Hey, my beloved Siestas!
I am writing you from a bumpy altitude of about 28,000 feet on my way home from the Greensboro, North Carolina Living Proof Live. It’s Sunday early afternoon, a day later than I was scheduled to fly out. When I checked in at the United Airlines’ desk in Greensboro, a screen popped up saying that my itinerary had been altered and asked if I wanted to proceed. I reviewed the itinerary carefully on the screen and compared it to my schedule and could not for the life of me tell any difference. I shrugged my shoulders and carried on with my check-in and never gave it a second thought.
I got to Washington DC for my layover and looked at the screen in the bustling corridor for the gate number to my 5:10 PM flight and that’s when I saw it. My flight was so delayed out of Honolulu (seriously?? straight to DC??) that our earliest departure would be 11:00 PM that night and, best-case-scenario, would land us in Houston at 1:30 AM. That translates to a final home-getting out in the sticks where I live at about 2:45 AM. Hmmm. When I checked at the customer service desk to see if there had been any update on the schedule, the attendant confirmed the bad news as delicately as she could and added that the flight was at risk of cancellation and that, if she were me, she’d switch to a flight the next day and run for my life to a hotel. Otherwise I could get stranded in the middle of the night with no plan. So, that’s what I did. My dear and most excellent assistant, K-Mac, hopped on her computer at home in Houston and started finding me a hotel room nearby while I stood in another line to book this flight and waited for the next 2 hours in baggage claim for them to find my suitcase.
It all sounds worse than it was because Jesus stayed so near me. Typing those words, I could almost cry. He is so gracious. I’ll get to more of that in just a moment. I tried to call my man a couple of times before I made a final decision but couldn’t reach him. I hated the thought that I was going to cancel out of that flight and come home the next day without even letting him know in advance. When you’ve been married as long as we have, a few days pass and it just doesn’t feel right not to be back together. I started to say, “When you’ve been married as long as we have, you get used to one another,” but I said that not long ago to Keith and he looked at me glibly and said, “Lizabeth, I’m used to my underwear. I love my wife. That’s why I want to be with her.” And it made me laugh.
The older we get, I sometimes have the quickest shot of panic go through me when I say bye to him. It’s only on occasion. The rest of the time I keep my wits better about me. But sometimes before I walk out the door I touch his tan face, lined handsomely by the years and Texas sunshine, and I permit myself the moment’s agony, “What if I never saw this face again??” Ugh. Even now that wells a lump in my throat. I know I’ll see him again in heaven and throughout eternity but he’ll have his immortal body and not the one I helped heap a considerable amount of age on. And he’ll be my brother and not my husband.
That’s kind of a game changer.
I left Keith a few voice mails but had been in baggage claim a while after making the final decision when he called me back. Of course, he gave me his blessing and said he’d never want me in a car in Houston after midnight and out to the country at 2:30 in the morning if we could ever help it. I knew he’d say that but I also knew we’d miss each other that next Sunday morning.
“And now,” Keith said, “I don’t even have to feel guilty about going to a sporting clay shoot tomorrow.” That right there is vintage Keith.
“Honey, you still could have gone.”
“Oh, I know, Sweets,” he said, “I was going to go but I’d have to have felt guilty about it.”
I laughed. Just when I’m feeling all gushy about him, we get a fresh reminder that he and I are still mostly oil and vinegar (not saying which is which because that depends on the day) but at least we like being bottled up together. Yep. Almost all the time these days.
God was so good to us in Greensboro and so spared us the strivings of the flesh with the fullness of His Spirit that I very much did not want to get a bad attitude about the flight drama and 2-hour suitcase search. I also knew that, once I told Sabrina and K-Mac that I was stuck, they were liable to shake their heads as the wonderful, responsible coworkers they are and think again that it’s not the best idea for me to go alone. This is a loving discussion (from all sides) that comes back to the table again and again. They are so dear to me. I have no idea what I’d do without them. The thing is, I love traveling alone. It tends to offer me the strongest sense of Christ’s presence and often seems to amplify His voice to me about the message. But it can on occasion have a challenging side.
This was not really one of them. I laugh every now and then with Sabrina that no matter who she could send with me, I’d have more travel experience than any helper would by about 20 years. I say that laughing. At this point, I am fairly well versed in the airline drill as much as a civilian can be. And I truly do love to fly the friendly skies. Our compromise is that I go alone on a LifeWay event (like Living Proof Live) because they have an incredibly good and familiar system once I land in that city but that, if I’m heading to any other event, I take an assistant. Of course, all that is more than you want to know but I am stuck on this long plane ride and in the mood to talk to somebody. And you’re the one stuck with me.
About an hour and 45 minutes into the wait in baggage claim, I did almost feel like crying for a split second because I’m so completely drained after an LPL and couldn’t yet see rest in sight. I texted Amanda and Melissa and asked them to press in and pray a smile on my face a bit longer. They did.
And I ended up getting more than a smile. Right after that, the United agent in baggage claim told me they’d finally found the suitcase and it would be down in 15 minutes. It was. I cheered when I saw it, both fists in the air, and the agent grinned.
By the time I got to the curb, I’d missed the hotel shuttle by a few minutes and would have to wait another thirty minutes for the next one. I grabbed a cab instead. After checking into the hotel (at a good rate, thank you, Expedia.com), I took the elevator to the fifth floor, and began wheeling my cute, light blue briefcase and big ole suitcase down the hall. That’s when I got tickled. Out loud. I may have even bent over laughing. Our subject matter in Greensboro had revolved strongly around increasing our time in the “secret place” with Jesus. I had told them that I was exhilarated by the challenge and could not wait to get started into a deeper secrecy with Him. Let me just say, Jesus took me up on it. Immediately. I had all evening with Him then all the next morning with Him. Just the two of us. We ate dinner together. Well, we sat at the same table is what I mean. I think He was fasting. But He was fine company indeed.
(That’s gorgonzola on that beef medallion and the sides are fresh spinach and fried polenta. It was fabulous, especially because I was really hungry.)
I missed Bayou City Fellowship and my brothers and sisters at church so much this morning but, thanks to podcasts, got to have my own church service right there in the hotel room. With Jesus. By myself.
Then I got on this plane, got into the air, put my headphones on and listened to “Crown Him with Many Crowns” (the Chris Tomlin, and Kari Jobe remix on the Burning Lights CD) and cried over the pure awesomeness of this One who saved us by His own blood. It’s always awkward to cry on a plane with a stranger in the next seat touching elbows with you. I opened to the Book of Revelation in my red soft leather Bible and read the passages about crowns cast at His feet and crowns placed upon His head.
Revelation 4:9-11…
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who is seated on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for You created all things,
and by Your will they existed and were created.”
Revelation 19:11-14…
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems, and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses.
The words kept echoing, “Worthy are You!”
It’s almost more than my heart can bear. Amid the brevity of this vaporous earthly life, we will all soon see the face of the One who is so worthy of our worship and the priority affections of our hearts and the focused attentions of our minds. The One worthy of our faith when we cannot see our way. Worthy of our taking the way of escape when temptation beckons us into a whirlpool. The One worthy of gracing others because He has forgiven us at so high a price. The One worthy of counting on when the world calls us fools. The One worthy of taking at His glorious Word.
Don’t you on occasion find it slack-jawing astonishing that this same Jesus seeks us out and wants to be with us? It’s happened to you just like it’s happened to me. If you’ve known Him long, you’ve unexpectedly found yourself alone and lonely only to realize that He has temporarily isolated you just to be with you. And you realize you’ve never been less alone in your life.
Most of the time I accept the thought of His pursuit of us with genuine appreciation but with a certain amount of familiarity. I’ve read it enough in Scripture to believe it and receive it and want it in the worst way and enough to feel weird and worried if I go too long without sensing it. Other times, I’m thrown facedown over the wonder of it. I’m there right now. All of us in this community get why we should yearn and press past every obstacle to get to a place alone with Jesus but, seriously, why on earth would He yearn to do the same with humans? It’s just too much to wrap my mind around sometimes.
“He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us.” James 4:5
Sister, Jesus is hemming you in. If He’s backed you into a corner, it’s not to isolate you but to freshly exhilarate you. He loves you. He’s seeking you out. Slow down and let yourself be caught by this holy jealous-for-you love that will not let you go. We are not just tolerated. We didn’t make it in by the skin of our teeth. We have been planned for and pursued. We are the deep desire of Someone’s heart.
Did you think I’d forgotten why we’re on here today? Smiling.
Nope. It’s just taken me a while to hash out my selection this time around. I know we’re supposed to stick mostly to one verse each 2-week period but I just can’t help myself. Some things can’t be sliced up with a knife and fork and taste the same way on a tongue.
Beth, Houston. 3 When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, 4 what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet. Psalm 8:3-6 ESV
You, Lord, YOU crowned us??? What were You thinking?? You have multiplied, O Lord my God, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us; none can compare with You!” Psalm 40:5
Jesus, we long for the day when You will split the sky like the veil before the Holy of Holies and bound through the heavens on horseback, Your crimson robe whipping in the wind behind You. Every eye will see Your glorious face. And on Your head will be many diadems.
Crown Him with many crowns.
Awake, my soul, and sing.
Let’s have those verses, you Scripture-memorizing women of God.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Annette, Richmond, TX; John 15:4; ESV
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble. Proverbs 11:2 CEV
Tara G.
Sherwood, AR
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV)
Psalm 103:8 (NKJV)
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
GJ-GranJan-Georgia Jan 🙂
Hawkinsville, GA
Alyssa Mochen
Rio Rancho, MM
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NLT
Barb from Wetumpka, AL
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 4:2
NLT
Indianapolis, IN
…rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:7 NIV)
Sheri, Morrisville, MO
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 ESV
Suzanne Bailey, Harrisville, RI
Proverbs 3:27 NIV
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Tanis, Terrace
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV
Julie from Bristol, Tennessee
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Debbie, Rochester, MN
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 NLT
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR
I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have OVERCOME the world. John 16:33 NIV
I love this one!!! If you have 45 minutes, pull up Louie Giglio’s — TAKE HEART podcast 🙂 or find it online thru his church (Passion City Church, Atlanta Georgia)
hugs to this day from your sister!
For YOu, God, tested us; You refined us as silver is refined. Psalm 66:10 HCSB
Ruth Hency from Oran, MO. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: Old things are passed away, Behold, all things are become new” 2 Corintians 5:17 KJV
Janae – Riverside, PA Psalm 121:1-2
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains–where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Sue~ Hartland, MI
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is
the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)
Michelle Baylerian, Waukesha, WI
“Everything is permissible for me”-but not everything is beneficial…I will not be mastered by anything
1Corinthians 6:12 NIV
Sally, Columbus, OH
“For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
Romans 8:20-21 NIV
Connie, Shipshewana, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians, 1:3 NIV
Stacy, Detroit Mi
” a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,” Ecclesisates 3:4 (NIV)
Ohio,
He has said I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say The Lord is my helper, I will not fear; what can man do to me?
Hebrews 13:5b-6 ESV
Hannah, Chesterland, OH
“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.”
Psalms 138:3 ESV
Kim from Arab,Alabama
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6,NIV
Vickie, Poplar Bluff. In your unfailing love, you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength, you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:1 NIV
Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO. “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22 (NIV)
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Col 3:14 NIV
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
I Tim. 6:6, NIV
Lisha, Wetumpka, Alabama
But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.
John 4:14 (NLT)
Sharon-Lakeway,TX
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Restore within me a sense of being brand new. Give back to me the deep delight of being saved by you. Let your willing Spirit sustain me.
Psalm 38:10,12 The Voice
Kim K. Columbus, OH area
Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him,
since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25 NKJV
Becky, McKinney, TX.
“It is good to Praise the LORD and make music to Your name, O most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV)
Tina from Ohio
For we know, brothers and sisters[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you,
1 Thessalonians 1:4 NIV
Jackie UK
Psalm 46 verses 1-3 NIV
God is our refuge and our strength,
An ever present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Though the earth gives way,
And the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Though it’s waters roar and foam,
And the mountains quake with their surging.
Big Rapids, MI
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. I Thess. 5:14 ESV
Kerry, Nederland, Texas
Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24
NLT
Cindy, Lakeland, FL.
I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth. 3 John 1:4 (NET)
Lyndsey, Asheville, NC
“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT)
Ellen White
St. Augustine
Jeremiah 29:12 NASB
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Sarah Miller, New Palestine IN
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, (Isaiah 58:9 NIV)
Beth, You were such a blessing to me when I needed it most. I have never cried so much at a conference, we were all crying in our group. I felt the Holy Spirit in my soul. When getting to church on Sunday morning for the first time I raised my hands during a song in church and always thought those people were different and didn’t understand what they were doing. But now after your conference and believe it or not are sermon followed yours well, I raised my hands to God to his glory and felt safe and not ashamed. God Bless you for your ministry and all the people you bring. I will be praying for no emergency room visits on your next trip. I will see you again in Charleston, WV, I am going to take my sister who lost her husband 2 years ago and is so lost with no church friends or family. She is so hurting and I can’t help her only God can and I hope your message will touch her heart !
And she can begin to heal with Christ loving sisters.
Lilburn, GA
To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the Lord. (Psalms 116:17 NASB)
Diana, East Peoria, IL
I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart.
…so don’t be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27 NLT
Mary, Lexington Park, MD
For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
Nehemiah 6:9 ESV
Janet, Vine Grove, KY
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
1 John 1:7 NIV
Kristi H.-Blair, WI.
“I am determined, O God! I am determined! I will sing and praise you!” Psalms 57:7 NET
Johanna
Carlsbad CA
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121: 1-4 NKJV
Hannah, Perry, MI
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Matthew 25:21, NIV
Shelley, from Shiloh, IL, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 Amplified
Dawn, Raleigh, NC, Proverbs 15:3, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” NLT