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!
Duvall, WA
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2 NIV
Salley Sutmiller, Tulsa, OK
“This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. ”
Ps18.30;esv
Paula Rutherford, Decatur, Tx–
Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Pineville, LA
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we await for it with patience.
Romans 8:24-25 ESV
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James 3:16 ESV
Merideth Colvert Conroe, TX
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Mathew 6:33 (NIV)
Vickie Henderson
Russellville,Arkansas
Esther 4:
If you keep silent at this time, liberation and deliverance will come for the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s house will be destroyed. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.
HCSB
Christa Lanier, Murfreesboro, TN. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NIV
Deana Johnson from Visalia California: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV
Cheryl, Houston, TX
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Psalm 119:18 ESV
Tanmy Disch, Garland, TX. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; Romans 5:3 (NASB)
Brandy Port Neches, Tx
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
Alison Wagler, Vancouver, Canada. Psa.92.2.nasb To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning And Your faithfulness by night,
San Bernardino Ca.
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy mountain
For the Lord our God is holy..Psalms 99:9 nkjv.
Kim in St. Charles, IL
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1John1:7(kjv)
Pineville,LA
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Romans 8:26 ESV
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” 1John 2:16-17 NLT
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor. Matthew 5:13 NLT
Mary Jo, Las Vegas, NV Habakkuk 3: 17-18 (NASB)
17 Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
18 Yet I will exult in the Lord,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Deb Dinnen
Springfield, Ohio
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. (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
I Corinthians 15:57, 58 ESV But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Sunny, Las Vegas, NV
Becky, Scottsdale,AZ–
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul,
sure and steadfast, which reaches inside the curtain…” ⚓️
Hebrews 6:19 NET
Allison from New York
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
-Psalm 147:11 NIV
Lisa Zink
Chickasha, OK
Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and Your out-stretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You,
Jeremiah 32:17 NASB
Paula Hale, Brownwood, Tx.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18 ESV
Julie, Gresham, OR
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)
Amy Flanagan Santee Ca “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8
Charlotte Heisel, Modesto, CA
Psalms 91:6 NLT
Do not dread the disease that stalks in the night,
Nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Pamm W. from Albuquerque, NM
…Give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever.
2 Chronicles 20:21 (NIV)
Joanne Delanoy, Leduc, AB Canada
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
1 John 4:16 NIV
Faye from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die. (Galatians 2:21 NLT)
Bobbi Wineberg Lake City, FL The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, and my saviour; my God is my Rock,in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me,and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2 (NLT)
Roman2:11 (ESV)
God shows no partiality.
Chaundel, Lake Foreset, CA
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. II Corinthians 12:9 NASB
Sherri Dudley, Albuquerque “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 2Tim2:22 ESV
Jennifer T, Fairfax VA
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Donna, Houston, TX
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
Carol in Salem, OR
He gave Himself up on our behalf in order to free us from all violation of Torah and purify for Himself a people who would be His own, eager to do good. Titus 2:14
Linda Jewell
Sedona,Az
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Ok
Sherron Watkins, Houston, TX
[And I pray] that the participation in and sharing of your faith may produce and promote full recognition and appreciation and understanding and precise knowledge of every good [thing] that is ours in [our identification with] Christ Jesus [and unto His glory]. (Philemon 1:6 AMP)
Peggy C Crews. Starke. Fl
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will –
Ephesians 1:5
Dawn Tolley, Appomattox VA Philippians 1:19 “For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” (NIV)
courtney Kelly, Starke, FL
Micah 6:8 (NIV) “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercyand to walk humbly with your God.”
Shannon, Shelby, MT
“He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:3 HCSB
Leslie Brown, Denver CO
Why spend your money on food that doesn’t give you strength? Why pay for groceries that do you no good? Listen and I’ll tell you where to get good food that fattens up the soul!
Isaiah 55:2–Living Bible (TLB)
Angelina Eger Moscow, Idaho
1Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails
Lori~Mountain View, Wyoming
“Pray continually.” 1Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Canton NC
“For this reason I bow my knees before my Father ” -Ephesians 3:14 esv
Patty from Redmond, WA
Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
Taste and see that the Lord is God. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him.