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!
Jamie, Tyler, TX
John 15:5 NIV
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Liz Millinor
St Johns, FL
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
I know you can do all things;
No plan of yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2
Lynn, Divide, CO
Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.
Janice – Euless Texas
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 ESV
July 15, 2015
Ephesians 1:7
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” NAS
Deneen Horne, Jacksonville, Florida
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”.
(Psalm 37:4 NIV)
Kathy Walden, Knightstown, IN
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly wth your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
I know I have been slow in posting these last couple of times, but I am still with you all!
continuing from last time…
Matt 25:38-40 (NIV)
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
*I just noticed that I gave the wrong reference last time… whoops! glad I caught it!!
Amy Villa, Auburn, WA
“To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:21 ESV
Ooops. A little late this time!
Sandy Bowers, Bryan, Ohio
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 45:3 NIV
Andrea*B
Jefferson City, MO
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Monica Applegate Amarillo, Texas
For I the Lord thy God will hold they right hand, saying unto thee Fear not, I will help thee.
Isaiah 41:13 KJV
Janis Slatter, Auckland New Zealsnd
Proverbs 31 v 13 Amp
She seeks out the wool and flax and works with willing hands to develop it.
Daphne, AL
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thess. 15:13 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 NIV
Forest, VA
“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)
Colossians 3:19 (NIV) “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”
Julie, Madison, GA (read the blog and chose my scripture and forgot to post…I was on vacation…my brain was in neutral)
All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Cor 4:15
Kristie Terpstra, Montgomery, TX: “and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:19 NIV
Pretty Prairie KS
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18 KJV
Kerri Eyler, Woodsboro, MD “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV
Sherri, Indian Trail, NC
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4 NIV
Leah Kirksey, Camden, Arkansas
“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7 NKJV
Lori, Friendswood, TX
Psalm 46: 10 (NKJ)
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth!
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:19 NIVT
Robin, Knoxville
To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
Eph 3:22. NIV
Sharon from Van, TX
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
Ps. 119:14 NIV
Whitney Hazzard, Little Elm, TX
“In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14 NASB
Caroline Hucks
Conway,SC
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Ps 51:10) NKJV
Be self controlled and alert, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Diane Flook, Flagstaff, AZ
“that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Ephesians 1:17 NKJV
Janette
Estes Park, CO
Phil 4:8-9 Phillips
Here is a last piece of advice. If you believe in goodness and if you value approval of God, fix your minds on whatever is true and honourable and just and pure and lovely and praiseworthy. Model your conduct on what you have learned from me, on what I have told you and shown you, and you will find the God of peace will be with you.
Autumn, Glasgow, KY
“For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV)
Ramona Gellick
Medina, OH
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Jennifer Haglund; Story City, IA
” But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” – 1 Timothy 5:8 (NLT)
Amy, Murfreesboro, TN
Ephesians 4:1-2, ESV
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
Lori McGahey, Nashville, TN, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5 NKJV
Laura in Aurora, MO
Create in me a clean heart o God
and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Kelly Westlund, Richland, WA
Isaiah 30:15b (ESV)
In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.
Susan, Atlanta, GA
Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 NIV
Gay Beck, Plain City, OH
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
This is the day The Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NIV
Vicki Smith, Cleveland, TX “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:12 NIV
Bobbie, Radium Springs, NM
…pray without ceasing,
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV
Anna Lynch, Greensboro, NC
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the LORD.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV
Carolyn Valente, Chicago, IL, She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:15-17 NIV
Muriel in Ontario Proverbs 20:24 (NIV)
A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
Psalm 20:4
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
Karen, Cheryl, Christy A Cord of Three Strands
Jay, OK
Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
2 Timothy 2:7 NIV