My trip to Siestaville

Life doesn't stop even when you take a break, and I've been running since returning from my weekend in Houston two weeks ago. I promised you some highlights, and here they are:

1) I am competent! I'm used to having someone to watch out for me, for which I am very grateful, but it is a nice feeling to navigate traveling solo.

2) Food. Anything you don't cook yourself is automatically delicious. Airport pizza, hotel omelets, and a fancy South American lunch were equally delicious.

3. Sister time. Nat and I got our nails done, tersely navigated the confusing streets of suburban Houston, and quizzed each other on our memory verses. We wore our matching tees and boas. We were together for 48 solid hours and we enjoyed it!

4. Meeting Siestas. Siesta really means sister in our blog community. About 900 ladies attended the celebration for learning 24 verses. The celebration was put on by Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries. We met new friends in the mall, hotel, and airport. Siestas know siestas.

5. Beth!!! Her teaching did not disappoint. She is 'just darling' to echo her praise for others. I think she is so effective because she really loves others. You can't fake that. She taught from 2 John and her charge to us was to TAKE BACK any God-given ground that we have lost to the enemy. I can't capture all the wisdom she shared on this little summary, but she is the real deal. (And she, like many of the siestas, had the cutest outfit.)

Here are a few snapshots:

Claymation Realization

I was watching a claymation movie, The Miracle Maker, as I did a last ditch clean-up before Christmas Eve.  I put it on for the kids, but kept stopping the vacuum and getting pulled into the story.  The movie tells the story of Jesus' life.  In one portion of the movie,  the narrative flashes back to the time Jesus was tempted during his 40 day fast.  The movie illustrates the devil taking Christ up to look down at the earthly splendor that could be his if he denied God. For every twisted Scripture the devil used, Jesus rebutted.

This came to me as clear as day, so I know I didn't think it up on my own:

If the SON OF GOD  used Scripture to fight against fear and temptation, who am i not to?

Making Scripture a more active part of my life is the first real New Year's resolution/goal I've ever kept.  I posted 24 Scriptures last year in an effort to memorize Scripture.  I will be reciting 10 in a few weeks as part of the Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration in Houston, TX.

The Scriptures I recorded and recited this year are a record of my year.  I have hidden them in my heart and spoke them out.  I have USED them!

I participated in this group not because of my spiritual maturity, but because I NEEDED to.  I continue to need a renewed mind and a steadfast spirit.  When I recite those verses it in a few weeks, it won't be an exercise in piety.  I will be an exercise of pure joy!  God's Word is powerful.  It has fought many battles for me in 2011.

I look forward to sharing all about my Siesta trip!