My Dear Co-laborers in the great Gospel of Jesus Christ,
As I near completion on this titanic 18 month project and it appears that “It’s Tough Being a Woman: A Study of Esther” will sure-enough become a reality, I am overwhelmed by the gift God has given me in you. And just sit there and take this spotlight for a minute and don’t interrupt me. I keep thinking about how you cheered when I walked into our celebratory lunch yesterday after the last lesson had been written. I now want you to sit down and let me stand to my feet, as tall as I can, and cheer wildly for you and your faithful God.
You are the most excellent band of women-warriors I have ever known in my life. And I am so happy to report that I have known many. You work HARD – especially when Houston Bible Study is in full swing – with so much love for one another and such joy that I sometimes can hear you all the way on the third floor. (NO, DON’T STOP! It makes me laugh with you every single time.) People think it would be easy to work for a ministry but you and I know different. We’ve been called to kindness and graciousness even when somebody we serve has a chronic case of PMS. We don’t get to do business like the world even when we ourselves are simply in a bad mood. Day in, day out, when hard drives crash and toilets overflow, you honor your God. What more on this earth could I say in honor of you?
Thank you for so much prayer, for such hard work, for weekday lunches that tickle me, inspire me, energize me, and keep me – a hopeless sanguine called to the isolation of writing – in constant touch with a whole passel of women. Thank you for being a safe place for me to have a nervous breakdown when I’m right at the end of a project, sleep deprived and stressed,and don’t know if I’ll make it. I will never forget last week. There I was trying to keep a stiff upper lip and lead staff prayer time when, out of nowhere, a sob came up from my chest that I literally could not stop…and we group-hugged. One at a time. Even those who really aren’t into that kind of thing. I am laughing so hard I can hardly type and fighting back the tears at the same time. It wasn’t funny at the time but, somehow, it is a precious snapshot now of how we live our work lives. We serve at all our various posts, but in heart at any given time Monday through Friday, we are a group of very different personalities and backgrounds bound together in a tight group hug. God used your empathetic tears, powerful prayers, and encouragements to give me that last little push to finish a long project strong. And with terrific joy. You are my best friends. Oh, that our porches would be next to one another in Heaven.
Please hear me clapping for you.
Man, I love you so much.
Tags: staff
I am in tears … and I don’t even know your staff! But, as a pastor’s wife I know how absolutly vital it is for a team to be unified and enthusiastic! Thanks for loving Jesus enough to serve, for the fruit of your labor of love … is eternal. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
I have had the pleasure of talking to several of the ladies at LPM when I needed a question answered and I must tell you, they are the most wonderful, friendly, loving Siestas I have talked with. They talk to me like we've been bff!
Beth, it's obvious to me that you realize, to the very center of your heart, how blessed you are with this wonderful staff. Your tribute to them is beautiful. I bet they all read this with a Kleenex in both hands! You're a blessed organization and I'm sure God is "happy dancin" right now.
Thank you all for working together so well to get this "most anticipated" Study ready for print! We never want to hurry the writer, but lets get those presses runnin!!
Love & Blessings,
Bobbie
A hearty and loud AMEN to that post! I and many friends of mine have been encourage, stretched, strengthed and just downright blessed by LPM! Next to my family and my church ladies, I can’t think of another group of women I’m more thankful for. You have been such a blessing. I just know our Lord is so very proud of all you do.
And I must admit, I do occassionally boast of having received a email from Susan Kirby. Actually I think I have two emails from Susan, and I’ve saved them. I know, I’m a nut. But LPM is so dear to my heart that I can’t help but save anything that comes from your ministry – you mean that much to me. I thank God for ya’ll often.
Love ya’ll and wish I could have been there for the group hug! ;o)
Thank you for sharing this with us.
It brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you to the Living Proof staff for all you do for our precious Beth and for us. I love you and thank you!
Our ladies can’t wait for Esther!
Love,
Valerie
Beth – thank you for sharing your heartfelt words to your co-workers who no doubt “know” that you appreciate them, but sometimes just need to KNOW – ya know? I suspect they get to hear it from you on a regular basis 🙂 I don’t think there is anything more important in an earthly work environment than hearing that your work is important, noticed and valued. Let me add my thanks to all of you for ministering so faithfully to us siestas. Looking forward to a heavenly group hug! Oh yeah – and to Esther!!
iynWhat a blessing and good example you all are to us! Thank you all for doing what you do!
XXXXX
Here is a big hug and kiss to the entire LPM staff from me!! Thanks for being there for our precious Ms. Beth. You are the unsung heros who I am sure will have a special reward some day in heaven. I just think that God has such a special reward in store for those who serve with tireless devotion and do not receive recognition!!! I love you all!!!
As one whom Jesus has blessed with the honor of serving the LPM team in a supporting role, I stand in California loudly applauding each of you beautiful women. You are the most grace filled and loving group of women I know. Blessed be God.
Much love,
Jeana at Y&Y
Oh how wonderful our God is that He allows everyone to share in the Blessings of your tribute to your staff and friends. Us Siesta’s out here know you all work hard and we are greatful! For without each of you, Beth’s life would be much different. God has blessed her with you and She with us!!!
We love you and We love her! Thank you for everything you do! I can’t wait to see Esther and be a part of that study.
Blessing and Love
Lichelle
Amen and Amen! Thank you LPM sisters for all that you do for the Kingdom of God- You are such a blessing to Beth and to all of us! What a wonderful reminder of the family of God that she is surrounded by with girlfriends like you. Thank you for being real, thank you for being in love with Jesus, and thank you for living out loud. Everytime that I have interacted with one of you (be it over the phone or over email), you have been nothing but exemplary of the love of Christ. There is no better customer service in all of the world than you provide at LPM! And most of all, thank you for being the hands and arms of all of us around the globe who love Beth- If you will, give her another group hug from all of us who can’t physically do that, but spiritually and prayerfully do daily. We love all of you at LPM- Thank you for being such cherished blessings in our lives!
PS. Congratulations Beth on finishing the last lesson in Esther! We are so proud of you and all your tireless hard work! Way to go, girl!
Where would we al be without your faithful crew! Be blessed everyone and rest.
Iris
Beth,
I love you so much and am so glad that you are surrounded by such a wonderful band of friends/warriors/workers. What a good God we have to do this for you. And for them. In ministering to you they are greatly blessed.
And what a neat thing for all of us to look forward to – we are the ones blessed above all.
Thank you LPM!!!
One more quick note. This morning I watched Wed with Beth and was so encouraged by the idea of praise as a weapon. So I praised God through a tricky part of my life (in prayer driving down the road). By the time I entered the world of people I was almost manic – there is no high like the Most High.
The Journey Continues ~
It has been my heartfelt pleasure to uplift you for so many months and years!
You,LPM and family are such a blessing to us all!
I love seeing the PHOTO of all your precious women under the bethmoore.org “about us” then click staff area on your website!!!
Great seeing your girls on there too!!!
And I LOVE Susan Kirby ~ she has been so helpful! Also, Is Sabrina your sissy?
I am here JUMPING UP AND DOWN and Praising JESUS for the completion of Esther!
Sending you California Beach weather and a big Smooch on your cheek and a HUGE HUG!
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Beth:
What beautiful words strung together like polished pearls in honor of your staff! Going through good times, tough times, deadlines, hard work and only God knows what else, helps to make you and your sweet co-workers a tighter unit as you labor for the Kingdom.
I have spoken to different members of your staff on the telephone(especially Evangeline) and they have been nothing but wonderful! God has certainly blessed you with the “Cream of the Crop”. May God bless you with many more wonderful years together.
Thank you, Beth, for allowing God to isolate you so that all of the Bible studies and teachings can be such a hugh blessing to us!
Blessings, dear ones!
What an amazing group of women…
Umm… are there any job openings?? 🙂
Joining in with the standing ovation occurring for all the LPM staff….for each person who plays even the smallest part in helping the vision and call of LPM & Beth Moore reach fullfillment! Many eternal rewards await you on that great day!!! Much love and appreciation for all you do faithfully each day!
I want to work there!
God is so good to give you each other to hug on when you need it! I am so delighted to know that you are not above falling apart in the midst of ministry. That is real enough for me!
I am teaching Esther in my SS class right now, I am so afraid your study will come out and all my work in Wiersbe, McGee, Strongs, NIV, KJV, etc. will pale in comparison. That said, I can not WAIT to do the study!
So glad you have support as you pour it out.
Way to go LPM, YOU ROCK!
What a beautiful tribute to a group that has blessed each one of us so much by their unique part of this ministry.
I would also like to ask that if you think of it, would you please pray for my family? My Daddy had a heart attack and is having open heart surgery tomorrow. I just covet prayer for a blessed surgery and peace in our family.
I am sure you receive many requests for prayer, and you don’t have to publish this. I just stopped by for some encouragement, and thought I’d ask for prayer with us, if you were willing.
Bless You! I will be reading Breaking Free while he is in surgery:-)
My thanks to you too for helping to create the Bible studies that mean so much to me. Your labor is truly appreciated.
Simply Awesome! Woo Hoo!!!!
Yesterday as I began to pray for the simulcast, I thought..maybe better said God put on my mind, the “homebase team”. Those ministry partners who day in and day out are pouring their hearts into serving our Lord. I’m with Hokiegasl23…could we have a group photo to put some faces with those names?
I sure hope I get to hug your necks in something like…21 days!!!
Blessings on you all this week!
stephanie
THANK YOU LPM STAFF!! WhoHoo!! You girls are the best!! I have had the opportunity to talk to a few of you when I have called with one problem or another and each and everyone of you have been so gracious. No question is ever silly or stupid. I even got to share some personal stuff with one of you and you so encouraged me!!But, would God surround Mama Beth with anyone but the BEST group of siesta’s to hold her up.
Thank you for all your hard work on the Esther study. We are so looking forward to it. Take all the accolades and bow!!..
Blessings from the Bible Bunny in No MI. Clap….Clap…..Clap…..
Clap…..Clap….Clap….Clap….
AMEN, Sister Beth !!!
And, thanks be to our glorious God for providing these dear servants for you !!!
I may know who a few of those dear ladies are, but I’m not sure. So, yes, a group picture would be so nice to see on the blog!
And, thank You, Lord Jesus, for being right there within our dear Miss Beth, helping her to write this study on Esther. It sounds like it must have been a tough one to write for you, my sweet sister. Thank you for providing our sweet teacher with all of the love, peace, enduring patience, etc. that it must take to write such wonderful godly Bible studies for us!!!
I am finishing up your Patriach’s study finally. Joseph just came out with the facts about who he is. It is such fascinating listening, reading, and studying about these real life men [mainly], whom we will one day meet up with when we each are called to our Heavenly “Home”.
I keep trying to think about what Heaven must really be like, as my dear Daddy is possibly meeting these same Bible people right now; how awe striking of a thought that is!
Miss Beth, take a good old fashioned “Sabbath rest” now, please!!!
I have a question for you, though. I know that Beloved Disciple had a lot about Heaven in it, but would you ever consider writing a study, or even a mini-study regarding what Heaven might be like???
However, right now, I think I need to start praying Jeremiah 29:11-13 over my life, as I need to find a job that I can handle and hopefully will be able to enjoy, as well, God willing!
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
LPM Staff,
What a loving portrait our dear Beth paints as she speaks of you. I am sure no words can truly describe how much you mean to her.
You are the best. You have made it possible for me and many many more to sit at the feet of a godly teacher. My faith in Christ continues to grow because of your dedication to Him and to LPM ministries. Thank you so much!
I LOVE YOU!
I am so grateful for your continued devotion to the mission which God has called each one of you. Though some days may be difficult what a joy to be surrounded by such a great group of women! May God continue to bless each of you individually and as a group. I’m not sure you realize what a blessing each and everyone of you are to all of us. Thank you!
THANKS To ALL of YOU from the bottom of my heart. Your sweet labor for our God has given me a love for God’s word that is totally unexpressable! Your work through God’s hands has touched my life in ways that continually blow my mind. It has helped me be more of a light for God in this dark world than I ever thought I could be. I pray for wisdom everyday and you help me become wiser in His word. Thank You!!! I wish I could be there to give you a big hug in person. I Love You, I’m praying for you. See you in Louisville this weekend. Wilma sister from TN
Beth,
Although you are who we most connect w/ LPM… us bloggy Siestas know that there are many, many laborers in the Vineyard. I too say THANK YOU to all of the LPM warriors. You are a gift to all of us!
I cannot wait to participate in the study of Esther!
God Bless your ministry! Keep it coming!
K
Thank you Father for the gift of these sweet women and man! You knew what you were doing when you formed them as a team. Father, thank you for their gifts, their love for you and for the work they are doing for YOUR kingdom. Father… they are reaching millions!!! With pleading, Father, please let them know, feel and see how many lives are being changed by their service. Heap blessing and blessing and blessing over Keith,Beth and all of the LPM staff for unselfishly, repeatedly and with great perseverance serving us. I am ever so grateful that you first loved us, that you love this LPM team.. and that these sisters will be partying with me in Heaven at your feet! I am amazed at your grace, mercy and faithfulness to continue to show up and through this group of YOUR children!
Standing in a huge clamor and Texas WHOOP’ WHOOP’ ing over all….
In Jesus name,
Dedra
Oh Mama Beth, do you know how much we love you?!?! You have encouraged, served, ministered, prayed for, and love each one of us and we are not grateful. And I can’t wait to do the Esther study!!!
standing and applauding.
If they help you do, what you do, Beth, I love them too. Thank-you LPM ladies for all you do, to the Glory and Honor of THE KING!!
Hope we get to see all of you in San Antonio!
Melana in Wyoming
My hugs to the LPM staff for all the behind the scenes work they do to honor our great God. Beth your tribute is beautiful.
Look forward to the God anointed Esther study.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!
Way to go LPM staff! You are such a blessing to us all. As others have said it is not just Beth who encourages us, but the others that work with her encouraging her too. Thank you!
Nicole
Amen! We love you too. You are one amazing team and I thank you in advance for this amazing study that will come to us soon!
Blessings over each and every one of you!
May God continue to be the thrill of your heart!
Hugs~
Fran
TN
Beth and LPM Staff, I never lead a prayer, beginning or closing, in our bible studies that I do not thank our God for the inspiration given to you for the materials that are provided for all us God seeking women. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for what you do. You have made such an impact on my life, and the lives of so many, many women. I love you dearly,
Kathy
Hey Beth 🙂
I echoe your sentiments that working in full time ministry is not for the weak of heart. It takes an Abraham kind of faith, a Joshua kind of courage,a Psalmists kind of prayer life, and a Mary’s kind of love for the Word! I just joined a new women’s ministry team. My husband and I moved 3 hours south from our home in Louisville, KY to do so, simultaneously the hardest and most joyous thing we’ve ever done in our wonderful one year of married life. I’m so excited to see what kingdom plans God has in store, but on a day when I myself sobbed into my desk chair, it’s comforting to know that I am not alone. It’s an exhausting, emotionally draining, and absolutely exhilerating place to be, that is in His will. I can’t think of another place I’d rather live. I hope my porch is close to you and your teams in heaven and I really hope Jesus doesn’t mind making my handsome husband my neighbor. I love you in Christ…Regina.
AMEN!! Thanks you Living Proof staff for all your hard work and dedication. It shows, and it touches so many lives in the name of Christ. We love you, and lift you up in prayer!!
Thanks again,
rebecca in e.tx
Beth & LPM Women-Warriors,
II Cor. 9:6 "…and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully."
Thank-you for sowing soooo bountifully into His Kingdom, because I truly believe that is what each of you are doing.
Praise the Father for each one of you!!!
Clapping like crazy!!!
Beth – I read your post just as I was about to rip apart my company’s copy machine. Its one of those giant, exspensive beasts and it has a mind of its own. I feel bad for hating it so, but will it ever cooperate with me, NO!
Thank you for reminding me that we all have moments of work stress and that we are together in that. The LORD will see us and our copiers thru.
Thanks Girl
Molly
I’ve called into the ministry several times and have always received helpful, cheerful responses; also, by e-mail and in person at the product tables at events. What a great bunch of servants!! Blowing kisses their way!!!
ENCORE! ENCORE!
Beth and the LPM Siesta’s:
THANK YOU THANK YOU!
What a joy it is following in some of your footsteps as you share LIFE with us! Mistakes and joys….keepin’ us HUNGRY FOR OUR GOD! Desiring to draw one more into The Kingdom. Livin’ life with us…..
Esther, is going to be something else. I can’t even imagine!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
“How can we, Siestas, thank God enough for you, Linda, Jennifer, Amanda, Susan, Nancy, Sherry, Kimberly, Sabrina, Diane, Evangeline, Kimberly, Melissa, Curtis, volunteers,(Beth and Keith), in return for all the JOY we, Siestas, have in the presence of our God because of you, LPM!
1 Thessalonians 3:9
Oh I cried as I read Beth’s letter to you LPM staff! You all are true servants and we (siestas) are so blessed by all your faithfulness! Words aren’t adequate enough to describe how much Jesus uses this ministry in my life and obviously countless others!
I too stand and applaud you! If I could fly to Houston so I could bow down and wash each and everyone of your feet I would! You all have certainly washed mine (ours)- Thank you Jesus for these precious women (and men)! You all are a reflection of Him to us… and I PRASIE Him for each and everyone of you!
Have a very blessed day! – Emmy : )
I love it so much that you talked about having porches together in heaven. We recently lost a dear friend to cancer. The mental picture I have is of her sitting on God’s back porch- drinking coffee- talking to the folks we have loved in the bible.
It is so comforting to know that I will see her again.
Siesta Beth,
You can’t put a price on UNITY!! Stay close to each other and always pray a covering over one another and the ministry GOD has given you!! Keep the studies coming..we are HUNGRY!!
Love Ya!!
Siesta Sista Staci
I love your studies and I am amazed at how much work goes into them. To have a team that loves you, encourages you, rejoices with you, cries with you and can give good hugs, WOW! You are blessed Beth! I am sure you recognize it and how gracious for you to call them out in front of us and praise them. Great work ladies, please keep it up, you are making a huge difference in women’s lives!
Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee
Thanks to the LPM Staff from those of us who benefit from your support, encouragement and love of Beth. You are a blessings to us all.
So from this Texan, my deep gratitude and praise for all your hard work to this end. BLessings.
LPM Staff-
You all are absolutely amazing. I have had the opportunity to meet a few of you, as well as to watch all of you work and give everything you’ve got during Tuesday night Bible Study. Thank you precious sisters. Thank you for being a “light” in this world that can be a dark place. May He bless and keep each and every one of you!!! Love, Missy
Yea, woohoo! I am whoopin and hollerin for the glory of the Lord…am myself. I can’t wait until the study comes out!
A praise and prayer request as well for my fellow siestas….
The below email is from my brother-in-law, Ken Collums… God is using him to do mighty things in His name. Say a prayer for them and the Promise Keepers meeting he is taking his ENTIRE football team to in Dallas…..Not only is he taking his team to this meeting but he is taking them at the beginning of fall practice! What a leap of faith on his part to take an entire weekends worth of practice to a higher field….
Greetings from Abilene Christian University! Just want to take a minute to let you know that we are taking our entire football team to a Promise Keepers event in Dallas during fall camp! Pretty crazy but we are pumped about it. Please pray for us for this trip and our entire season. We should have a good season but there is no telling what God is going to do off the field! Here is some info on it so you can read about it if you want. God’s grace in bunches to you.
Ken
http://www.promisekeepers.org/news/072808/football-team-joins-pks-manhood-movement