America the Beautiful

I’ve noticed this week as I’ve published some of your comments that you’ve given a little shout-out Happy Birthday to Beth! If you’ve done this, you must have super powers because you’re correct.

This past Monday we shut down the ministry for a few hours to celebrate our beloved boss and friend. LPM birthdays are a blast in general, but we tend to go all out for her because, well, we love her, and if it wasn’t for her and Jesus, this ministry wouldn’t even exist. Grin.

I thought it would be fun to share a little birthday recap for you, our dear, faithful Siestas.

We started the day out at a little art studio called Painting With a Twist. Basically you decide on one portrait from hundreds of paintings for your particular class, and then for two hours an instructor walks you through the process of painting that portrait on a canvas yourself. I’m sure many of you have heard of this, and probably even have places like this near you.

Here is the birthday girl and a handful of The Village headed to Painting With a Twist.

 

It’s a kick because from the first stroke of paint, everyone’s personality comes out. For instance, I myself am a perfectionist but don’t consider myself an artist, so I immediately felt anxious. Can you say “stress”?. Others of us are carefree and calm and don’t say a peep the whole time, but have near perfect paintings. Then you have those that scratch the entire process and create their own work of art, in which I thought was brilliant and was wishing I’d done myself. At one point we heard our beloved teacher exclaim that one of the stars on her flag resembled a flying squirrel, while another one of us ran out of room while writing (with a paint brush, mind you) “America the Beautiful” which turned out to be “America the Beauti”. These are the things that stick with us.

Honestly, we had a complete blast and laughed our heads off. I promptly gave mine to my mom as a gift. Of course she told me how lovely mine was and that she loved it, but she’s required to say things like that because she’s my mom.

Here are a few pictures from our time at Painting with a Twist.

(Side note: I much prefer photographing to painting.)

(Also, I did really great taking pictures at first, and then I was too far into the process to even pick up my phone. It was intense.)

It was only appropriate that after each layer of painting, we had to blow dry our canvases. Beth wanted to know if anyone brought her root lifter.

Unfortunately, this was the only picture I got before the “final product”. Imagine stars, and flags, and words, oh my! Also, please note ALL THE BLUE. It was really supposed to be in the top left hand corner.

Victory! Here we are with our final paintings. Notice not one painting is even slightly like the other. So much fun!

After painting we headed back to the office for some Mexican food and cupcakes! Oh, and some birthday gifts, as well. By 3:00 I think each of us preferred to be napping as opposed to sitting at our desks, but that’s the sacrifice of a good celebration, right? It was the best day! We love you, Beth! Happy, happy birthday!

P.S. What’s been one of your favorite birthdays and why? I love hearing unique ways to celebrate!

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52 Responses to “America the Beautiful”

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  1. 1
    Bethany says:

    Absolutely love it! Happy happy belated birthday Bethie. All of your paintings are beautiful. Love that Melissa did her own thing. Simplistic and serene. Is Kimberly your prayer gal in this picture? I prayed with her prior to LPL Stockton and then again on the Monday following the event. She was so sweet! It would be nice to put a face to her name and voice 🙂

    • 1.1
      Lindsee says:

      Hi Bethany! She is! She is on the far right if you’re looking at the picture. We all love Kimberly!

  2. 2
    Diana A. says:

    “I’m late so late” – HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETH!!!

    Great pics! 😀 Loved each one and glad to “partake” through your eyes!

    My best birthday is the ones to come… looking forward and grateful that I’m still here.

    Our celebrations are centered around family, cake and laughter.

    May God Bless you Beth this year & fill you with JOY!

    Thanks Lindsee for keeping us updated & informed!

  3. 3
    Jeanette Dahm says:

    For my 40th my husband took me out to lunch. As we walked in I commented about this group of a dozen “older” ladies all having a good time at one of the tables. They were so cute. He then proceeded to walk me over and tell them I was celebrating my birthday and it turns out they were all my friends dressed as “little old ladies” It was hilarious. I had not even recognized them. That they would have gone to such elaborate lengths to celebrate me was amazing and truly humbling to be loved like that..

    That was 20 years ago and it seems like yesterday.

  4. 4
    Punky Tolson says:

    Yes!! THRILLER DANCE PARTY!!

    Just this past February… my good buddies threw me a surprise party! They lured to a local dancing school whereupon 30 of my them were waiting, and we learned the choreography to MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER!!! It has been on my “bucket list” and one of my dear friends picked up on it and made it happen!!!! Some of my friends even flew/drove in from out of town!! I love my buddies!!

    Wanna see the video????

  5. 5
    Susie Hoffmann says:

    Happy Birthday Beth! Today is my birthday and one of the best parts about it is that tomorrow my husband is taking me to a behind the sences tour of the giraffe barn at the Columbus, Ohio Zoo. I can wait.

  6. 6
    Brenda Bowman says:

    I just have to share one of my fave birthday celebrations.

    A few years ago, I decided I wanted a party but I did not really need any gifts and in trying to deal with that it dawned on me! All of my friends are really gifted! Some are musicians, some are artists, some are just smart, some are smart-alec. So I threw a party and asked each to do for me what they do so well! These are some of the things I got…
    Original songs performed on guitar, & on clarinet.
    Original poems written & read.
    Original painting.
    “Uniquely” framed picture from a non-artist! 🙂
    A demonstration of a math problem being solved by a math genius!
    A video presentation of my dancer friend dancing (no room at the party for live dancing,)
    And my video friend recorded the whole thing for me!
    There is more…but you get the idea. It was such a blast to have everyone share their talents!!!

  7. 7
    Mindy, Indiana says:

    I turned the big “5-0” last year and I did NOT want a party (love going to them, helping with them, but not being the center of them) so my thoughtful hubby sent a note to all our friends on our Christmas card list, to ask them to send me a card with a note about what they like about me, but to please send it to him at work. He collected them all, put them in a box and gave it to me as a present. Now, my thoughtful husband is not the best gift-giver (bless his heart) so I had low expectations when I opened the box. After the 2nd card I was weeping on the couch from the kind words and spent the next hour crying over God’s goodness to me and the sweet people He’s brought into my life. Talk about feeling loved. It was the best party-less party ever!!

  8. 8
    jackie says:

    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU BETH!!!
    so very thankful you entered my life and walk with Jesus!
    God used you- getting passed all my “mess of mind” and home and unkind people… He place you in my heart to weed out my mistrusts and gave me Joy , with each program I hear I am restored.
    can’t thank you enough for being part of my walk, even tho we may never meet I still feel like we’re Sista’s

    prayers and hugs a friend

  9. 9
    lynda rickey says:

    Beth and Lindsee,
    My favorite birthday was my 43rd because it was a full week of birthday celebrations. Everyone of my friends and family made it to one of the intimate celebrations (usually dinner and dessert somewhere in town). I love to laugh and it was a week full of laughter and memories. Nothing out of the ordinary, but just quiet time with all the people I love. I hope that my birthday works out like this again this year. It’s not the years that truly count but love and laughter in vast amount! I try to live by this each day. So, my dear Beth, this is my birthday wish for you too! Love you bunches, Lynda

    • 9.1
      Lindsee says:

      Lynda, that’s my favorite kind of birthday, too, and precisely what happened this year! Made for a full heart!

  10. 10
    Patti Reavis says:

    Without a doubt, my favorite birthday was the one where some friends took me to Nascar to drive around the track. It was a total surprise and was something I wanted to do, but never thought would happen.
    Patti, Clemmons, NC

  11. 11

    I would be stressed, too, if I had to paint a picture, Lindsee. And yes, I’m a bit of a perfectionist 🙂 So glad you all had such fun together and got to top it off with cupcakes. Sounds like my kind of party! 🙂

  12. 12
    Karene says:

    June 16 is my daughter’s birthday too! We had a fun mother-daughter day: pedicure, lunch, and gelato.

    My favorite birthday was to an Andrea Bocelli concert.

    Belated Birthday Wishes, Beth!

  13. 13
    Rhonda Smith says:

    Happy Birthday Beautiful Beth! May your birthday week be filled with celebration and blessings.
    From your Home Girl and Siesta Rhonda

  14. 14
    Bobbie Lutz says:

    No super powers needed to remember Beth’s special day! Many of us have been around for a few years…it’s always fun to see what LPM does for her. Painting With A Twist looks like real fun…talent or no talent! And of course, Mexican food to top it off. Happy Birthday to a very special Sister in Christ…one who is helping this Siesta realize hindrances that have caused bitterness I’m ready to get rid of!

  15. 15
    Ashley says:

    I love Melissa’s reinterpretation of the painting! Seriously. That made me smile. Happy birthday, Beth!

  16. 16
    Melonie, from Denver says:

    Happy birthday Beth! Sounds like it was a true celebration with people you love and things you like! Thank you Lindsey for the detailed report! One of my favorite birthdays was my 40th. Instead of having people give gifts I asked them to donate to have a well built in Africa. My friend who was involved in the project sent pictures of young children with big smiles on their faces running towards the water! What a blessing it was to be involved with such a meaningful project! We also did a 40 mile bike ride in Keystone Colorado and stayed at a bed and breakfast in Frisco! The ride about did me in, but it was a great memory! thanks for asking!

  17. 17
    Tara G. says:

    My husband was deployed last year so I threw my own 40th bday party. I had 20 ladies over and hosted a favorite things party. Ladies connecting, fresh flowers, food, laughter….some of my favorite things. 🙂

  18. 18
    Jabber Jaws says:

    This last birthday, the 4 to the 0. My younger sister and I have nothing in come but love and memories, and she still gave me a shocking gift. She contacted 56 of my favorite people on earth and asked them to send a book for me. The book could be about a memory,or their favorite book. Really, anything as long as it had a connection and a personal note. Well, she hoped for 40, but everyone participated. She wrapped each book and rolled in a bookshelf with them on it. I sobbed as I opened them and now, I am reading all of them. Best gift ever!!!!

  19. 19

    I love this…what memories you all have to share. Live in the present, celebrate life and take time to love one another. Inspiring story and fun to read..thanks for sharing this Lindsee.

  20. 20
    Darcy Berard says:

    Happy birthday to Beth Moore. Hope your day was as special as your Bible studies!

  21. 21
    Susan says:

    Had to be my last birthday. I turned 68 and my daughters gave me a snorkeling trip to the middle keys of Florida. i was in a serious car accident in my 20’s and left physically challenged. This was a bucket list item. We couldn’t go on my birthday but we went during the Christmas holidays. It was awesome!! Saw a whole new world of God’s beauty!! It was so peaceful, thrilling, and spectacular all the same time. God has so blessed me with two beautiful daughters that love the Lord and serve Him daily teaching young children about Jesus and His love for them. Thank you Jesus!!

  22. 22
    OraDell "Okie" Murray says:

    My mama used to say, “Laughter is good like medicine!” I can just hear your laughter as you painted and laughed! So glad you had such fun! We are working hard in our little community of Edisto Island, SC, getting the word out about the Simulcast September 13. Our theme verse is Luke 19:9,10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.” Please, pray for us, as we pray for you and Beth.

  23. 23
    Susan says:

    When I was a little girl, once a month at church everyone with a birthday that month went forward and put change that equaled their age (5 pennies for a five year old, etc) in a little church bank thingie. The rest of the congregation would quote: “Many happy returns on the day of your birth. May gladness and sunshine be given. And may the dear Father prepare you on earth for that beautiful birthday in Heaven.”
    I was always THRILLED when my turn to put money in the church came.
    Our church doesn’t do that anymore, but I’m quoting it today for our Beth.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

  24. 24
    Gail says:

    Ok, I have not read any other comments yet but Just have to tease you a little. I was wondering if anyone else noticed when you said you laughed your heads off, then promptly said you gave yours to your Mom! ha I am still laughing after reading this. I KNOW you meant your painting but it just kind of read that way to me… O k done teasing, I love reading your page, God bless your group together, you have so much fun. Would love to be one of you and laugh my head off too! Thanks for the fun along with the more sobering times. We need both!

    • 24.1
      Gail says:

      Forgot to say about Beth’s birthday, she said it in one of her talks or I read it somewhere, that is how I knew! I think it was in The Children of the day. Can’t say for sure as I am doing to much lately!

  25. 25
    Spunky says:

    All hearts together doing art! A heART of a time! Then to top the heART time with Mexican food and cupcakes…wow!!!!

  26. 26
    Denise B says:

    Happy Birthday Beth! I am a golfer so I like to play golf on my birthday. I am also from the Pinehurst area in North Carolina but have never played any of those number courses. On my 50th birthday, I was able to play on one of them – not the number 2 like the pros play, but it was a wonderful day with my sister and nephew. That makes a good birthday for me!

  27. 27
    WendyBrz says:

    Happy belated birthday, dear Beth! The years have flown by here in Siestaville, and it has been so much fun to watch The Lord bless you with grandchildren, a new church, and the wonderfulness of having both of your girls nearby.
    Lindsee, my favorite birthday, believe it or not, was my 50th – nearly five years ago now. My daughter Betsy, who was 20 at the time, spent everything she had earned that summer on a surprise party for me, which was held at a friend’s “barn.” There were about 60 people there, including my parents, who had driven all the way from Pennsylvania to South Carolina! Everything was themed for the 50s (I was born in 1959) and there was a photo booth with a real 57 Chevy, vinyl records hanging everywhere, girls in ponytails and poodle skirts, and diner food – along with VERY unfortunate blown up photos of my awkward, skinny, buck-teeth childhood and adolescence. I felt so rich that day – humbled that so many friends would take time to come; that my girl would work so hard for her mama (and it was a little disconcerting to realize she had totally pulled it off right under my nose!); that I was blessed with such a memory to treasure as I was beginning a new life as an army wife only a month later and would be leaving all those beloved friends of 30 years behind. Three moves later for me, and one huge move to Guatemala for my missionary daughter, I remain thankful for that time.
    Can’t wait to read everyone else’s stories!

  28. 28
    Darla says:

    Happy birthday, Beth! So glad you all had fun and lots of laughter. How wonderful!

    I like to go to amusement parks and scream on roller coasters and one year I did that in conjunction with a Chris Tomlin concert at the same location. Last year was even more fun; grabbed my BFF and headed to Ohiopyle PA and went white water rafting on a gorgeous summer day WITH MY CELL IN THE CAR! It was glorious!

    Happy birthday, Beth!!!! <3

  29. 29
    jaycie/njc says:

    Hi Miss Beth,

    :-0″HAPPAY, HAPPAY, HAPPAY BIRTHDAY! 🙂
    Y’all have so much fun together; and praise GOD for HIS love you encouragingly share with each other! The paintings are quite stunning! And, Melissa’s says it all! Hardly ever miss your bd; these past few mths… Well, may I just leave the “me” out of it, any & all excuses, & with a humbled, gracious spirit say, forgive me. You do mean much to all of us. Just to let y know, upon scanning some tweets on the eve of the 16th, quickly jumped on my notepad to journal to Jesus. Unedited, am including it below. Please know, you are wonderfully and fearfully made, dearly loved, and extravagantly blessed in the favor of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

    (Copied & pasted from notepad; eve of 16th)
    Awe… Today is the 16th. How could I ever 4get Your precious moreh’s bd? Sweet Jesus, thank you for this beautiful day of blessing. My spirit, tenderly and graciously, thanks The Lord my God for this dear life and living testament of Christ Jesus. May this be the grandest most awesome year of her life, and may it bring prosperity to many more wonderful years of “EXHILARATING LIFE,” “EXTRAVAGANT GLORY 2 YOU, O’ LORD,” “DARLING LOVES,” and the promise of “LONGEVITY!” Dear Jesus, if by some miracle this night, while You sing out over her, tell her a sister from up north says, “Happy Birthday, dearly beloved; I miss y; I pray 4 y & y’re beautiful family; & I love you.”

    P.S. Wanted so bad to edit “moreh” to “teacher;” found out here while back that “moreh” meant “teacher” in Hebrew. “But” sometimes I can really make mistakes. So, just so you know, n my heart and spirit, God knew whom I was praying over. HE knows You by name, Mrs. Beth, and is quite fond of you. In Jesus Name, may the words of your mouth and the meditations of your heart continue to go forth in Spirit and Truth, and may our LORD be well-pleased, exalted, honored, and glorified in the highest! “Happy belated BIRTHDAY, dearest teacher & siesta mamma!” Appreciate you and “thank” Jesus for you.

    My fav birthday has been “a few” spent with supernatural friends/sisters in Christ; and one here while back while trudging through a difficult time with my precious family (humbly thankful to say, all saved and members of The Body of Christ, but two small, little jewels). These few birthdays have been intimate, small, extravagantly love-wrapped, with dinner, cake, and joy. Also, there was one particular special birthday, where was all alone with Jesus in the quiet intimacy of His chapel, where all I did was sit and praise HIM @ the keys of a baby grand; The Uncomparable Gift of gifts–HIS FAITHFUL PRESENCE IN THE ANOINTING OF HIS EMBRACE. All special; all different; all intimate; all priceless; all grateful and humbled to “Know,” JESUS’ love is The Unfathomabke love, and HE loved each one of us, first. (Sorry, had a hard time narrowing it down to one; all of these have gone through the good, bad, and the ugly with me. And yes, be the weird one n a dearly loved family–didn’t say, perfect, but, dearly loved;-).

    Grace and peace to you and yours from God, our Eternal Abba Father!
    HE IS, “THE AMEN!”

    (Thank you, Lindsee; may God bless you all!!!)

  30. 30
    Jodi S says:

    Hi Lindsee! Happy Birthday to Beth! For my 40th birthday last year, my group of friends from church took me out to dinner and I got presents with the number 40 — a pad of paper with 40 sheets in it, 40 pieces of chocolate, 40 (or almost) mechanical pencils, 40 stickers, etc. It was a really fun night! 🙂

  31. 31
    Linnea L Wammack says:

    For my 40 birthday, my husband and I, along with two other couples, went to NY City. We took in all the usual sights, then went to a show, saw a game at Yankee stadium and attended morning worship at Brooklyn Tabernacle. It was a wonderful time that I’ll never forget! Happy birthday, Beth!

  32. 32
    Connie says:

    Wow! Looks like you had a great time! Happy Belated Birthday Beth 🙂

  33. 33
    cindy says:

    Happy Belated Birthday – that looks like it was a blast! My grandson could outdraw me by the time he was 2 & now he is headed off to college! My favorite birthday was #12. This will date me but I wanted a pair of white go-go boots SO bad and when I got home from school that day, there they were under my bed!! They were so slick on the bottom that I fell a million times and had skinned knees for a year but all worth it when i put those things on!!

  34. 34
    Sharon Force says:

    Happy Birthday Beth
    Praying for you
    You are Blessdd

  35. 35
    Kimmygirl says:

    Happy Belated Birthday, Dear Beth! Hope you are blessed with many more!

    I had a remarkable birthday 6 years ago on my 50th. My best friend from high school shares my birthday date with me -(or I share hers!) Anyway, we started a little tradition of going on a girls trip every other year. That year, a few weeks before our birthday date, we did a long weekend in Downtown Chicago and had a blast!
    Then, on my birthday a few weeks later, first thing in the morning I got a call from my middle son, deployed in Afghanistan. He had finally gotten a flight to come home for his R&R, after being ‘down-range’ for a year! He arrived an hour later. What a birthday present! The best part? HE is the best birthday present I’ve ever received because he was born ON my birthday. God is so good!

  36. 36
    alice says:

    Melissa’s painting is my favorite! Hope you had a wonderful birthday, Beth!

  37. 37
    Tierney Langdon says:

    Happy belated.

  38. 38
    Michele says:

    Happy, HAPPY Birthday, Mama Beth!!

  39. 39
    SKay Fires says:

    Happy Belated Birthday, dear Beth! Already praying for your weekend in Biloxi and for all the dear Siestas who will hear a Word from God.
    Lubbock, Tx is next on your schedule and I will be there with my BFF, Fay to celebrate my 60th birthday with 10,000 of our dear Siestas. Fay & I always schedule a girlfriend trip to see you in person each year. We were in Lubbock 3 years ago and I was so excited to see that you were coming again on July 11th! Happy! Happy! Happy!
    I really have 2 favorite birthdays…my 40th was spent in Cozumel, Mexico scuba diving with my husband…my 50th was in New York City with 26 of my hometown friends. God is good and I’m so thankful for each year He gives me to celebrate life on earth while preparing for eternity in Heaven!
    FROGS…Fully Rely On God’s Strength!

  40. 40
    Kristi says:

    So fun to see what you did for Beth’s birthday! Also fun to find out that she shares a birthday with my best friend!! That fact made her birthday almost by itself!

    When I turned 50, my husband arranged a surprise- he called my 3 best pals who arrived to take me out to dinner! My husband gave me a “Girl’s Night Out!!!” We then, of course, celebrated in several other ways, too, as he couldn’t be outdone. But that was just the BEST!!! (Please don’t tell him!)

    For my friend’s birthday last week, I took her to the local tea room for “full tea.” It was such fun sitting for a couple of hours with delicate china and a tower of tea sandwiches, scones with homemade creams, and then 5 teeny desserts to taste.

    Aren’t birthdays wonderful?!

  41. 41
    Kim Safina says:

    Beth and Darling Staff of Siesta’s –

    Lindsee – Thank you for sharing all the CREATIVE photos!!
    Makes me proud to be AN AMERICAN!!! 🙂
    GOD BLESS THE RED – WHITE – BLUE !!!!!

    Ya’ll should be in our local Cayucos, California parade carrying those patriotic works of art!!! It’s like a Norman Rockwell painting that comes to life. All ages love the parade.
    check it out http://www.cayucoschamber.com

    As for birthday memories –
    My 40th & 50th were dynamic.
    40th – My husband surprised me with a luncheon that he prepared for my closest friends and me. My sons were the waiters. He had hats and aprons made for my birthday. Each friend wrote a personal letter to me and then read it out loud before dessert was served.

    50th – My husband surprised me with a luncheon and party at our RE-MODEL home on the central coast with friends who traveled from all over to celebrate my 50th with me. My sons surprised me as did my brother, Thad. Two of my friends who I hadn’t seen in over 25 years attended. It was such a delight. One of my girlfriends made my favorite dish. My friends entertained with songs, stories, etc… then we all went for a beach hike and ended up at Starbucks after.

    Sending FIREWORKS of BLESSINGS,
    Kim Safina “Cali Kim”

  42. 42
    Sarah says:

    The best thing about having a birthday with God is He doesn’t give you gifts one day, but all the days through the year, big and small gifts.

    I like Birthdays, they’re not scarey. The only time birthdays are scarey is when you’re wearing a mask and you don’t have inner beauty. And each birthday makes it crinkle and fall to pieces like dried clay. Sounds like you guys had fun. Hope tye next year is even better.

    God bless and cheers. In Christ.

  43. 43
    Deborah Mott says:

    Happy Belated Birthday. A NEW year….praying it is a wondrously blessed one…may many miracles be seen (felt, experienced, brought forth…) in two thousand fourteen…!!!! His Best Intimate Presence to you, A Song of Solomon Season with you and Jesus to you,
    In Christ, Deb

  44. 44
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Happy belated birthday to Beth!!:) The painting looked like so much fun:)

  45. 45
    JM says:

    This is my first time visiting your sight. I was looking for a word of encouragement to get through a really rough time. I remembered Beth giving some type of testimony a few years ago about overcoming some physical issues or some type of very difficult situation.

    So I googled, and clicked onto your site. This little blog about your ministry and Beth’s birthday made me smile, and I felt a little less lonely. Like there is hope and life for me out there. I wish I had a group of girls like you all. But I am believing for that to come at the right time. I am hanging on to the promise that God has good things ahead of me. I am 41 and kind of starting over in life. No children. And trying to re-discover a career I never had, if that makes any sense.

    Thank you for sharing, it brightened my day. Pray for me.
    God bless your ministry. Thanks again.

  46. 46
    Patsy says:

    Thanks for sharing Beth’s birthday painting party with all of us!!! Children of the Day lessons continue to teach and heal. Thank you for helping us regain our dignity, for reminding us just how good this wonderful life really is because we are His cherished possessions!!!! Week 5 video is amazing and so “on point”!!!

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