My name is Melana Cummings (aka MooseMama…story to come). I live in Sheridan Wyoming. I have been married to Tim Cummings for 32 years. We met through a letter and he asked me to marry him in a letter. (It’s a very long story, but oh so sweet and God designed!) The first time we kissed was when he put the engagement ring on my finger. It’s not a common way to start out a life together, but we were best friends who got married. He’s still one of the dorkiest people I know. He makes me laugh. He makes me shake my head. He has always said that if I ever leave him, he’s coming with me. We have a 26 year old daughter Sarah, a 16 year old daughter Emily, and a grandson, Jensen, who is 3. I have worked for the State of Wyoming for 28 years, and have a degree in psychology from the only university in the state. I was raised in the Lutheran church but had no idea what a personal relationship with Christ was. When I was 21, Christ sought me out, and I prayed to receive Him. From that day forward JESUS HAS BEEN MY LIFE!
In 2006, I prayed that I would grow even more in my faith and in Christ. About a week later a snippet of video was played about the Bible study, Believing God by Beth Moore (never heard of her!) that would be starting soon. A prayer answered!
A few months later this Beth Moore was going to be in Salt Lake City with Living Proof Live, so myself and 5 friends drove to see her. She taught from Ephesians 3…how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of Christ….to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. One phrase she said “All excess is a result of emptiness”, hit me hard. As a woman who has been overweight all my life, all I could think was “nuh-uh”!
That one Bible Study and Living Proof Live event were the beginning of many more Bible Studies and live events through the last 9 years. My prayers for growth were being answered! I loved reading Beth’s blog and made a lifelong friend through it: Adrienne Hudson (aka Fuzzytop in Tennessee) and I became online friends. In 2008 a friend and I drove from Wyoming to San Antonio Texas for the Living Proof Live, and “Siesta Fiesta”, where I finally got to meet Adrienne face-to-face. I wish I could name all of the Siestas I have met over the years! They have become so dear to my heart and really, an integral part of my life in Christ! Honestly, the kindness, love, support and joy these women have brought to my life is no small miracle.
The most hilarious part of that trip was a stuffed Moose with a Wyoming bandana on his neck. It was my intention to give the moose to Beth as a gift. Well, we started to take pictures of “Miesta Moose” (Miesta is a male Siesta), along the trip. The pictures got posted on a secondary blog that a couple of Siestas had started, which was all about the Fiesta. By the time we arrived in San Antonio, Miesta Moose had become somewhat of a celebrity. And so it began. I took him to every Beth Moore event I went to. He would even end up in recap pictures, and then Siestas from all around the country, most of whom, I had never met, asked me to send him to them so they could take him to the event in their area. He has been kissed and carried by some of the most wonderful women! Around his neck, he wears the wristbands from the events he has attended. I became MooseMama. He became so recognizable, that women asked to have their pictures taken with him. It pleased me that he showed up at tapings and book signings that Beth was doing.
In 2009, I felt God really was telling me that I could be more of what He wanted for me if I lost that excess weight and fill the emptiness with Him. I lost 120 lbs. in a year’s time. I was leading Bible Studies. I was teaching Sunday School. I even went on a mission trip to Africa with my church. Something I never would have tried when I was so overweight. Prayers answered!
The year 2011 brought with it a season of severe loss and struggle. A heart attack altered the health of my husband, my oldest daughter became a widow at 22. Two weeks following her husband’s death she discovered she was expecting our grandson Jensen. I grew steadily depressed with these changes and gained back all the weight I had lost. I felt like I was trying to hold everything from flying apart. I was exhausted. We stopped going to church. But God…
We returned to church last year, and God is showing me how He used Jensen to redeem these past few years. His faithfulness to me never faltered. This verse has never meant more to me, than now. Today it is my verse to memorize:
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
AMEN!
Vicky McPhail, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John 15:10, NIV.
Emma Mierta Davison, Michigan
Psalm 24:4 The one whose deeds are blameless and whose motives are pure, who does not lie, or make promises with no intention of keeping them. NET
Barbara-WI
14. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.
(NAB Psalm 139:14)
Colleen Duebber. Cincinnati, Ohio.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV
Lori Pannell, Houston, Texas
“I lift my eyes up to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord creator of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1 NIV
Albuquerque, NM
Psalm 139:14
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works; and that my soul kniweth right well. KJV
Janet P., Paola, KS
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9 NIV
Shelly Albertville MN
John 14:6 NIV
Jesus answered “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me,
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! I so loved this and your verse is one of my life verses! Your faith in the face of such pain and discouragement is inspiring to say the least. Thanks for sharing and God bless you and your family!
Cathy Clark, Umatilla, FL
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Pam Mesa Arizona
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
What a wonderful testimony, thank you for sharing, how encouraging to hear once more how wonderful our God is. May God bless you and bless you and bless you as you live for him.
And thank you for just being “real” and sharing your Christian life with all of us.
Tyra Sias – Atlanta, GA
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV
Hi Tyra (Fellow Georgian),
I just happen to see you’re from Atlanta. That’s where I’m from, although now I live the outskirts, in Jonesboro.
Bless you
Kimyetta
Hey there!
I’ve only been in Atlanta for about 2 years. I’m originally from Houston. But, I love all of the hills and trees here. I’ve not been to Jonesboro. Guess I need to do some Georgia exploration!
Charlotte
Philadelphia, MS
…..choose this day whom you will serve, …..But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15.
ESV
Susan Smith, Helena,MT Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5
Jen … Fort Worth, TX
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
What an awesome testimony! Thank you for sharing! I have seen your name around in the comments so it’s great to put a real person with the name Moose Mama! I love to hear how God works in others lives because it encourages me to keep believing in the work He is doing in me. Philippians 1:6.
John15:13-14
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friend if you do what I command.
Lisa Cummings, Joaquin, TX
“And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 KJV
Linda from Wake Forest, N.C. says,
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have
received it, and it will be yours.”(Mark 11:24, NIV)
Thank you, for such a sweet, bittersweet and wonderful testimony, Melana. Truly, He has carried you through! May Ge give you the desires of your heart.
Angelica (Angel) Chilton, Hillsboro, Texas
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
Shelly and Sienna
Colorado Springs, C
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Proverbs 15:4 KJV
Love love love you for sharing your story. Been hearing about you for years. 🙂 Sorry, just wanted to jump in and that.
Kim Emmerich
Dickinson, ND 58601
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for Whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.
Phil. 3:8 NIV
Hello fellow Wyoming Siesta! From the southern part of the state, Fort Bridger Wyoming! Thank you for sharing! Both my husband and I work or have worked for the great State of Wyoming! Love the Miesta Moose!
Resist him, stand firm in faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:9
Wooburn, IN
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You,because he trusts in You.
Melissa Dulaney, Circleville, OH
Proverbs 4:23, NIV
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Psalm 5:3 NIV
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Kathy Welch, Tyler, TX
“Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.”
Ephesians 5:1 HCSB
College Station, Tx
Deut. 6:4 (NIV)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Kathy, Austin, Tx. Isaiah 49:23,25
Those who hope in me will not be disappointed. I will contend with those who contend with you and your children I will save.
Kelli Hall ~ Sherwood, Oregon
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
Pam Pruett, Clarksville, Arkansas.
Psalm 112:4 NIV
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
Yvonne Gearing – Kingman, AZ
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28. NIV
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light unto my path.
Angie Hill, Jasper, Alabama
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalms 27:14 NIV
Ashley Lewis, Marshalltown, Iowa
Matthew 22:38 NKJV
This is the first and greatest commandment.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
~Ephesians 6:14 & 15 ESV
Kim Walters from Denver CO
Deut 33:13a & 16b
May the Lord bless his land with . . . The favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush
Liji Oommen
Columbus, OH
“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”
-Psalm 27: 13, 14 KJV
LINDA
MONTANA
Psalms 103:5
NKJV
5] Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Loved reading MamaMoose’s story. Thank you so much for sharing God’s love with us!
Jessica, Encinitas, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Marleeta, Florence, CO
And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2
Teresa, Walla Walla, Proverbs 3:6 NCV “Remember the LORD in all you do, and He will give you success.”
Sylvie Nicol, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada ♡
Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise 16) Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Kimberly Balles Rolling Meadows, IL
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.
Joshua 1:9. NIV
Dianne Wade Maineville, Ohio
Ephesianes 6:14&15
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around
your waist, with the beast plate of righteousness in
place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness
that comes from the gospel of peace. NIV
Janet P., College Station, TX
Romans 8:38-39 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Carrie from Cary, NC
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convicted of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NET