Hey, my beloved sisters!
Though I won’t publish this post until Tuesday, the first day of October, I am writing to you on Sunday. I have the house all to myself today – not even a dog in sight – and I am sitting on my back porch as a generous rain soaks the ground, polishing the wide leaves of sweet gums on its way down. Our trees this far south are still plump and green and, right this minute, I don’t mind because the leaves have such a sheen on them in the rain that they look like vinyl. The temperatures will drop one slow degree at a time over the next month but we usually don’t have what people call “Autumn” here until as late as November. And it’s almost unrecognizable even then. Suddenly you just look up and the trees don’t have leaves and it hits you that you probably missed Fall on your way to work that morning when you ran into Starbucks for a dry cappuccino.
An Arkansas girl by heritage, I am on the hunt for Red October by mid September but I can’t think of a time since I’ve lived on the Gulf Coast that I’ve ever found it. Well, except when I close my eyes and look. And it is beautiful there. I do love Houston though, despite how season-challenged it is. Good people. Many, many who earnestly love Jesus and crave the sense of His presence and serve Him with both life and heart. Its diversity kicks up a rich climate for faith and a prime place to meet people very different from you who seek Jesus feverishly. It’s not as easy to keep your stereotypes tidy here.
In the early years of speaking, God purposed that I’d accrue copious hours of experience serving at various churches, women’s breakfasts and luncheons right here in our city limits and still get home to greet my children after their school day. I often pulled out of the driveway when they hopped on the school bus and squealed my tires back on the concrete just minutes before they pulled up at 3:15. My kids loved riding the school bus and, as it turns out (I write this with a smile), it was a grace to me. On paper, our lives shouldn’t have worked but somehow it worked (apply the term loosely) in practice. That’s the beautiful oddity of the will of God. What should easily work doesn’t work when He’s not in it and what should never work does work when He is. It’s crazy to think about in retrospect. He has been so faithful, just as He will be to you as you try to balance it all and seek His mercy through the insanity.
I wish I could somehow add the soundtrack of what I’m presently hearing to this post. I wish you could listen to the comfort of the rainfall, especially if you are feeling chaotic or anxious right now or frantic about how something’s going to work out. The water is falling steadily, not a soft shower or a downpour. Constant and consoling, almost like one of those sleep-settings on your iPad. And I wish you could hear 4 male hummingbirds competing over the feeder that is hanging about 8 feet from where I’m sitting. It mesmerizes me to watch them and I think you might like it, too, once you adjusted to the pace out here in these woods.
Sometimes we really do just need everything and everybody else to shut up for a minute and let us listen to the sound of God being God around us. These moments are brief for all of us. Just five days ago I was fit to be tied over something. I do mean fit to be tied and, over the weekend, greatly concerned about a situation even while I served. But I am going to sit here for the next few minutes and pour myself a cup of coffee while God pours these woods a cup of rain.
Well, I guess you can tell that I’m in a musing mood so perhaps I should wrap this post up before I work my way over to subjects like world peace and dark nights of the soul and existential crises and the beauty of aging and the delights of youth. Honestly, I can feel a poem trying to write itself in my head. This post must end with perfect timing before, indeed, my words start rhyming. Run for your life. It’s almost too late.
Here’s my Scripture for this October 1st!
Beth Moore, O God, You cause abundant showers to fall on Your chosen people. When they are tired, You sustain them, for You live among them. Psalm 68:9-10a The NET Bible
Amen, You do, gracious, merciful God.
I love you, Sisters. You are a joy to me. The next post will be registration for our SSMT celebration so we can get an idea how many to prepare for. Wooohoooo! It’s almost time to kick up our heels!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Psalm 103:15-16 NIV
“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”
Emily in Anchorage, AK
Rebecca, Louisa, VA: A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. ~ Psalm 34:19-20 (NIV)
Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Amy, Chattanooga, TN. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4, NIV
Sandy, Ft. Gibson, OK
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 NKJV
Cara – Fridley, MN
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV
NM; 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales, rather train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both this present life and the life to come. NIV
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, (Psalms 92:1, 2 NLT)
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my Righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
BETH: You always seem to know what we Siestas need to hear!!! Thank you SO very much for your sensitivity to the Lord. Blessings for a wonderful fall. 🙂
Kathi Johnson Spartanburg, SC
“I cried out to Him for help, praising Him as I spoke.”
Psalm 66:17 NLT
Shelly, Rochester, MN
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Kathy, Aiea;
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
– Heb. 10:36 NIV
Elvira, Grande Prairie, Alberta
Phil.4:13 NIV
“I can do everything through Him
who strengthens me!!!”
Janice, Bakersfield, CA
They did not become his children in any human way—by any human parents or human desire. They were born of God.
John 1:13 NCT
Trinna, Covington, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7 NIV84
Angela A., Shelbyville, IN
“If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,
you will be my spokesman.
You must influence them;
do not let them influence you!”
Jeremiah 15:19b (NLT)
Deanna, Frisco
1 Chronicles 16:8 (NIV)
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 26:1,2 NIV
God is our refuge and strength
An ever-present help in trouble!!!
Therefore we will not fear!
Karen, Redmond. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. Colossians 1:11-12a NLT
Cara, Oswego. O God, you cause abundant showers to fall on your chosen people. When they are tired, you sustain them, for you live among them.
Psalm 68:9-10a NET
Joan Portage, MI
“She speaks with wisdom, & faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 NIV
Jennifer, Tomball, TX “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28 (NIV)
Lea from Granger, IN: “finally be strong in The Lord and the strength of His might” (Eph 6:10, ESV)
Sheila, Beckley, WV He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. NKJV
Jean Herrick Princeton Maine
“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples
to a pure speech,
that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord
and serve him with one accord.
Zephaniah 3:9 (ESV)
Kathy, Festus MO Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31, 32 NLT)
Beth, Story City, IA
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
1 John 5:14, NKJ
Cheryl, Le Chesnay France
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 (NKJV)
Isaiah 40:28 NIV
Do you not know have? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and Hid understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28 NIV
Do you not know have? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.
Wanda
North Canton, Ohio
O God, You cause abundant showers to fall on Your chosen people. When they are tired, You sustain them, for You live among them. Psalm 68:9-10a The NET Bible
Amy, Washington DC, “Jacob woke up from his sleep. He said, “God is in this place – truly. And I didn’t even know it.” He was terrified. He whispered in awe, “Incredible. Wonderful. Holy. This is God’s House. This is the gate of heaven.” Genesis 28:16-17 Message
Ann, Cataula, GA
Psalm 119:32, NIV
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.
Diane E., Charleston, IL:
May God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:5 NIV
Christie, Gray COurt, SC
Psalm 34:1, HCS
I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
Cayla, Gray Court, SC
Psalm 34:1, HCS
I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
Caitlin, Gray Court, SC
Psalm 34:1, HCS
I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
Sharpsburg Ga.
1 Timothy 1:12 NIV
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”
Kim Eshelman Lewisburg, PA I like Beth’s choice:)
O God, You cause abundant showers to fall on Your chosen people. When they are tired, You sustain them, for You live among them. Psalm 68:9-10a The NET Bible
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Vickie, Pella, Iowa
Those who look to him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:5 (NIV)
Nancy, Junction City, Ar.
“O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1 NKJ
Tracy Baker Kountze, Tx.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Janet, Holmes Beach, Florida
Teach me your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Patrice in ABQ
“The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is no law.” Gal 5:22 (NIV)
Amy, Seattle, “The theif comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV
Angie
Anniston, Alabama
“Everything is permissible- but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible, but not everything is constructive.”
I Corinthians 10:23
NIV
Dear merciful and gracious God! thank you for your beloved servant! … Please do go on sometime with the beauty of aging!lol I know When Im immersed in his presence I become unaware of its steady rise (grin). I dont think God looks at age. Weww. He’s awesome.
Song of songs 1:5 Dark am I, yet lovely…
Kim, Corning, NY. John 7:38 ESV “Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’.”
2Cor 9:8 NKJV
God is able to make all grace abound toward you that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.