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!
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV
Tammy Bradshaw, Bluffton, Ohio
GOD-His way is perfect, the word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30 HCSB
teri from kalamazoo:
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17(nkjv)
Mary Saul
Houston, TX
Psalm 25:14 NIV The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
Wow…I love the quotes “There is not testimony without a TEST or a Message without a MESS!” Thank you for sharing from the heart may God continue to reveal to you his wonderful plan as you have faced many trials yet overcame them, each day is new and we can all choose to begin again!
“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me”
Philippians 4:13
Virtual hugs from Texas…btw I love Sheridan WY it is a beautiful place….
Ann from Odessa, FL
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 NASB
Carolyn Dover, Ohio
“When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.”
Psalm 146:4 NIV
Miriam from Columbia, SC
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13 (ESV)
Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth with your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Jeremiah 32:17
In the morning; O Lord, you hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 5:2 NIV
Kristi Bracelin, West Des Moines, IA
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Deuteronomy 6:8-9 NIV
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Pattie from Holland,
Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Kassi Rushing – Ridgeland, MS – (Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV)
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Moose Mama–your story brought tears and a nudge toward humility. Maybe I can meet you if you’re in Milwaukee next month. 🙂
Tanya from Kenosha Wisconsin
Mark 7:20-23 to wrap up a section (Mk 7:6-23 New Living)
And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a persons heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within. They are what defile you.
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”
2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
Focus on the positives!
Karla from Columbus Oh
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 31:20
Christy Billingsley, Hattiesburg, MS
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Kim Joyner; Poplar Bluff, MO. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB)
Caitlin, McKinney, TX
Do your best, prepare for the worst- then trust God to bring victory.
Proverbs 21:31 MSG
Laura, Englewood
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Now Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. James 2:23 NET
DeLene from Garland, TX
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Prov 16:24 NIV
Amanda, Texas: Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.
NOTHING is too hard for You.
Jeremiah 32:17
So very true…we can depend on God for He knows His plan for you and for me and everyone, for He is The Lord of all!
Ruth Kitchener, ON
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
Rebecca Dohoda, Murfreesboro, TN.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus gas given me the task of testifying to the good news of God’s Grace.” Acts 20:24 NIV
Laquita Hunter, Athens, Tx.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life.” James 1:12 ESV
Robin Sandlin- Denver City, Tx—I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. 3 John 1:4
Susan Young, Fairhope, AL
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. Brothers, this should not be. James 3:9-10 (NIV)
Joan, Portage, MI
“But this I call to mind, & therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
Adina, Pittsburgh PA
I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful and I know this very well.
Psalm139:14 HCSB
Camon Criger, Longmont, CO
“But the LORD is faithful who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”
2 Thess. 3:3 (NKJV)
Joan Bush (Coppell, TX): 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
Sandra E.
Keller, TX
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
– Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)
Ps. 101:1
I will sing of lovingkindness and justice, To You O Lord, I will sing praises.
NASB
Kay Tucker
Elyria, OH
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
KJV Lamentations 3:22, 23
Vivienne B. Waterloo, On, Canada
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
Brenda Rowland, Mint Hill, NC. June 15, 2015
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the son of God.
1 John 5:15 NKJV
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Bobbie, Litchfield, MN
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:15-16
Valerie Maddox – Humble, Texas
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9-10 ESV
No doubt about it! God is good—
good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it,
missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way…….Psalm 73:1-2 Message
Liane Kent – Harlowton, MT —–
““O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”
Jeremiah 32:17 NLT
Rhonda Rowe, Kingston, OK:
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
Candy from St Louis
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:1-2 NIV)
DeLand, Florida
Proverbs 1:20 NLT
Wisdom shouts in the streets, she cries out in the public square.
Cheryl Autry from Dunn, NC
I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:21 KJV
Christina Fort Worth
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:12 NIV)
Eutawville, SC
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Abbey Le Roy, Bluefield, West Virginia. “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 (ESV)