Good morning, my dear Siestas! Checking in to say hello before this day shoots off like a rocket. I just finished my quiet time and this is normally when I’d go out to our garage to my universal gym and work out. Until my back injury heals, you can imagine that’s off limits. I am slowing doing better though. I can even go for walks now and do certain floor exercises for it. Thank you so much for praying about it. It has been such a long (almost a year!) and painful ordeal. Honestly, my surgery (from a physical standpoint) was a cake walk compared to this but I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel and believing that another surgery will not have to be the answer.
I have to tell you the sweetest thing God has done for me and so much of it has been through you. Between the SSMT celebration at the end of January and (thus far) four book signings on the book tour, I have come face-to-face and short-story to short-story with more women than I’ve gotten to personally encounter in the last two years put together. We have hugged, laughed, said stuff like “You have got to be kidding me!” and “I know we’d be BFFs” and “Those are some danged good highlights you’ve got there, Sister” (me to them) ten thousand times and, when God would let that line dwindle down, some of us got to step to the side completely one on one and really talk. This is what I love. It’s also what I get the least of in this season of ministry.
Don’t get me wrong. I am constantly involved with women and have a steady dose of face-to-face encounters through the ministry and here in Houston but not very often when I’m out and about. I came home perhaps as exhausted as I have ever been (this book tour came a tad early in my post-op recovery) but my soul is full to the brim. For reasons known only to a God of immeasurably grace, I am called to serve women, just like many of you. Perhaps what I love best is that they come in all sorts of ages, just like all those young girls who saved a seat for me at church yesterday then hugged me to happy pieces when I got there (late). Like eighth grade Courtney who I’ve known all her life and who is now taller than Miss Beth but growing up so beautifully and gracefully I can hardly stand it. And like much younger Abigail who drew me a picture during the worship service and presented it to me at the end and asked me if we could ever have lunch. I am blessed beyond measure. Could honestly bawl about it.
Oh, the joys of girl world.
And the hard work! I could use your prayers this week. Bible study preparation today then teaching tomorrow night. Way before dawn Wednesday morning, Michelle (affectionately also known as “Hawk”) and I will jump on a plane to Birmingham for signings in three bookstores there (I can’t wait to meet you B-ham girls!), then late that night we will drive to Nashville and I will have the joy of also getting my arms around some darling necks in that home-away-from-home. So many good friends in that area. So, you won’t waste a prayer on Michelle and me this week! I don’t dread it though. I know that God will not only sustain and empower us. He will send us home with heads and hearts full of stories. Real, live face-to-face encounters. She and I have talked a hundred miles an hour about so many women we’ve met in the last week. So many Siestas! We were so glad to have Georgia Jan at the second bookstore signing in Atlanta so that she could amuse us by causing copious trouble. We do dearly love our Siestas.
OK, I better get to my day. Have already tarried way too long. I’ll leave you with this:
My devotional time this morning was spent on the subject matter of anger. I thought to myself how life offers one opportunity after another to get hopping mad about something…or, more often, toward someone and what kind of price we pay. What kinds of words we say. Proverbs 16:32 (NET) says, “Better to be slow to anger than to be a mighty warrior, and one who controls his temper is better than one who captures a city.” Let’s quit blaming our hormones and our husbands and our workplaces and just bring our anger problems before God. Let’s tell Him what we’re mad about, repent for our reaction to it, ask Him to tend to us, heal us, free us. And, if the situation or relationship continues to be irresistibly, understandably infuriating, may He teach us how to refrain from sin in our anger until we can be loosed from it altogether.
For those of us who don’t have one of those monumental, overwhelming reasons to be angry and we’re just temperamental, irritable, and summarily lacking in self-control, sometimes it’s just the matter of making a choice. As my grandmother used to say, we can get glad in the same clothes we got mad in.
Or, then again, we could just change clothes and see if that would help. One way or the other, it’s time to get over it.
I love you, Siestas.
Linda Lou from Dacula 
Beth, I thank God everyday for your surrender to Jesus and allowing Him to use you to teach all of us. God's timing is SO perfect. I just finished Breaking Free, a friend and I did Inheritance in the fall and are working on Revelation right now on Wed. nites. Now I've received your book and read 8 chapters. I just couldn't resist. I'm a teacher and we've had a long weekend off due to snow-God's planning you think?? It's amazing the "consistency and flow" of your message!!!!! Only God could do this. I am praying for God's strength for you this week and his healing of your back. We all can't have one on one's with you, but I feel your kindred spirit. We all do. Take Care of Yourself, and Thank You with all my heart- Priase His Awesome and Mighty Name for His Individual and Perfect Love for us,
Blessings, Amanda
Hi Beth,
I was first in line at your book signing in Marietta, Georgia and spoke to you about the loss of my husband (the loss of his mind) and you said he must be a nut. You just lifted me up and again you have been an uplifter and encourager to me in the months of my storm. It felt so good to laugh and I want to thank you for being your warm self. I was so thankful that you really are as you appear to be…walking the walk..I will pray for you to have the strength and energy as you go through the book tours and this exciting time with the book. Seeing the young faces waiting for you was such a blessing and I am so thankful that we have the young generation carrying it forward…Bless you,
Linda Lou
Sue
Traverse City, MI
60's
Single
Beth I met you in Marietta with my sister and dear friend Linda…your immediate warmth and genuineness touched all 3 of us! We were the first 3 in line in Marietta, Georgia….we felt like we were first in line at Disney World ! We couldn't believe we were first because we live about an hour away from that Borders. Thanks for being so real and so sweet.
Praying you both have a safe trip to Alabama and Nashville. Lived in Nashville right after I got married…beautiful city. Enjoy! They are suppose to have snow so enjoy the white stuff!
Beth! You and Michelle dress warm, it's cold around here! I'm thrilled that I get to see you in Bham. I'm coming early to a signing and then to the last one. Looking forward to you, Michelle and all those sweet siestas who have told me where I'll find them.
Praying for you!
Will definitely be praying over you and Michelle. Have a blessed time and know that we share your passion for Jesus and the world of women! Love the new book.. can't wait to discuss this on the blog!
Suzanne
Oh, timing is everything. We were just talking about Meanness (from the Esther study) and anger at Bible study last night. Thanks for the encouragement.
pilgrim
HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP
AND THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US
MAY GOD BLESS
So excited to be a part of this!! My first time to blog…wow!
Beth, I am so inspired by your work! Thank you for being you and for being God's vessel. I pray for your strength so that you can continue to guide me and so many others.
Blessings, Kathy
Thank you for coming to Peachtree City. I was one of the many whose book you signed and who you loved on. You are the true deal. One of our area's women's ministries blogged about you coming. Thought you'd like to see it:
http://www.dogwoodradiance.com/2010/02/50-fabulous-seconds-2/
Just got back from Birmingham a little while ago. I had such a blast at the signing at Books-A-Million. Thank-you! You are so gracious and it was such a pleasure to meet my Bible study teacher face to face.
Praying for you as you continue your whirlwind signing tour!
Karen
How did you know I needed that? I've been praying about a particularly maddening work situation and have been led by the Spirit to just keep my big mouth zipped shut, to keep working hard, and to keep serving others, and let God work it out. But that is easier said than done, some days.
Definitely praying for your book tour.
Peace,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC
I was fortunate enough to attend the book signing in Birmingham. I only spent a few minutes with you but was overcome by the spirit that surrounds you. You are truly blessed by and used by our Beloved Jesus. Thank you Beth
Sheila
Well, there went one insecurity…I am BLOGGING! How appropriate that I can share this with my "sistas"!
Praying God will pour out His love and give you extra strength. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Your Bible studies and books are so helpful in understanding God's Word and how it relates to us. Thank you so much. We love you. Sister in Christ,
Joyce
It was awesome to meet you yesterday! I prayed for you all afternoon (and am praying today too) thinking about all of the energy it must take to go all day like you did. You were so kind and gracious and made my little girl, Liza Kate's, day. That was our first overnight trip together alone, and what a great first memory she has! I wondered if you'd like to know a few things she said.
1. You are officially 'famouser' than Hannah Montana. This was her first comment after the signing, after she just stared at you for a while.
2. You have a mall named after you now, Brookwood Village is officially Beth Moore's mall, thought you'd love that one.
3. Both of my girls took their signed books to school today, my other daughter is 6. (We got my 6 year old son spy glasses and he was thrilled as well.) Liza Kate took her great pictures we took too. Special thanks to your assistant!
4. You made my day too saying that you were honored that my children would think that you are my mom, since she passed away with cancer when my firstborn was 6 months old. We all watch Wednesdays With Beth… even my husband. 🙂
Thank you for discipling me, and I am so thankful that you are playing a part in discipling my girls as well. All glory to Jesus!
Hi Beth-
I will be praying for you and Michelle for traveling mercies & grace. I wish your book tour brought you to Southern California. For some reason So Cal just doesn't get the selection & number of tours, speakers, conferences and events like the Bible Belt or South East. For the life of me I don't know why because Lord knows we need it. However, I can hardly wait until July when you are coming to Irvine, CA myself and a group from bible study already have our wristbands. Whooo Hoo! I have also seen you in Arizona, San Diego & San Francisco. Bless you for your faithfulness to serve the Body of Christ as passionate and consistent as you do.
I love your devotion on anger how timely & convicting.
Blessings & hugs,
Madelin
Beth – I justed wanted you to know that it's not just the girls who love you. I've done several of your studies & yours is a common name in our household. The other day my family & went to Lifeway to get a CD. When we pulled up to the store, the sign advertising the new book was in the window w/your picture on the front. My 7 year-old son said excitedly, "Hey Mom! Look! It's Beth Moore!" I said yes, I see. He then sighed & said, "I like Beth Moore." I replied that I did too. See! You've got young fans from the other gender too!
Praying you through your back pain and the book signings. I have had scoliosis all my life and generally have only minor discomfort each day, but there have been times when, during pregnancy or injuries, the pain has been too much and I can only imagine what it is like to deal with that pain long term.
I am glad that the book signings have been a blessing to you as much as they are to the women who got to meet you. I am bummed that I didn't get to meet you at the Siesta Celebration in Houston or at the bookstore 15 minutes from my house in Georgia — I wanted to cry, but I was loving on my MOPS moms and that is where God needed me. Maybe I will get to hug your neck in Woodstock in April. I'm hoping.
God Bless, Mitzi
Beth,
It was an honor meeting you in Peachtree City last week. You have been such an inspiration in my walk with Christ. Your precious love and passion for him is contagious. Thank you for your commitment to serve women. We love you.
See you in April.
Melanie
Carletta
Tulare
60's
Widow
What a wonderful new book, I know it is going to change lives in our church. I've realized I do have or rather have had insecurities and didn't know what it was really. I'm so enjoying the book and joy of praying for our Women's ministry hosting the Simulcast in April. Thank you Beth, for all the work you do to help women, and following God's calling.
Praying for you.
Michelle
Watauga, Tx
40s
Married
Question: 1
I often feel that dreaded feeling of insecurity creep in when I sense my husband being distant.
It makes me wonder: What is wrong? What did I do wrong? Is he mad at me…? What is happening to us? And then… Is he checking out emotionally or is he leaving me?
I try not to give too much voice or expression to it any longer, but the truth is it almost inevitably sends me into an emotional tailspin.
I used to say – "To heck with him, I'll turn to Jesus – He's my bridegroom." But that is worse than all the obsessing.
I try to find my balance when I feel the insecurity throttle thrusting me downward, but sometimes it is hold on for the ride and pray that I come out of the stall pattern. Seriously!
Looking forward to the journey.
Met you in Birmingham last week at your book signing. It was wonderful! Praying for your strength daily.
-Jenny
Dear Beth, You may not know me Tonight you touched me at the meeting while I was at the altar and I thought it felt like a human girlfreind pat. I was so happy about that! You see you and God have changed my life. I was sick no one knew quite what it was but I did Beleiving God and I decided to do the real thing I was going to trust God with my life. It was his he could have it! I had trusted man and machine and others opinions but had I ever really trusted God. So I did. The next day I pushed the 700 dollars in copay a month to the side and said God here I am! That happened Last May and I have not seen a doctor or taken a pill since then. God has given me the gift of life and love and each day. They told me many things were wrong with me Tia or seizures or Lupus or diabetes two hypothyroid arthritus.No could truly explain my illness including me. I found Jesus in "Jesus the one and only" and I was there for "Inheritance" and "Revelation" with you. Ive done "anointed transformed and redeemed" and "Daniel" and my favorite was "believing God". Last Septemember I was at Lifeway looking for more things to feed my unatural hunger for hearing from God when I came across experiencing God on Audio I ask the Lord to lead to something that would let me see him clearer. It was almost like he pointed to it. So I picked the Audio book and listen to in my car on the way two and from Church I finished it and even enjoyed so much that I went and I asked my church to promote it as a bible study and they said we did it years ago as I whole church and I wasnt there for it. So I said" not everyone was not here then". Needless to say they put it out for Bibles study and I left it for young Pastor to listen too. So tonight when you said Experiencing God and Beleiving God were similar I almost fell out of my chair. Now the whole reason I was at the altar tonight is that I want to go to Haiti and help and I keep asking the Lord I want to work for God. I want him to use me I dont care if it is a big way but I worry about the people of Haiti everynight and I dont want us to forget them. I want to be there when they need help I dont know why except It is first place that I have ever felt my lord needed in such a big way I almost went when our church got a group of people to help on a flight I was trained as lvn years ago but have been a decorator since then.I have worked for furniture stores but have not worked since all the doctors. A Dr. told me once a nurse always a nurse I have also lived in Indonesia Egypt and Saudi Arabia and the Carribean. So I know what hardship can look like. I flew over Haiti once and thought I hope I never go there and now all I can thing is God needs to show his love there. We are his love one person at a time eating away at the elephant. I am rambling! I guess I am thanking you for just being a real person who God is using in such a big way which makes me beleive God can use me someway as well. I love you my sister and Thank you for all the help you and God have given me! Take care of those beautiful Grandchildren. Someday you will have to teach us how to do Passover like Jesus would have done.
Carol
Houston, Tx
30 first time in group discussion-if it's not to late
It took me a while but I wanted you to know how much you blessed me. I am also enjoying your book. God bless you. http://nitameadows.blogspot.com/2010/02/smell-like-smoke.html
(not sure if the link will work, but it it a post about meeting you in East Cobb.) God used you in a mighty way. Thanks for being his servant.