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!
Poorna Diaz, Reston, Virginia: “But now that Timothy is back, bringing this terrific report on your faith and love, we feel a lot better. It’s especially gratifying to know that you continue to think well of us, and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you! In the middle of our trouble and hard times here, just knowing how you’re doing keeps us going. Knowing that your faith is alive keeps us alive.” 1 Thessalonians 3.6-8, MSG
Sarah, Lincoln, NE: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food” (James 2:15 NIV)
Terri, Pleasant Hope, MO
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 (NIV)
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 (NIV).
Nancy English, Laramie Wyoming
Seek His will in all you so and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:6 NLT
Luann Hansen Harlan, IA
“Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat–I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow Me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, My way, to finding yourself, your true self.”
Luke 9:23-24 MSG
Kim
New Port Richey, FL
Psalm 119:174. NLT
” O Lord, I have longed for you salvation, and your law is my delight.”
Marcelene from Tycson, AZ
“praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirut, being watchful to this end with all perserverance and supplication for all the saints – Ehp 6:18 NKJV
Alana McCullough, Lorton VA. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1, NIV.
Laura Sumpter-Salem, OR
Psalms 33:18-19 ESV. Behold the eye of the Lord is
on those who fear Him on those who hope in his
steadfast love, that He may deliver their soul from
death and keep them alive in famine.
Pam Carr WhiteOak Mo.
Hearken unto this, O Job : stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. Job 37:14. KJV
Brittany Hayes Rio Rancho NM
He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. Psalm 91:4
Their houses are safe from fear, Neither is the rod of God upon them. Job 21:9 NKJV
Jamie, Dallas, TX. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Rachelle, Cedar Park TX : And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1st Thessalonians 5:14
Logansport, IN
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. Psalms 28: 7 NASB
Carolyn Tragesser, Orofino, Idaho
So we are now representatives of the Anointed One, the Liberating King; God has given us a charge to carry through our lives—urging all people on behalf of the Anointed to become reconciled to the Creator God. 2 Corinthians 5:20. The Voice Bible
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” -Jeremiah 33:3
Victoria, Hooksett NH
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
Daniel 1:17 (KJV)
Sharon West, Miller, MO
Brothers, if anyone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1 NIV
Danielle Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves…”
Zephaniah 3:17
NIV
Kathy Rye
Cedar Park, TX
“The Lord your God is with you, the mighty warrior who saves…”
Zephaniah 3:17
NIV
Psalm 37:4
” Delight yourself in The Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Beaumont, Texas.
What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy.
Luke 15:4-5 NAB
After a 16-day search for our dog Gus who jumped out of our vehicle 60 miles from our home when we made a pit stop, I found him alive! A little bruised and broken, having been hit by a car, but he’s going to make it. All thanks to the mercy and kindness of Jesus Christ in answering so many prayers! <3
Wow Lori! So grateful this good news of finding Gus!!
Thank you! It’s been a remarkable journey on many levels!!
Kristi ~ Clovis, CA
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Stillwater, OK
Ephesians 3:18 ESV
…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
Karen, Dallas, TX:
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Romans 6:14 (NIV)
Roanoke, TX
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female – for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:28 (NET)
The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:4 (NIV84)
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for ad assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Kim – Columbus NC – 2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”
Home- with Jesus
Becky, Roswell, GA
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.”
I Peter 5:6, ESV
Dena K. from Columbus, OH:
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Luke 6:37 NIV
Stephanie Hamburg Ar.
Psalm 19:14 NLT
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you. O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Marsha Jupiter, Florida
Psalm 16:3
As for the saints who are in the land,
they are the glorious ones in whom is all
my delight.
Megan Allen Hillsboro OH
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2,3 NIV
Alice from Ooltewah, TN
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, and that you, being rooted & grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:17-19A).
Misti Robinson from Houston, TX
I have no great joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 1:4 NIV
Emily Mechanicsville, VA
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. -Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Jeri Cook of Missouri City, TX
John 4:14 (NIV)
Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:7-9
NIV
“How long will you threaten a man? All of you are murderers, as dangerous as a leaning wall or an unstable fence.” Psalm 62:3 (part of the whole chapter)
nancy-LPM
houston
Karen Todd Beech Island, SC
My soul is weary with sorrow;strengthen me according to Your Word
Psalm 119:28
Emily C, Bothell WA
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NASB
Karen F., Brandon, FL
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46: 1 NIV
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Marrie Gardner Cullman, AL
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Isaiah 30:21New Living Translation (NLT)
21 Your own ears will hear him.
Right behind you a voice will say,
“This is the way you should go,”
whether to the right or to the left.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 (NKJV)