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
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mk 8:34 ESV
Cheryl, Redlands, CA;
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Laura Humphreys
Savannah, GA
“so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe”
Philippians 2:15 (NIV)
Kalonni, Van Meter, Iowa: “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:10-11, NIV
Sue in Grand Rapids, MI
He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psalm 18:19 ESV
Tracy
Lake St. Louis, Missouri
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10
NIV
Heidi ~ Lindale, Texas
Isaiah 62:5b NIV
“…as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.”
Marlene. Lemoore, ca. You are worthy oh lord to receive glory and honor and power for you created all things and by your will they exist and were created . Revelation 4:11 nkjv
McKenzie, Portsmouth Ohio
“1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:1-5 NIV
Kathryn, Sarasota, FL:
Philippians 1:6- Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. NIV
but the fruit of the Spirit is love joy peace patience kindness goodness faithfulness gentleness and self control against such things there is no law. and those who are in Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. if we live by the flesh let us also walk in the flesh.
Galatians5:22-25
Melissa Ford
Midlothian, VA
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they have been created and have their being.” Revelation 4: 11 NIV
Deuteronomy 33:28
So Israel will live in safety: Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. NIV
Rose, in Dallas
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
We will not hide them from their children we will tell the generation to come the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and His mighty and wonderful works He has performed.
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. (James 2:26 NLT)
Angela, Louisville KY
If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. Ps. 73:15 NASB
Cathy, Chesapeake Beach
Do not forget to entertain strangers for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV84
Hey my sweet, big sister!! So glad to be memorizing scripture with you!! Love you!
Esther, Lancaster, PA Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
James 3:1 NIV
Frisco, Texas
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. -Phillipians 4:8, Holman
Karen from Powell, Ohio
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
Tamara
Kelowna, BC, Canada
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18, NIV
Jodell, Frankfort
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell on safety.” Psalm 4:8 NIV
Emily Jordan
Virginia Beach VA
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Roman 15:13 (NAS)
Kathy Bryson
Albuquerque, NM
Ephesians 6:18-19 NIV84
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.
Cynthia, Missouri
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
Phillipians 1:7 ESV
Lisa Stimpson, Munford, Tn.
He does not delight in the strength of the horse, He does not take pleasure in the legs of
A man. The LORD favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness.
Psalm 147:10,11. NKJV
Wendy, Mechanicsville, VA
For above all else, guard your heart,for it is the wellspringof life. Proverbs 4:23
Brittany Kay, Gainesville, FL:
All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. -James 1:17, NET
Sabrina
Morristown, Tennessee
“Their God will save the day. He’ll rescue them. They’ll become…like gemstones in a crown, catching all the colors of the sun. Then how they’ll shine! shimmer! glow!” Zechariah 9:14-17 MSG
Kelley, Jackson,MO
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with funishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
Acts 16: 31And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.”
NAB
Ellen, Moneta VA
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you recieved and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. -1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (NIV 1984)
Beth,
I flew out of Reagen National Friday to Indianapolis and back in again yesterday on United. Every one of my flights were delayed, canceled or missed. Jesus never left my side throughout all the waiting and confusion. Praise Him!
1 Thessalonians 5:24. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
NIV
kathy from leesville, la You used to walk in these ways in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such thingsas these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:7-8 NIV
Carla, Pierre, SD
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 NIV
Rita – Alva, Florida
“Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others too and what they’re doing.”
Philippians 2:3-4 NLT
“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”
Proverbs 17:38 NIV(84)
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
Dayna Vaczi, Overland Park, KS
The Lord gives strength to his people;
The Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalms 29:11 (NIV)
Shirley, Rockwall, TX
We live by faith, not by sight.
—2 Corinthians 5:7
Cindy ~ Roanoke, TX
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV84
Cyndy, Columbia, SD
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them in their distress. Psalm 107:19 NIV
Tracie F., Monticello, FL
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves
Phil 2:3 ESV
Ashley from Ann Arbor, Michigan:
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8(NIV)
Valerie, Little Elm, Texas
“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will. I will not be put to shame.”
Isaiah 50:7 NLT
Cindy K, Rock Hill, SC
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;
Save me and I will be saved;
for You are the One I praise.
Jeremiah 17:14
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)
April, Lake Charles, LA
Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
How blessed are those who long for Him.
~Isaiah 30:18 (NASB)
Sara,Garden City, KS:
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. (Psalm 92:4 NIV)
From Indiana, “Cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved” Psalm 55:22 ESV