Yesterday the little man and I hopped in the car and drove to Mississippi. Because I felt that I haven’t traveled enough lately.
But the husband has a super-busy workweek, and I figured that Alex and I could either sit around and stare at each other at home or sit around and stare at each other at Mama and Daddy’s house. Since there are always fresh vegetables here at Mama and Daddy’s in the summertime, it was clearly the better option.
And let me tell you: the vegetables have not disappointed. Mama had a pot of fresh squash on the stove when we got here – squash cooked in just a little bit of butter, salt and pepper – and I don’t know when I’ve eaten anything so delicious. Of course, the squash showed up on the heels of a weekend where the healthiest thing I ate was HOT SAUCE, so I was probably overdue for some real-live produce.
And speaking of the weekend.
Oh, internets.
It was so great. I fully expected – because I’d been to Deeper Still in Nashville back in the fall – that I was going to GET ME A WORD (and DID I EVER) but what I didn’t expect was how the relational side of Deeper Still Atlanta was just going to bless my socks off. It was so fun to meet some of the bloggers who were there, and it continues to amaze me how NOT WEIRD it is to talk in person with people I’ve met ON THE INTERNET.
Take sweet JMom at Lots of Scotts, for example. I’ve read her blog for almost two years, and she is always at the top of my real-life friends’ favorite blogs list. So when I saw her standing in front of our seats Saturday, I could not wait to hug her neck and squeal just a teensy bit. She is a doll.
I also got to meet Kim, who is SO BEAUTIFUL, MY WORD, and even though she’s been to my church several times and we’ve talked on the phone, I’ve never had the chance to see her in person. Such a treat to put a face with the name and the voice.
Melanie and I sat with Amanda and Janelle throughout the weekend, and I’m telling you: they are so precious that they make me want to go back to my 20s and try again. They are beautiful inside and out – warm, gracious, funny – and they are so genuinely sweet that I couldn’t even muster up the slightest hint of bitterness or envy about the fact that they don’t have any wrinkles yet.
Meanwhile this crevice on the left side of my forehead is getting so deep that I can pretty much use it to HOLD MY KEYS.
And I would be totally remiss if I failed to mention that Annie and her sweet mama BROUGHT US LUNCH on Saturday, which was unbelieveably thoughtful considering how the lines for food stretched all the way to Chattanooga and back. I don’t know when I’ve ever been so tickled to see some homemade chicken salad sandwiches and Baked Lays. So good.
I could go on and on. It seemed like every time we turned around, there was a blogging buddy to hug. I loved it.
And then there was Beth.
I mean, you wanna talk about a GodStop? Sweet mercy.
I’m not typically one to be at a loss for words (unless Christy Nockels is in the room, at which point all conversational bets are off), but when I met Beth Friday afternoon, I kept repeating the same two words over and over: “Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it.”
STOP. IT.
Because her Bible studies have PROFOUNDLY impacted my life in ways I will never be able to articulate. I mean, I can hardly think about Believing God without getting huge tears in my eyes. You want to talk about something that God used to break down some serious patterns of sin in my life and in my marriage? You want to talk about something that continues to encourage me, by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, to break free of some strongholds?
You want to talk about something that helped me to see that every single thing in my life – EVEN THE BAD STUFF – happens because God allows it and because He, in His unfathomable wisdom, knows that I am better able to serve Him for His glory after I walk through those things?
COME ON, NOW.
Believing God was a turning point for me. It was when I stopped giving lip service to a God I thought I knew and got serious about really getting to know Him through the study of His Word. It transformed my relationship with Him. And it transformed the way I live, because I finally realized that it is only in total surrender to Him that I am free.
So you might say that Beth’s obedience to the calling God has on her life has resulted in some pretty big changes in my life – and Believing God was just the beginning of what has been the wildest, scariest, oh-my-lands-I-have-no-idea-where-He’s-leading-but-you’d-better-believe-I’ll-follow adventure I’ve ever known. It hasn’t been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it has been WORTH IT. Every single step of the way. I imagine that there are thousands of people who would say exactly the same thing about the impact of Beth’s ministry.
So. All that being said.
Friday night right before the praise and worship music started Melanie and I realized that Beth, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer were going to be sitting on the row in front of us (since we were sitting with Amanda, we were near the front; otherwise my crazy would’ve never been allowed that close to the stage), and once the reality of that started to sink in, we proceeded to elbow each other in the ribs for the next 30-45 minutes. I was probably the most nervous about the fact that poor Priscilla was going to be subjected to hearing me sing since I was sitting right behind her.
Remember: my singing voice is not intended for public consumption. I can only hope that my tenor-esque monotone wasn’t too much of a distraction.
At one point Beth turned around and told us that she was concerned about her hair, and after we assured her that it looked darlin’, just darlin’, we went on to share what was no doubt the strangest bit of encouragement she had ever received before stepping onto a platform: we told her that the hem on her pants was perfection.
But it was, y’all. It was PERFECTION. And personally I think we should affirm a good hem when we see one.
Not too long after that Kay Arthur stepped away from her seat for a few minutes, and she left her Bible behind. Now I’m a curious person by nature (as Charlene said one time on Designing Women, “I love knowledge. In fact I yearn for it.”), and I couldn’t help but think GOODNESS GRACIOUS I would love to open up Kay Arthur’s Bible and just see what her notes look like inside even though that would be WRONG, ALL WRONG, I MUST REMEMBER APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES, LORD HELP ME REMEMBER APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES.
And about that time, Beth turned around, looked at Melanie and me, put her own Bible in an empty seat, and slid Kay’s Bible in her lap. Then she opened it.
For that short little moment, it was like we shared one mind. One silly, mischievous mind.
Because in the midst of 19,000 women who were there to hear her teach, Beth was just another blogger who understood the value of a funny picture. And I loved that.
So yes, the weekend was wonderful for all sorts of reasons: there was praise and worship music that prepared our hearts to receive whatever message God had for us; there was serious teaching from Scripture (Melanie and I are doing recaps this week over at AllAccess); there was conviction falling afresh all over the place. All of those things blessed me straight down to my toes.
But on top of all of that, I was also blown away by the fact there were women at Deeper Still who have grown to love and support each other through this crazy little community we have here on the interweb, whether those women are married, single, working full-time, staying home with their kids, or, you know, teaching the Bible to thousands of women in a sold-out arena.
And you know what, internets? That’s a mighty cool thing indeed.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”- Hebrews 10:23-25
I am loving reading all the recaps that Bigmama and you are posting. Jesus certainly did show up in Atlanta this weekend. Thank you for sharing your hearts and struggles. I love authenticity and here in the midwest (aka the frozen chosen) we don’t always see alot of that. Keep up the good work Boomama!
I’m so glad that you had such a good time! Enjoy your Mama’s cookin’ and company. There’s nothing like it, is there?
I’ve got the goosebumps. The GOOSEBUMPS.
You know I wish I could zoom in on that photo so I could see Kay’s Bible better.
Believing God was life-changing for me as well. The best study I’ve EVER done. I’d actually love to do it again; I think new things would hit me in this current season.
I hope you’ll someday do a post on what constitutes hem perfection!
This post is precious, Sophie. And so are you.
Hi!! I guess I have been a walker-by (don’t like the term “stalker”!) for a while now. But just had to drop a note this time and say I was there too! And I so wish I knew how to have said hi in person! Love your re-cap!! You are a hoot, sister! God bless!
(I am going to scurry and update my blog in case anyone gets curious. I am failing blogging 101.)
Oh my goodness you made me cry not because of the memories that Believing God conjour up for me b/c they do oh thank you LORD for being set free but b/c of that picture!!
I laughed until I cried!!
That is so funny – I think I even see a sideways grin on her face – LOL
Sophie – it was a true delight to meet you not because you are Boomama but b/c you are a true treasure and you long for Christ with all that you are and it shows!!
Much love
Kim
The “blue ribbon” saved my life. I’ll have to tell you the story some time. It’s a “grab some trail mix” type of story.
I heard Beth many times when I lived in Houston, but I met her in a coffee shop one day. All of sudden her and Amanda walked in and my husband thought I’d gone into shock. She “oozes” the Holy Spirit.
Thanks so much for sharing, glad you had a great time.
Blessings,
Cazandra
Thank you so much for this. The tears ran down my cheeks as I read, and I am blessed.
Love the picture of Beth. I would have totally been thinkin’ the same thing . . . and then wishing Beth would have handed me her Bible to peruse as well.
Oh my Jesus, Beth Moore blesses my SOCKS OFF! Yes…. my husband, son #3 & I were driving through Houston at the beginning of June and I waved to her as we went through the city. I am sure she saw me.
Thanks so much for sharing… and enjoy your mama’s cooking. Sometimes, you just need your mama. And her food.
Angela
http://testosteronepalace.blogspot.com/
Beth changed my life…I was going through a terrible divorce and I found a group of 4 women and Beth Moore who changed my life. Bible study after Bible study… I am now changed.
Thanks for bringing that back to mind. I needed to be reminded of those life changing days.
I LOVE that you and Mel were right behind the big 3. That would have made me giggle all night!
How AWESOME!!!
Man oh man I don’t think I would be able to sit that close to Beth and still hear the teachings >>>>
Oooo, it’s like I was there! More, please :)
I’m so glad you guys had fun. It sounded amazing. In this day and age where being Christian is so frowned on, it is nice to see women out there that are not afraid to show off their faith.
My grandparents had a HUGE vegetable garden. Eating vegetables from their garden was special. It still baffles me when I see kids that don’t like their vegetables. I always liked them!
Oh my goodness, I love Beth all the more for reading your mind about Kay’s Bible. My favorite of her studies is A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place. Big, Huge, TREMENDOUS impact on me.
Oh the picture of Beth holding Miss Kay’s Bible is a good one! I’d have been so afraid I would have gotten caught or something –
Love some homemade vegetables – especially those cooked in butter, bacon, or fatback!! Have a good visit!
Sophie,
You girl, are a joy to be embraced! The way that you write flings me from laughter to tears in one sentence!!
Thank you for sharing and for your overflow. I am so thankful to God that He has moved you into ministry in a way that only He can claim!
Bless you sister,
Pat
I’m a little ashamed to admit this, but I actually said “Amen!” out loud twice while reading this.
“…just the beginning of what has been the wildest, scariest, oh-my-lands-I-have-no-idea-where-He’s-leading-but-you’d-better-believe-I’ll-follow adventure I’ve ever known. It hasn’t been easy by any stretch of the imagination, but it has been WORTH IT.”
This is why I love you so dearly!
And I’m a bit jealous of those veggies of which you are partaking–enjoy some good, fresh, garden veggies for me!! I know your family is gonna be such a restful blessing to you this week.
It was such a great weekend! I will never forget it. We loved getting to hang out with y’all. Next time there will be queso! Oh yes, there will be queso!
Girl, I so would have been stuttering if I’d have met her, too.
Her Bible studies have been used of God in my life more profoundly than any other thing (except of course the Word alone).
You know I agree with you on the whole bloggy friend thing. It is so seriously awesome to get to meet people that you have sort of been “hanging” with for a long time.
HOW cool is that, that she snatched up Kay’s Bible?! I love it!
Oh I can’t wait to meet you at BlawgHer because I really really feel like I know you. And I would ask you if you sang on the CD that our church recently made (I did) but you’ve made it pretty clear that you probably didn’t. So we didn’t meet there fo sho.
And sitting behind Beth!!! My jealousy isn’t pretty right now. Oh no, it’s not. I’m working on that, though.
Oh, YES, Believing God is absolutely life-changing. My husband and I did that study together (sweet man) and just haven’t been the same since. Life-changing, life-giving–amazing.
Gotta give an AMEN to Believing God. It came at such a difficult point in my life–a crisis of hope and marriage–and it taught me to hang on for dear life with everything in me.
Amen, amen.
Joanne
So I’ve gotta ask….Did Kay’s bible have all the colored highlights in it??? And the circles and underlines?? That’s what I want to know! :)
Boo, The pic of Beth with Kay’s Bible was awesome! I was laughing outloud in a quiet house full of sleeping children and dh.
The Believing God study was a turning point in my walk with Christ. I did it when she posted it online the very first time. One day, I wish I could meet her like you and just give her a hug and say…Thanks.
I love this post. So encouraging and transparent. And the pic of Beth with Kay’s Bible was hilarious! I’m loving all your updates from Deeper Still. Wish I could have been there!
I *sob* so *sob* want to *sob* go to one of *wail* these! *sob* (I am so trying not to do the ugly cry right now. It is messy.)
i’m so glad you mentioned the believing God study…i (get ready) have never done a beth moore study (gasp) but have seen her teach 2x. i have been perplexed on which study i should do or want to do (well, i want to do them all). thanks for the insight!
Amen, amen, amen! (and thanks for not mentioning that I fell into your arms thanks to those pesky folding chairs!) :-)
And just when I thought I couldn’t love BM more, she had to go and pose for that Bible picture…awesome!
I think I am planning a trip over at the end of this month. I’ll keep you posted.
I told you one day you would be hanging out with Beth, didn’t I? :)
I feel the same way about her, and Believing God. Wow. Rocked my world. I don’t think I would say anything if I ever saw her in real life. I would look ridiculous as my eyes glazed over and a foolish grin came over my face.
I loved reading about your lovely weekend!
I got some serious chills as I was reading this!!! I’m so jealous of you (in a good way) that you has this up close and personal experience!!! It’s so exciting to see God using you in so many different and unique ways! Have fun with your mom and dad!
Great recap of your weekend. I just had to laugh at the picture of Kay Arthur’s Bible–so funny! And that sly Beth Moore, partner in crime! Kind of like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or Elvis and Costello or . . .
OOOOOOHHHHHH!! I would love to see inside Kay Arthur’s Bible, cuz you know that she is in The Word in a powerful way. My mother-in-law gave me a whole bag of squash and tomatoes yesterday from her garden; too bad I’ll have to do the cooking myself – heehee
Hugs,
Adrienne
You had me at “squash”…seriously.
And the rest of this?
Here’s the thing…(daggum it, all of a sudden I’m VERY aware of my use of ellipses!)–
wait, I’ll keep that “thing” to myself (cause some things ARE better left unsaid, out loud, anyway) and share this:
I’ve seen a subtle shift with you, from the earlier times I’ve read you. It’s obvious God is working IN and THROUGH you, and Sophie, it’s just beautiful.
Thanks for blessing me, in ways you’ll never know.
(p.s. We’re at the beach this week, and while I’m not “heavy” blogging, I gotta do “something” while I wait for pictures to upload…you’re one of my “somethin’s” right now…:) ).
Boomama,
Is it possible we were separated at birth?
Because “I couldn’t even muster up the slightest hint of bitterness or envy about the fact that” you have met Beth and sat right behind her?!!
Really I can’t even say how much her studies have changed my relationship with the Lord. Believing God? It’s everything.
And-I guess it would be wrong to start a blog in hopes of getting to meet her too?
;-)
Sophie-
First things first- I am another who can say Believing God also transformed my relationship with the Lord.
Before reading it I was walking in fear and disbelief as well as a lack of intimacy with the Living One. I owe much of who I now am to Beth and her obedience to the call of God on her life.
Next and of equal importance, this post has been, BY FAR, my favorite of your posts in a long long time. It’s like I tell Melanie- you girls are hilarious! Absolutely commical in your posts but the few that you post where you open yourselves in your walk with the Lord are my absolute favorite.
These posts remind me that we are all in this journey together and that what is most imporatant to you, as it is me, is knowing and glorifying the Lord.
I love that!
Thanks for sharing today. Be blessed.
Eat more fresh vegetables dear Sophie – this was a heart warmer, soul blesser, funny bone tickler of a blogoposto – loved it and love you more,
I’m not usually one to swoon over celebrities, but I think I’d have done a bit of swooning about being that close to Beth Moore myself! I love her to pieces! And you are NOT making it any easier that I -who live RIGHT HERE by Atlanta- MISSED going to Deeper Still!!!
I tried to console myself with going next year, but I don’t see any next year on their calenar and I am SAD!!!
Too cool!
Amen! What a wonderful way to start my day, my reading your adventure this weekend. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
God bless you
Thank you so much for sharing about your time at Deeper Still. How AWESOME is our God?
I’m so proud to know that Beth also yearns for knowledge. It’s not everyday that you can pick up a Bible of such a godly and encouraging woman. With a good hem. C’mon now. That’s like being in line at Baskin Robbins and not taking the free sample.
Ditto, ditto, ditto on the Believing God bible study. And ditto to meeting Beth! I live here in Houston so I get to sit RIGHT UNDER Beth’s teaching but the first time I met her, all I could do was cry, hug and whisper “Thank you, oh thank you” in her ear. Kind of creepy, but oh so heart felt!
I’ve done Believing God three times. Dude, you’d think I’d get it.
As for the Bible. No words to express the connection we have for snooping.
I’ve never done a Beth Moore study… I think I should put that on my to-do list, even if I can’t get it done by July 25th.
God is doing wonderfully, topsy-turvy, do-you-really-trust-me things in your life, Sophie. The joy we have is getting to watch you go through them when you’re willing to share them and seeing how faithfully you respond over time.
It’s a very cool thing indeed.
Post perfection. Humor, gratitude, and glory to God, all wrapped up in one. God is good!
I’m truly glad that you had such a blessed weekend! There’s nothing like some quality girl time combined with a GOOD WORD.
But, I have to say that what really tickled me in this post was the Charlene quote. That is one of my very favorites from Designing Women. Love those girls!
Since I wasn’t able to go to Deeper Still, I’m really enjoying the recaps from you and BigMama, on your personal blogs and over at AllAccess. Thanks for taking great notes and sharing with us!!!
And per your instructions, I grabbed something to munch while I read today. And I must say, if you haven’t yet tried Select Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix, get thee to the store and buy some now. Muy deliciosa!
Oh how I wish I could have gone! I am currently LIVING in Atlanta, but things are so crazy here right now, I just couldn’t make it happen. Thanks for sharing with us! It realy has been wonderful to hear what you saw and learned! Thank you!
Thank you so much for updating all of us and sharing all of it. It’s almost like being there. I had so wished I could go, but oh,well, not to be. The picture of Beth is priceless….I would want to read the notes in both of their Bibles. I was up close to Kay Arthur but it was over twenty five years ago. She moved my life then and Beth has moved it since then. They are mighty women of God. Thanks for all you share. You made me laugh and cry at the same time about this post. I too think I saw a slight grin on Beth’s face, she held it “just right” for you to be able to take a picture. I bet neither one would mind us reading the notes in their Bibles, they are such gracious southern women. Thanks for all you do….Blessings, enjoy your time with your parents and her wonderful veggies…I do envy you that. Have a great time…..
I was just passing by and see that I was suppose to be reading this!! Thank you for a great read and I’ll be back for more. My words are not quite so focused as you but my heart is full of the same blessings!! Thanks!
Nice thoughts, although I think I differ with you on the 20’s thing. I do think that some in their 20’s have it together, but I sure did not. I think that I’m a much more pleasant person to be around in my 30’s.
I heart Beth Moore so much. She goes to my church. I think we should be friends. Unfortunetely, so do hundreds of other women, so I choose to leave her alone.
You are a fabulous writer, Sophie. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I especially love the “stalking the Bible” story. I would have reacted exactly the same way. There is nothing like being bathed in God’s love, is there?
This post could have been written just for me…
I was at Deeper Still this weekend, however our seats were no where close to yours (can you say nose-bleed section on Saturday afternoon – Friday night seats were better cause we were there early!) I was with 6 of my closest girlfriends who had just completed “Believing God” and a couple of us who did Priscilla’s “Discerning the Voice of God” (highly recommend) AT THE SAME TIME! The weekend was fantastic. I can’t imagine what it was like from your view.
And I also love me some squash cooked on my mama’s stove which happens to sit in her kitchen in the fabulous state of Alabama!
Girl, we could talk for hours!
Ooh, that’s how my Mama cooks squash, too.
You crack me up. Even though we’ve never met, I can just hear you saying the things you write.
You’re a woman after my own heart – write it just as you think it and that’s the way it is. Love it!
And in light of finding it non-weird to be friends with bloggers, I would just like to say we could totally be buddies. Like how I think so highly of myself? ;)
Do you think Beth can read minds???? Don’t you know the LORD gets a kick out her. I wondered how you got a picture of Kay’s Bible.
Please Note: You look fabulous in that peach shirt in the next post!!!!
I would just like to say that, among other things I dearly love about this particular post (and there are many), a good Designing Women quote always satisfies the soul.
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now and never commented. This has to be the best post I’ve read–how I envy your time with your friends at this gathering of awesome Christian women. What a blessing! If you don’t mind, I’ll keep on “stalking”! :)
You make me wish, wish I was there…
It is so fun living vicariously through your experiences… I mean Beth, Priscilla, AND Kay Arthur – WOW!!!
so did Beth KNOW you wanted a peek in Kay’s Bible? or did she just read your mind….
I should be in bed, but I am reading your blog instead. And oh, what a goodnight story it was! You crack me up. That picture of Beth holding Kay’s bible is priceless! So, what did Kay have to say about that?! Y’all are hilarious.
I am so glad this weekend was a blast for y’all. And SUCH a surreal experience!
I am getting so excited about Siesta Fiesta. Really, I am so excited that I am nervous to meet all of you ladies!
Nighty night!
Lindsee
You are so lucky! I’m glad you had a blessed time. I’ve never done a Beth Moore study. I think I need to make time for it this year.
Katy
http://mynutvillage.com/
oh BooMama — we’re kindred spirits on the Believing God study. I truly changed my walk and I’m still praising God and BELIEVING GOD today. I was walking in unbelief and struggling with sin from my past. I’m still a work in progress, but
I’m Believing God.
Loved, loved, loved hearing about your amazing weekend. God just poured a little extra blessing on your spirit — and I’m thrilled for you. And super impressed you didn’t pick up Kay Arthur’s Bible — just don’t know if I could manage that much restraint.
Thanks for sharing your blessing.
Love the last paragraph. That’s what it’s all about!
And, you’ve convinced me to invest in BELIEVING GOD.
Thank you! God bless.
I am FINALLY getting to do Believing God this Fall at a friend’s church. Our church doesn’t do Beth Moore…
Isn’t that almost blasphemy?!?!
Can’t wait to see what the Lord speaks to me through that study. Your words above have me almost dancin with anxious anticipation.
Are you sure that you are the 3rd person on the right in the picture? You see, I’m a copy editor and I pay real close attention to detail and I know you had your picture identification out of order one year ago. Cause I thought that was Melanie from one of your other pictures and now I have thought for one year that Melanie was really you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And you know that I am totally kidding around with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I bet my wrinkles are able to hold more than yours. They are no longer wrinkles—they are crevices. LOL. I so enjoy you Sophie!!!!
I’ve been out of town for a whole month and am sitting down to “catch up” and I’ve truly missed reading your blog. Your walk with the Lord and your joyous spirit are a wonderful blessing!
Just wanted to let you know that because of what you wrote in this post (and some things going on in my life) I have signed up to do the Believing God Bible study online. I can’t wait. Thank you!!