Darling Ones, I just want to let you know that this very day several checks will go in the mail to Alabama from Living Proof Ministries in your honor and including your giving. Our hearts would have gone out to all those hurt and devastated by the tornadoes anyway because the love and mercy of God dwells in us through His Spirit. The fact that we have very active Siestas in Alabama who have been with us nearly from the start of this community and who live in areas hard hit makes it even more personal to us. (Boomama and The Preacher’s Wife are two of many. I nearly threw up as I watched the news and could see that the storms were right on top of them.) So please know today that $10,000 from the Siesta Scholarship Fund plus additional dollars from LPM will take wings and fly to Alabama this day in the great and saving name of Jesus Christ.
Your love and your commitment to Him make a difference in this hurting world. Never doubt it.
PS. I’m going to try to comprise a running list of our Alabama Siestas (just means sisters, not club members) throughout the day. We’ve heard from many of you but didn’t think to take down names at that point in the fury. If you live in Alabama, will you please tell us in a comment to this post? We’d like to recognize you either by blogger name or personal name. I’ll be adding to it as the day goes on.
Some of Our Beloved Alabama Girls (forgive us if some of you got reflected on here twice as we compile the list from several different sources): We love you and we’re thinking of you…
Sophie – “Boomama”
Lisa – “A Preacher’s Wife”
Robyn – “3girlsmom” (3girlsmom23.blogspot.com)
Jenny Hope Williams
Amy Daugherty
Rebecca Olson
Cathy Davis
Julie
Tamara
Kellie
Jessica (aletterfromchrist.blogspot.com)
Shannon Roe (in Tuscaloosa!)
Erin
Rebecca
Elise Pratt
Ashley
Beth
Mary R. Snyder (MaryRSnyder.com)
Kathryn Champion (flashthoughts.wordpress.com)
Martha
Kay
Jamie B. (meetthebakers.blogspot.com)
Kay Porter Archer (karlaarcher.com)
Tressa McQueen
Brandi Bryant
Charity Washburn
Rachel (@objectivityrach)
Dedra Herod
Tammy Isbell (@greekgrits – lives in Tuscaloosa – hit HARD)
Valerie (@valeriegail)
Lora Lynn Fanning
Karla Archer
Paige (@pollypepRN)
Cynthia Miller
Redeemed
Julie Reynolds @ginsamica
LB
Jamey (aheartforthenations.blogspot.com)
Diane Bailey (dianewbailey.blogspot.com)
Kim L.
Amy (wildgloriousride.blogspot.com)
Fran
Tressa
Candy
Leight
Ginger
Jill in AL (jumpin-in.blogspot.com)
Traci
Tammy Jones
Allison Burleson
Marilyn Yarbrough
Donna
Julie K (blessed-kellys.blogspot.com)
Brandy
Tiffany
Tanya in Alabama
Heather Joy
Kristina Nicole
Michele Adcock
Volleyball Ginger
Jenny Howle
Beverly
Donna Benjamin
Stephanie Billings-ArmyReserveWife
Sheilak3130
Melanie Henderson
Janice
Bridgett Junkin
Kristen Love…in Tuscaloosa is running the City of Tuscaloosa’s aid center!!
Beth Mince
Erin Beasley
Ann B
Michelle
Laura Forman
Kimberly G Mason
Celia J. (friendshipumc.org)
Natalie Johnson
Jan
Pamela
Robin Ford
Pam
Amy From Huntsville, AL
Ginny Bass (bassakward-tales.blogspot.com)
Tanya McCalpin
Mandy P…in Tuscaloosa
Mindy S
Olda
Rachel H
Whitney
Nikol Whitten (coffeewithchrist.org)
Adrianna Anderson
Becky B.
Carol a.k.a Joybreaks
Janice Pitchford
Jennifer from Huntsville, AL (TalesOfAPeanut)
Mary H. (formerly ThirtySomethingMom)
Katie Taylor
Traci StJohn
Leann Ford
Leah Kiker
Vivian
Rita
Polly
Donna Benjamin
Marty, Tammy and Teresa
Karen
Cynthia Griffin
Shannon Conner
Kathy McDaniel
Shawna
Lisa Vinyard
Heather Maise
Lisa Saunders
Laura Prater Tuscaloosa, AL
Kristin Johnson
Annie
Megan Woodham
Renita-Prattville
Nancy Eckhardt
Heather Battle
Hope
Shirley Kurtz (shirleykurtz.blogspot.com)
Angie G.
Amanda
Tracy Stoffell (tracyscoffeecafe.wordpress.com)
LeAnne
Cara Hoffman
Beth
Holley Houlditch
Brea Burelle
Lauren Johnson
R. Davis
Melanie Holmes (KanduGal)
Kelly
Lisa McGriff
Denise
CJ
Paige from Alabama
Deanna
Chrissy Hanscome
Angie Sharp
Terri Lovett
Dedra Herod
Jessica Handley
Kendall Perchinski
Jamie Harper – happyharperstories.blogspot.com
Roni Long
ashley e
Anne
Lisa Laree
Sarah Christen
Michelle V
Cathy D
Jess
Julia (Mor2Life)
Gretta
Paula
Mimi six of AL
Emily Sanderson
I live in Alabama. My home was spared (by 0.9 of a mile)- but our minister of music, his MIL and lots of other church friends lost their homes- but not their lives- PTL!!!!
I’m from Alabama, and our area was spared although we were close. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Beth,
Tonight in Bible Study I read from your book, Things Pondered. The poem I read to them was Superwoman Freedom Plea which I love dearly. Do you realize that a lot of those soap operas are off the air now. We laughed and had fun reading it. Then when I got home I continued to read and I just finished reading Fresh Prints. “I call you from your comfort zone, Dare you be one of few? If you’ll not leave fresh prints, My child, then who? If you’ll not lead the way My child, then look around who?” God has certainly called us from our comfort zones in Alabama. He does comfort us when we are disturbed and disturbs us when we are too comfortable. He created us with a need for people and sends the right people in time of need. As I was reading Things Pondered I was just remembering that the Women’s Bible study group at my church gave it to me when we completed the original A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place back in ’98 or so. I want to thank you for being such a huge part of my life teaching me God’s Word and thank you for answering God’s call on your life. You are such a blessing!
Of cousre, thank you for your generosity to the victims of the tornado. Help is arriving! Praise God.
Janice from Springville, AL
Reeder
Jamie Harper – happyharperstories.blogspot.com – Happy Harpers
My hometown was destroyed. My grandparents house was destroyed and they were in it at the time, but they were unharmed. Praise the Lord! The Happy Harpers were fine here. Our neighborhood was hit hard from the first tornado, but it was nothing in comparison to the major destruction in the hardest hit areas.
Hey, girls! I live in Demopolis, Alabama. I joined the memory verse blog for my sister. We are just 1 hour below Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Most of our county was destroyed by the tornado that came through the Friday before the last Wednesday’s tornados. In the Wednesday set of tornados, one of my employees lost seven people in her neighborhood. We were spared a direct hit in Demopolis by eight miles south and eight miles north. I cannot even begin to describe what we have all witness in Alabama, but God is good. He is in the middle of it all. I don’t think I know of anyone that doesn’t know someone close to them that hasn’t been affected by the storms. Keep praying Girls.
Roni Long
I’m from East Limestone County Alabama. A tornado passed within 1/4 of a mile of my house. Several miles of the road I live on were totally destroyed. I praise our loving and merciful God that we were spared the worst of the devastation.
My heart is breaking for the people of our community and our state who have lost so much more than we did–including their family members. Please keep praying!
I’m totally late posting, but I live in Huntsville, AL. Love you, Siestas.
Thank you so much for the donation!! that is awesome! I live in Huntsville, AL and was not affected by the Apr 27 tornado. However, my parents live in Tuscaloosa. Their home was actually damaged by a tornado on April 15 (unable to live in the house) and had been staying with a neighbor. Then the neighbor’s home was damaged by the Apr 27 tornado! We are so blessed that the family is all safe and are praying for the families who have lost so much.
thanks for the support,
ashley e
huntsville, al
Flo Smyth Wetumpka,Alabama
I live in Ralph, Alabama…about 20 miles outside my hometown of Tuscaloosa. The tornado which hit there started a few miles behind my house…and we are fine. No damage to our home…just lost one tree and it didn’t hit anything! Some of my neighbors, family, and friends were not as fortunate. My church family was extremely hard hit with many losing everything but their lives. I am overwhelmed by how mightily our Daddy has shown up…and been glorified in the aftermath! What a privilege to participate!! Thanks for your prayers…
Amanda, it’s Kathie Waldheim from Houston (now Denver). I graduated from U of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. I have so been wanting to reach out to the community. How can I help? My prayers are with all you Bama girls.
Thank you so much!!! I’m in south Huntsville, where all we lost was a refrigerator full of food that consisted largely of aged leftovers that pretty much needed to be thrown out anyway…but last night I went to the funeral home to support dear friends who lost an adult daughter. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated!
My internet has been down until today . . .just leaving the post comment. I am in Jasper. Our neighborhood was hit by the tornado that come in the morning. Our community was hit very hard. We treasure the prayers and support!
Thank you for your love, support and prayers… I live in the harvest area.. the f5 tornado could be seen from our home. The devastation is awful… Our home was untouched.. but our lives are forever changed. So many places in Alabama are in ruins.. it is hard to know where and who to help. The needs are so great. In BSF we are studying the book of Isaiah.. the night before the April 27 tornadoes – We studied Isa 61. Now we are living Isa 61 – Rebuilding .. those ruined.. devastated places. Thank you for acknowledging our pain.. and loving on our state!
I am an Alabama native, but live in So Cal. I just wanted to say thanks Beth, LPM and all you Siestas for giving to help Alabama. I have been amazed at the outpouring of love and help all over the state. What Satan meant for harm, our great Father is using for good. I also want to thank you Beth for introducing me to Samaritan’s Purse. When the disaster occurred and I felt helpless to do anything from Cali with two small kids and a deployed hubby, I gave to Samaritan’s Purse and a few days later my friend in Tuscaloosa let me know they were right there in the middle of it helping. Thanks again for all your support of a place that is so close to my heart.
Thank you all for the prayers! I live in Harvest, AL, just a couple of miles from an area that had horrific tornado damage resulting in deaths. My friends lost their house, and our whole county was without power for days. Through all of this, the stories that will stick with me most are not those of loss, but of the miracles of saved lives in utterly destroyed homes, the ultimate sacrifices that some paid in order to save those that they loved, and the community banding together to help others.
I had no idea this was posted. How precious. My family & I came out mildly inconvenienced. But friends and coworkers have suffered devastating losses. Prayers are so appreciated. It’s been beautiful to watch people come together and help. And most importantly to see God glorified and praised.
You are each treasured. Thank you:).
Hello to all! I live here in Alabama- born and raised! I actually live in Auburn- and we did not receive any damage here- but some of the surrounding areas did. Our hearts and prayers here go out to all in Alabama- and all over the South- that have been affected by these storms. We will be praying for all of you. It has been incredible as some have mentioned to watch people coming together during this recovery effort. I love Alabama! I must say as well- even though I live in Auburn, I am a huge Bama fan- so Roll Tide Tuscaloosa- hang in there!!!
We will keep praying!
I am just now checking in because our phones/internet have been down since shortly after the storm hit on April 27th. I live in Wellington, AL (Calhoun County). The tornado passed just a few miles down the road from us. It has been a privilege to reach out to those in our community who lost loved ones and to those who lost EVERY earthly possession they had. I work at the local school in this area…lots of our children were affected in one way or another. Please continue praying for those affected and that the rest of us would seize every opportunity to show the love of Christ… Julia
I am from Hanceville, AL and we were hit by an F2 tornado around 5:30am on April 27th. We were without power 11 days and just got internet back this morning…Praise God! Thank you for your generous donation to help all of us down here in Alabama! Thankfully, God’s hand of protection was upon our lives and our home that morning but we have so much damage and debris in our area still. I posted pictures on my blog of our area. I need to update my SSMT verse on my blog now too! 🙂
Thank you for all the prayers, support and donations for our state. I live in Albertville, Alabama. We had a little bit of damage in our town but not like some of the others. We were without power for several days. I am amazed at the many miracles that are coming out of these storms! I am praising God through the storm!!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for your love and assistance. Many, many hurting people here. Christ’s love is shining through in fantastic ways though! He has poured His perfect love into our “imperfect hearts”!!
Thank you so much for your prayers and help. Although God blessed me and my family, and we were not hit by the tornados, several friends were. The tornado came over my home and touched down about 2 miles away. My 13-year old daughter lost a good friend and classmate..Aurelia Guzeman. Please be in prayer for their family.
We pray that people hurt by the Mississippi floods will be alright. Those are crazy over flowing waters.
I am so thankful for the gracious gift to the North Alabama area. I am blessed to be under the leadership of an amazing pastor and wife that love the Lord and serve Him with their whole hearts, Luke and Lisa McKay (The Preachers Wife). I have led your studies for 13 years and the ministry is still going strong, with new people added each study. We are currently doing The Inheritance, and the timing on the sessions is perfect. Thank you for your ministry. It was your love and passion for The Word that changed my life!
I am from Tuscaloosa, and I wanted to encourage you that the Lord is alive and at work here! I have never been more proud to be a part of what the Lord is doing. Thank you all for your support and prayers. For a longer description and my story see sandyem.blogspot.com
Cindi Hueytown, AL I know this is late but have not had internet…
Romans 8:28 NASV
And we know that [a]God causes (A)all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are (B)called according to His purpose.
Suzanne, Summerfield, Fl.
I Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. NKJV