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
Sharon Allen, Redmond, WA
Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let the steadfastness have its full effect, tht you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Carol, Santa Maria CA, Proverbs 9:10 NLT, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5(ESV)
Diana- Indpls – Psalm 143:8 ESV
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Brianna from Huntsville, AL
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
Yvonne, King, NC Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
Philippians 3:13 NASB
(sorry for last comment)
Charleen Beasley, Nashville
April 15, 2013 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Vanessa from Rogersville, MO
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Canyon, VA
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—Psalm 103:2 (NIV)
We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
Psalm 33:20-21
“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.” James 5:1-2 ESV
Kim Emmerich, Dickinson, ND
Micah 6:8 NLT
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Carolyn, Austin, TX
God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24 NASB
Katie Davila, Tomball, TX:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:6-8 (ESV)
I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit ; apart from me you can do nothing . John 15:5 NIV. Pam in San Diego
Erica, Chicago
Psalm 19:9 (NIV)
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure, and altogether righteous.”
Julie S. from Menomonee Falls, WI
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Katie, Clovis, CA
1 Thess. 5:8 (NLT)
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
Jeri Missouri City, TX
Colossians 3: 1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears,then you also will appear with him in glory.
Kristin A. in Renton, WA
(still plugging away at James)
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”
James 2:14 ESV
Natalie, Nesbit, MS -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Carolyn, Rocksprings, TX
Carolyn, Rocksprings, TX
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
Danielle from Richmond, TX
If any of you lacks wisdom, he ahould ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him
James 1:5 NIV
Marcia A. – Huntsville, AL
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Ephesians 6:11 NIV
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I havemy being
Psalm 104:33 ESV
Holli from Corona, Ca.
“We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.” Daniel 9:18b NIV 84
Carla from Muscle Shoals, AL, ” God with His mercy, gave us this work to do, so we don’t give up. but we have turned away from secret and shameful ways.” II Corinthians 4:1 NAS
Lisa Christopher, Olympia, WA
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8, NIV)
Kim from Duncan, SC:
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 NIV
Carol from Billings.
You Are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught by the speech of your mouth.
Cindy, Clarksville, TN: “I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” (John 16:33 ERV)
Judy Sommerville, Fairmont, MN
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Kathi Johnson Spartanburg SC
For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:13 NLT
Kara C., Aurora, Il
Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Julie
Queen Creek, AZ
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
Lori from Oil City
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
Psalm 113:3 (NIV)
Kathy, Birmingham, Alabama
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8 NIV
Jenni, Murray, KY:
“that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ;” (Philippians 1:10 NCV)
Hayley – Alicante, Spain
“For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”
-Galatians 5:6 (NLT)
Tanya, Charleston, SC: 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power power to demolish strongholds.”
Tammy Mashburn Spartanburg SC
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2Corinthians 4:16 ESV
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA, “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me the way, for I give myself to you.” Psalms 143:8 (NIV)
Morag, Bishop, CA
“(for the law made nothing perfect); there is, on the other hand, the introduction of a better hope, through which we approach God.”
Hebrews 7.19 NRSV
Proverbs 3:3 NIV
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Quita
Trenton, TX
KJV
2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness
of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of the LORD.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13, NIV
Jen from Wyoming You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who know him, who have been called according to
his purpose.
Romans 8:28
NIV
Trina C, Summerton, SC
“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to Trina who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].”
Isaiah 40:29 AMP