Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2015: Verse 14!

2015-01-17 18.23.09 20150124_220238

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!

 

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Comments:

  1. 2251
    Jamie Hawbaker says:

    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.

  2. 2252
    Liz Millinor says:

    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)

  3. 2253
    Carol Fowler says:

    I know you can do all things;
    No plan of yours can be thwarted.

    Job 42:2

  4. 2254
    Lynn Badger says:

    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.

  5. 2255
    Janice Meyer says:

    Janice – Euless Texas

    In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,
    make me dwell in safety.
    Psalm 4:8 ESV

  6. 2256
    Kathi Larson, Tempe AZ says:

    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

  7. 2257
    Deneen Horne says:

    Deneen Horne, Jacksonville, Florida
    “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”.
    (Psalm 37:4 NIV)

  8. 2258
    Kathy Walden says:

    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

  9. 2259
    Heather Wilkinson says:

    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!!

  10. 2260
    Amy Villa says:

    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

  11. 2261
    Sandy Bowers says:

    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

  12. 2262
    Andrea*B says:

    Andrea*B
    Jefferson City, MO

    Romans 12:18
    “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

  13. 2263
    monica Applegate says:

    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

  14. 2264
    Janis Slatter says:

    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.

  15. 2265
    Diana Wright says:

    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

  16. 2266
    Diana Rice says:

    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

  17. 2267
    Crista says:

    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)

  18. 2268
    Beth Clark says:

    Colossians 3:19 (NIV) “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.”

  19. 2269
    Julie Speyer says:

    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

  20. 2270
    Kristie Terpstra says:

    Kristie Terpstra, Montgomery, TX: “and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:19 NIV

  21. 2271
    Margie says:

    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

  22. 2272
    Kerri Eyler says:

    Kerri Eyler, Woodsboro, MD “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 NIV

  23. 2273
    Sherri says:

    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

  24. 2274
    Leah Kirksey says:

    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

  25. 2275
    Lori says:

    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!

  26. 2276
    Tiffany Jenson says:

    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

  27. 2277
    Robin says:

    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

  28. 2278
    Sharon says:

    Sharon from Van, TX

    I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
    Ps. 119:14 NIV

  29. 2279
    Whitney Hazaard says:

    Whitney Hazzard, Little Elm, TX
    “In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14 NASB

  30. 2280
    Caroline Hucks says:

    Caroline Hucks
    Conway,SC

    Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Ps 51:10) NKJV

  31. 2281
    Rhonda Minot,ND says:

    Be self controlled and alert, your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

  32. 2282
    Diane Flook says:

    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

  33. 2283
    Janett Chalmers says:

    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.

  34. 2284
    Autumn says:

    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)

  35. 2285
    Ramona Gellick says:

    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.

  36. 2286
    Jennifer Haglund says:

    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)

  37. 2287
    Amy Cooper says:

    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,

  38. 2288
    Lori McGahey says:

    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

  39. 2289
    Laura Beatie says:

    Laura in Aurora, MO

    Create in me a clean heart o God
    and renew a right spirit within me.

    Psalm 51:10

  40. 2290
    Kelly says:

    Kelly Westlund, Richland, WA
    Isaiah 30:15b (ESV)
    In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.

  41. 2291
    Susan says:

    Susan, Atlanta, GA
    Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 NIV

  42. 2292
    Gay Beck says:

    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)

  43. 2293
    Cindy St. James, Mo says:

    This is the day The Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NIV

  44. 2294
    Vicki Smith says:

    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

  45. 2295
    Bobbie Head says:

    Bobbie, Radium Springs, NM

    …pray without ceasing,
    1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV

  46. 2296
    Anna Lynch says:

    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

  47. 2297
    Carolyn Valente says:

    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

  48. 2298
    Muriel says:

    Muriel in Ontario Proverbs 20:24 (NIV)

    A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.
    How then can anyone understand their own way?

  49. 2299
    Dianne Clifton says:

    Psalm 20:4

    May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.

  50. 2300
    Christy Youngblood says:

    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

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