes…go eat lunch with new friends, shop & have fun!
Location is key, and Houston’s First Baptist Church, where we’ll have our celebration is located near a lot of great restaurants and endless entertainment. There are no official plans that have been made as far as meet-ups are concerned that I know about, but I have no doubt, especially if you’re traveling alone, that you can hook up with a group of Siestas who might have their weekend planned out.
If you are a smart phone owner (iPhone, Android, etc…) one thing that might be very helpful to you is an app called “Urbanspoon”. It is an app that lists all of the restaurants near you, customer reviews for that specific restaurant, and an address that you can paste in your GPS. It is a free app and we would strongly encourage you to use it! Just consider it your personal assistant for the weekend.
The Galleria, which is about four miles from the church (I know that sounds far, but it’s really close), can provide you with most anything you need, great food, great shopping and great people watching, if that’s your sort of thing. Around the Galleria you can find pretty much any type of food your heart desires.
Here are some restaurants that might be of interest to you:
The Chocolate Bar
1835 W. Alabama
Houston, TX 77098
713-520-8599
www.theoriginalchocolatebar.com
Dessert Gallery
1616 Post Oak Blvd
713.622.0007
www.dessertgallery.com
Cafe Express
6570 Woodway St.
Houston, TX 77057
713.935.9222
www.cafe-express.com
Collina’s Memorial
8800 Katy Fwy.
(Ste. 109)
Houston, TX 77024
713-365-9497
www.collinas.com
Pappasito’s
10409 Katy Fwy.
Houston, TX 77024
713-468-1913
www.pappasitos.com (click on the I-10 location)
Cyclone Anaya’s
5761 Woodway Drive
Houston, TX 77057
713-339-4552
http://www.cycloneanaya.com
Tiny Boxwood’s Cafe
3614 W Alabama St.
Houston, TX 77027
713-622-4224
www.thompsonhanson.com
(Click on cafe down at the bottom)
Benjy’s
2424 Dunstan
Houston, TX 77005
713-522-7602
www.benjys.com
Some of you have asked about a great spa, and one we would recommend, though it is pricey, would be The Trellis at the Houstonian. http://trellisspa.com/
One thing you can be sure to encounter is Houston traffic, especially on Friday afternoon and evening. Welcome!
Another thing to remember as you’re packing is your spirals full of your scriptures. It’s your ticket in!
And last but not least, if you’re on twitter, let’s get our hashtag party going. We’ll use: #SSMTC just for fun!
We hope this was of some help and assistance to you! Here is the link to FAQ page one more time should you have any more questions.
We are giddy with excitement and cannot wait to see your pretty faces in just three days! We love y’all!
Enjoy the warmth of weather, Siesta’s love, and most important God’s love. I woke up to a windchill of -13 this morning. I would have LOVED to spend my 40th birthday (Sunday) with you. It simply doesn’t work to make the trip. I will be thinking of you and will pray for you this weekend. Please post and share as many details as possible. Grace, peace, and safe travels to all.
I would like to invite all the Siestas who will be in Houston to visit Bayou City Fellowship on Sunday if your schedule permits.
Service begins at 10:00 and is usually over around 11:30.
Curtis Jones (Amanda’s husband) is an awesome teacher and you will be blessed.
Thanks, Judy. I was wondering that. Hope they won’t mind a Siesta Section. Do you think there’ll be room? I imagine that’s already quite a big crowd. Great “problem,” huh?
I am so sad I can’t attend this year, was there in 2010 and it was an awesome experience! What are the details of the live simulcast for those of us who can’t make it? Thanks!
So excited! See you all tomorrow!
Is jealousy a sin? I will just have to say now, “Lord, forgive my green spirit!” I am green with envy for sure!! I will miss you all SO MUCH!!! I so wish I could be there too. Looks like it is going to be a beautiful weekend also. I am in Florida, so, well, it has a mind of it’s own as well. 🙂 Yesterday my daughter wore shorts to school, then we built a fire last night. Go figure. HAHA! Anywho… Beth, I am praying for you & all of the siesta’s. Be blessed, ladies!!
I am so excited for all of you Siestas who are going to be there! Gonna miss it, and I mean, I am going to MISS IT!! Love y’all! Wish I could be there with ya! XO’s!
Woohoo, my flight is in a few hours!!
Yeah, at exactly the moment I was too step on the plane, I was denied. Story of my life.
GOD BLESS ALL SIESTAS WHO WILL BE ATTENDING THIS SSMT CELEBRATION! Safe travels and overflowing Jesus time this weekend!
I’m so bummed to be missing it this year, my hubby is in Afghanistan and I’m holding down the home front with my children; I don’t have family close by to help with child care for the whole weekend. You’re ALL in my prayers and I can’t wait to see pictures!!!
teri, thank you for the sacrifices you make every day on behalf of all of us. i’m praying a joy-filled weekend for you & your children.
in the love of Jesus~ tracey
God bless YOU, Teri!!! May the Lord be a SHIELD around your husband while he is away and serving our country. And I pray He will bless and protect and provide for you and your children in very tangible and loving ways.
Will you be able to participate this weekend via livestream? I am and I hope to see you there, too!!!
I…. AM….. SOOOOOOOOO….. EXCITED!!!!!!!
I can hardly wait! 😀
~Hollie
(look for the Pink hair)
Woo Hoo!!! We are so ready, leaving the same climate as Houston but just looking forward to being in a room with so many ladies that have a heart from God’s almighty word! Thank you so much for the accountability through this last year! And I am all about a place that has Chocolate in the name!
See you tomorrow!
I’m sorry to say I will not be able to attend after all. Will be praying for all of you!
I so wish I could be there, but I’ll be there in spirit. What made me feel a little better is that last night my women’s group started the James: Mercy Triumphs study and over 100+ women attended. The first video session was awesome and the Holy Spirit was ON FIRE in our gathering space! Can’t wait to get into it and see what God reveals! Prayers for an electric celebration are being lifted high! 🙂
Would appreciate prayer. Stuck at the Seattle airport in the midst of an ice-storm. Our flight is cancelled – along with most others. So sad. Being told that there is no hope of getting out, but believing God for a MIRACLE! He has spoken so many promises to me and my sweet friend, Kimmie, over this trip and what He will do. We are standing in a VERY long line – believing that the Lord can make a way where there is no way (Exodus 14).
Praying with you Amanada! Believing.
Thank you, Yanna! The good news is that God is faithful and His ways are higher than ours. The bad news is that after hours and hours of trying, there was no way to get out of Seatac to Houston – all flights cancelled. They tried to get us on other airlines too, but then they cancelled all their flights. By the afternoon, after much prayer (yours included), God’s ultimate plan prevailed…and we surrendered to it. Rather than heading home, we have deciced to make a weekend of it in downtown Seattle – we have a gorgeous hotel room overlooking downtown and the snow is falling. We are still expecting great things from Him (including much direction/revelation regarding the ministry we are getting ready to launch) – and knowing that He can accomplish whatever He wants…regardless of which city we’re in. “And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us!”
I’ve wondered how many Siestas were stuck up at SEATAC. I’ll be praying for a miracle so you can get to Houston on behalf of all of us from the Puget Sound that cannot go. Have a great time!
Dear Amanda May, praying for a miracle for you and Kimmie!
Precious Lord, Loving Father, we know that YOU are in control of ALL the details of our lives. Lord, I pray that You will give Amanda and Kimmie the desire of their hearts to be in Houston tonight for the SSMT celebration! Lord, we pray for a miracle!
Above all, we pray YOUR will be done in the lives of Amanda and Kimmie this very day, and that whatever happens, You will be their Fortress and their Shield. We trust You, Lord, for You are good, and all Your ways are perfect. Keep ALL the Siestas safe this weekend, we pray in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, Amen and Amen!
Amanda and Kimmie, have a great time in Seattle! I’m just a bit too far, Gig Harbor, to have you over for dinner. God bless your time!
We drove to Seattle and found out our flight was cancelled as well, with so many others. We are sad with you, but so glad you are making a good trip out of it. We stopped at the Nordstrom Rack before leaving town. Praying for you and Kimmie.
Blessings, Sarah and Christina
Hi Sarah, please check your email. Know that you will be dearly missed. We love you!
Hi Lindsee, Could you please check your email for a message from me sent late Friday night? Thanks! Love you too!!
So grateful to my ABBA and my precious husband for this time to be alone with the Lord and together with my Siestas. Seriously. He is about to bless some socks off.
Goodness,
I so often wish that there was a “like” button for these precious siesta comments–we’ve gotten so used to that on FB!
See you in ONE day!! I’m actually packed already and have absolutely NO IDEA how I am going to be able to go to bed early tonight (because of my middle-of-the-night trip to the airport), but I’m pretty sure I could make it through the whole weekend on pure excitement–who needs SLEEP!?!
Love.
Please help us spread the word:
Women are invited to a citywide Bible study starting Feb. 9 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., in Fremont, NE
The eight-week event features Beth Moore’s latest work “Mercy Triumphs” – a study of the book of James. Sessions run from 7-9 p.m. on consecutive Thursday evenings.
Call 402-721-8412 to pre-register.
Will be praying for your study! We are starting James in Marion, KS this Monday night, Jan. 23rd and are soooo excited!!! God bless!
Hey Siestas, Off-topic, but could you maybe help me out? Where in Scripture does it warn against “associating long-term, or on a regular basis” with unbelievers? My son is in college and he and a couple of buddies are thinking of joining a fraternity to infiltrate some “good” into the “bad”….trying to help him find discernment…and if you all had any thoughts or advice too, I would appreciate it… 🙂
I think one verse you might have in mind is
2 Corinthians 6:14. Also, I like the Proverb that says, “The wise man (or woman) sees danger and hides him/herself; a fool goes on and suffers for it.” For good to triumph over evil is always a great challenge, requiring great spiritual strength. The potential costs should always be counted.
Hey Ann, not sure where your exact quote is from, but this verse came to mind:
“Bad company corrupts good character.”
Though, of course we are to be a light in a dark world, I believe this applies to “fraternizing” with unbelievers. Then there’s the good ‘ole, “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…”. When I first quoted that to my hubby (from KJV), he wondered what in the world eggs had to do with anything! Ha!! Gotta love him 🙂
Lord Jesus bless these siestas as they get ready to gather together for there wonderful party! Lord would you party hurty with the girls! you are the creator of a great time! thank you for the hard work they did! bless them! teresa
It’s snowing and 20o here…just sayin’…
Have a wonderful time, Siestas! I am so proud of every single one of you. I didn’t follow through and memorize my Scriptures – the older I get, it seems the more distracted I get. Y’all have worked hard, and I’m praying you have a glorious, hilarious, worshipful celebration. Love to you!
We are grounded due to a blizzard. SEATAC at a standstill. Tears and more tears.
I am getting so excited for tomorrow!! This year I am going alone, but I have already been blessed to have Siestas to meet up with who are so gracious to make others feel welcome.
Then yesterday after BSF I had lunch with several of my friends and one of their friends I hadn’t met. I mentioned my trip this weekend and SHE IS GOING TOO!! How awesome is God? Now I already have know a Siesta before I get there!!
I am praying for safe travels for all of the Siestas! I know God has an amazing Word for us, as well as the great fellowship.
See many of you tomorrow!
Lisa
Blessings on all of you this weekend! May Christ be glorified! Sad to miss you all but grateful to have been a part of the scripture memory.
Finishing getting ready and praying for all to make it despite nasty weather in some areas…
Dear Mama Beth and Siesta’s
We are up hear in the Pacific Northwest and Sadly our flights are cancelled due to weather and we are unable to get to Houston. We tried getting a flight out of Portland which is a 2.5 hour drive but nothing available.We have been with out power since 3am this morning and this is the worst storm in years. Please be in prayer for everyone’s safety up here. Trees are coming down everywhere due to all the heavy snow fall and ice. My heart is very sad but my heart will be with you all and will be in prayer for you.
Love to you all Siesta’s
Love,
April Lopez in BonneyLake,Washington
253-224-5646 If there are any local siesta’s in the area feel free to call me and we can be in prayer.
Dear April and other NW Siestas – SO sorry you can’t catch a flight out. I knew the flights from Anchorage into Seattle and Portland had been canceled yesterday – which never happens. You’re in my prayers….
Hi April, if you see this, will you please email me (Lindsee) at [email protected]? Thank you so much, Sister.
Hi April, I drove over to Seattle from MT Wed. to catch a flight out and am not able to get to Houston either. But it is comforting to know that our Sovereign God knows exactly where He wants us and we can rest at peace with that truth. I pray that you feel the warmth of His love during this time of challenge. I will be praying for you. Ingrid Lathrop
Hi Ingrid, It is completely unrelated but boy did I need that reminder tonight that our God is sovereign and knows exactly where He wants us. My husband just received orders and we are going where I DO NOT want to go. I know there is a plan for it all though. Thank you
Mama Beth and Siesta’s,
I forgot to mention I did memorize all 24 of my verses. Praise God!!! I thank you for this last year and I will look forward to the next SSMT.
Love you all!!
April Lopez
I so wish I was going to Houston this weekend! Have a wonderful time, Siestas! Be encouraged in the Word and in community with each other. Beth, Amanda and Melissa – have a blast!
Is it to late to sign up for the scripture memorization?
Hi Merle, we are not doing it this year on the blog. However, we encourage you to still do it and maybe find a partner to do it with as well for some accountability. Check back in 2013. Blessings!
I will not be able to join you, thanks LPM for hosting this special time- I’ll say my verses one more time wishing I could be there, a tough year- your blog support has been a major blessing- Lots of love
Can we start early? I think most of us attending are awake and ready. 🙂
Hi Lindsey,
I bought the live-stream but now things have changed and I won’t be home to watch. Will this be recorded like the other live-streams? Please say yes!!
Thank you
Hi Karen, I am not sure if it will be or not. I think the answer is no, but I will find out for you. I am so sorry!
Sooooo happy today!!! 🙂
Lindsee, I may get up early and drive from Austin to catch at least tomorrow- I assume that is OK? Also, is there a live stream?????? I read a comment- I’d love to “tune in” tonight if there is a Siesta live stream-
Oh Siestas! I hope it is the most fantabulous weekend! I know lots of us across the Fruited Plain and the Frozen Arctic (in a few cases) will be keeping you foremost is our prayers, thoughts and hearts. Can’t wait to hear about your time with Jesus and with each other!! I’ll for sure miss the delectable food and fun at The Chocolate Bar! Bon Apetit!
For any of you who are staying at the Omni, meet in the lobby today at 3pm if you want to go to Pappasito’s for a late lunch and then we’ll be heading straight to the church.
Hello, I wanted to let the staff know that I will not be coming after all. I made it to Seattle by God’s grace, driving from MT. But once in Seattle, I was to fly out to Houston, but the weather shut down Seatac airport and then the priorty that Alaska Air was giving to get back on track didn’t include Houston as part of its first priority. Soooo here I am in Seattle in 2 feet of snow thinking about my 75 degree weather clothing packed in my bag:) I pray that this time together will bring all of you gathered together into a deeper view of every part of our life here from an eternal perspective. All blessings truly from God affect eternity. My sincere love and regards to you all. Ingrid Lathrop
Please check your email, Ingrid! You will be missed. Blessings!
I just read what happened to you. I am so sorry! I am not one that would have been able to go to the party but here you were all ready one flite left! Oh Lord give her a great blessing for her hard work and excitement! Lord may it not be a rewound memory of defeat! May there be something she can grab from this that makes her grin a little. Thank you Lord for ingrid! Jesus name above all names! Amen!
SOOOOO excited!!! Have went to the lobby twice b/c of nervous energy! Looking forward to celebrating with you all very soon!!!!
Dear Siesta Ingrid, Praise God for the traveling mercies he gave you to get here. While I don’t quite understand why things worked out this way and our hearts are sad, I do know God is good. I hope you are somewhere safe here in Seattle. Please, please know my heart is truly with you and I know your sadness… Bless you darling!!!
Siesta April
Wow! Thank you for the live stream! My sweet husband took me out for mexican food for dinner and got me home in time for the Celebration. I think a quick drive through Starbucks in the a.m. will put me in the Siesta groove tomorrow morning before I join you again. I miss being in the love and energy of the face to face group but I do feel very included and loved face to screen from Texas! Waiting for some more Word tomorrow!
Been praying for/with all us Siestas today….those present and accounted for…and those of us not present, but still accounted for!!…May Jesus Christ be praised!!!…as you worship and lift His Name on high…and we are joining you in our hearts…may His Spirit be poured out in abundance….and the earth be filled with the knowledge of The Lord!!!…may we be His women of the 100-fold harvest of His Spirit and His Word….sandyT/kc
Hello Siestas,
I pray that The Lord absolutely blessed your socks off tonight. After praying and unsuccessfully trying every possibility to join you in Houston, I want to say God is good 🙂 I was able to travel up here to Kirkland with my grandbabies, 2 guinea pigs, my dog chucho, husband and myself. We are now in a safe and warm place to stay the night with electricity. Upon arriving this afternoon I seen Lindsee’s message about the live stream and was so excited that I would not miss out but guess what happened? My daughter’s internet went out. I prayed and prayed it would come on as it was getting closer and closer till the event started. Well you probably guessed what happened, it did not come on till 8mins after it ended. I want to share that God met us here with good conversation with my daughter’s college classmates and The Lord continued to remind me to keep my eyes on Him, praise Him and thank Him for his goodness. Where as before I would have been absolutely devastated about all that went wrong I have felt The Lord strengthening me and most of all His love for me. I want to say A Big thank you to God and the LPM staff for your love and thoughtfulness in setting up the Live stream for us that were unable to join you. As you can see the internet is on and Lord willing I will be able to join you in the morning. God Bless each and everyone of you Dear, Dear Siesta’s. GOD IS GOOD!!!!!
Dear Siestas,
I am so sad I was not able to attend this year! Will be keeping all of you in my prayers. Be encouraged in whatever God has for each of you. I know He has something special for all of you and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Blessings to all
Pam
I am thinking of you all, spending time with Beth this weekend. Have a blessed fun time!!
Love,
Rhonda
Kalamazoo, Michigan
kalamazoo michigan – would like to be in touch with you so we could fly out of detroit together in jan 2014!! for the next ssmt. i am about 45 min. south of detroit in canada- [email protected].
Hi , what is everyone talking about? Live stream, where do I find it? Sitting at home being sad, thinking of all of you having so much fun! Praying God’s blessings on you!
Oh my gosh!!! Thank You so much for Live Streaming this for us!!! I am sooooo loved by God and all of you!!!! Thank You so much!!!
I love you all! 🙂
I hope you all had a great time! I am very sorry I couldn’t attend. I just saw that there was a live stream but I missed it. Is there a video that will be made available?
That was just beautiful!!! Thank you again!!
What a wonderful community of believes this Seistaville is. I hope Lord willing I can meet some of you face to face someday. What a privelege to be among such a group. The love just overflows from you to us on the other side of the screen and then back to you again!!! Only Jesus can do this! I love the chosen lady concept!!!The Eklecte Kuria! Thank-you Beth and thank-you Jesus. Safe and warm in ND! Betty M
Wow Mama Beth and Siesta’s!!!
What a POWERFUL WORD!!!!!! God knew I needed that word today!!! I have to say the enemy has been pushing me back loong enough and it’s time through The Lord that I push back. I come from a background of sexual abuse and have had a continuous battle of the mind. Continually hearing I am never good enough, hiding in shame and constantly comparing myself to everyone around me. The biggest issue is thinking and hearing that I have nothing of value to say, “MY VOICE”. I am here to proclaim that I do have value in HIM Christ Jesus and with his strength I will push back. Praise God!! Thank you again LPM for providing the Live Stream and Praise The Lord my power came back on in time for today. Blessings and much love to you all. April Lopez
Thank you so much for the simulcast, what a joy to be able to watch at home. God bless you all at LPL! Lindsee, you came along at just the right time! Thanks for a great word and a great commission, Beth. I’m walking in what I know, out into the world, to gain back some lost ground! And this lady hopes to share some of your words with the ladies at our church’s Women’s Retreat next weekend. I can’t wait to see what the Lord does!