Hey, Sweet Things! I am taking the quickest possible lunch break with a bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheats because my head in deep in the books today. Well, actually the Book. I’ve been studying for the Living Proof Live simulcast on Saturday and finished most of my commentary research yesterday afternoon. Not because I was satisfied, mind you, but because time was up. It’s always hard for me to finally go, “OK, that’s enough. Now start organizing what you’ve got.” At that point it’s time for the monumental task of sifting through, setting aside, writing a skeleton outline, then building the sessions on the material that made the cut.THEN, compiling illustrations.
All of this is a difficult process (oh, yes, it is difficult and it tends to get more so with time, not less) and woefully dependent upon the Holy Spirit. I desire so desperately to hear God accurately and with sensitivity but, needless to say, life and self can shout loudly over the small, still voice. Leaning in while everything pushes back can take every ounce of energy you’ve got. We are jars of clay pleading for that all surpassing power that can only come from Jesus. I rarely return from a conference where I taught copious material that I don’t think, in retrospect, I probably should have used that and not this. Said this and not that. Over-analysis is the suffocating tomb of teachers and, if we get trapped there, really good teachers can have pitifully short tenures. Those of us who are going to serve God for the length of our days (oh, Jesus, I want to! please help me!) have to make a choice to move on, whether or not the last lesson went like we hoped. I have to repeatedly ask myself one question: “Did you, as well as you knew how, take them to the Scriptures?” If no, I need to repent. If yes, I have to move on.
Anyway, I’m in the part of the process now where it’s Jesus, my Bible, my notes and me and the sessions are beginning to stand up and take some shape. This can be the most unsettling part because sometimes it doesn’t take shape until the midnight hour. Other times I’m not sure it ever did. It’s a faith walk, Girlfriend. I promise you that. But it is so worth it. Jesus is so worth it. I love the study process and any sense of His presence through the words on that page is what I live for. I am praying the material I feel like God has given me translates well on Saturday but I can at least tell you that I’ve gotten some private tutoring from it. He’s speaking very specifically to me about a particular challenge and changing how I deal with it.
I’ve got a long way to go in preparation so I can’t tarry on here today but I thought it would be so much fun to hear from those of you joining us on Saturday for the simulcast. If so, be sure to tell us the city and the location because it may be that several of you Siestas end up unexpectedly at the same place. Wouldn’t it be fun to meet each other face to face? I’ll also dearly love knowing that you guys are out there, in James 1 terminology, “scattered abroad.” (Which reminds me, we have 27 churches in Canada signed up for this simulcast! We were floored! So happy.)
Oh, before I get off of here, I have to tell you how much I loved your responses to the last post. It was a blast to hear all the ways you planned to stay in the Scriptures this Fall. I was familiar with many of the materials and most of the teachers but some of them were brand new to me. I stacked up some great ideas for future studies I want to take on my own. As my mentor always said, let’s all stay under many teachers! One helps bring us back to the center when another sends us over a cliff.
I love you, Sisters. I think of you every day.
Beth,
I am so excited to be attending the Simulcast Saturday at a local church. I have two ladies from my church joining me and I am thrilled. Of course Satan has been working overtime this week around here…but he will NOT prevail. I will be there and am asking God to thoroughly soak me with His Word!!
We will be attending at:
First Baptist Church on the Square
Lagrange, GA
Donna
I am attending with my mom! We can’t wait. We are going to Connexions in West Des Moines, Iowa. We are both praying for a WORD and know that God will deliver and you will be faithful to deliver the WORD God has given you for us this weekend. God bless!
Carole
In beautiful,beautiful Destin, Florida at the First United Methodist Church.
Legacy Christian Church – Overland Park, KS. Looking forward to it!
Beth, I cannot tell you how this post has truly been sent from above. My Pastor recently spoke to me about it becoming my season to begin stepping out and speaking! Honestly, in my heart and at night.. God has given me dreams that this will begin. I have to tell you though, that now as it draws nearer to begin walking it out! I am SCARED to death!! This is when the enemy battles me with insecurity and what you said about over analyzing.. I do that sooo much now and questioning my way of study, anything you name it! But this has helped me to see that even those like yourself who have been on this journey question the same things i do!! It helps me to get up, shake off the dust and keep going, and to forever call on and trust in HIM!!! His ways are so much higher!! THank you again. I needed to read this post! Tracey,32 – NC
Me Me Me!! I’ll be leaning in center front on Saturday!
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
First Baptist Church of Orlando
With 15 of my precious God’s Girls from our Monday Night Bible study!
Praying down the heavens for you Beth and ALL THE WOMEN globally that will hear a fresh WORD or a new WORD from the LORD. We come with hearts WIDE OPEN!
Love you!
Kim B.
I will be coming with 2 friends from Cincinnati and cant wait to hear what you have to say Beth!!
I will be watching you Saturday morning in Paducah, Kentucky! I am bringing my sister-in-law with me, whom I know will be touched by you and your message. You are an amazing conduit the God uses to speak to me, and I thank you for all that you do. I’ve been looking forward to this event all year!
By the way, my uncle is one of the camera crewmen, Brett Vantreese. I will have to tag along with him someday so that I can get the opportunity to hug your neck! 🙂
Oh Beth! I’m so excited to read your post! I was just having my time with the Lord and really sensed Him say, “Exodus 33:9” – which I prayed for myself — but then He brought you to mind and this coming Saturday – so I prayed the verse all over you, too – and while I was doing so, came up with a little acronym using your name: B- Beth; E – Enter; T – the Tent; and H – and Hear!
So, I will be praying this for you today – that you have a fantabuloso day of hearing – and meeting with Him face to face, as a “siesta meets with her friend” (Siestaville variation on 33:11).
My Saturday is so full of kid / Mom stuff – so I’m trying real hard to keep a happy heart and to know that the way I get to participate this weekend is by praying for you all from the sidelines of a football game!
Now, go have yourself a B.E.T.H. day!! Love you lots ~ Warm in Alaska.
LOVE this Carolyn!
I am so excited! Looking forward to it!!
Sunndayvale Baptist Church–Mesquite, Texas
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church in Bloomington, IN here.
And oy. I can so relate.
But I can also tell you that it was much much worse (for me) when I did corporate training sessions. Of course, that was still during my ‘unchurched-of-the-world-days’ too so I thought it *all* hinged on my knowledge/presentation/etc.
Whatever you present, there will be something that God uses to speak to each and every one of us. That’s how He works. And He’s awesome that way. 😉
So take a breath. 😉
Love!
deb
My daughter and I will be at The Rosemont to see you and SO looking forward to it!! I just know God has a word for us through you. Thank you for serving Him!
Frist Baptist Church in Hurst, TX. Bringing a friend going through a very trying and difficult time. Praying God’s wisdom, peace and blessing upon you as you finish your preparations Mrs. Beth.
wow. can I just say Donna that you are stunning.
Dear Beth,
When I typed Beth, I checked the spelling and it was “Best”.
So there you go, a compliment or else the Holy Spirit was directing my spelling! Isn’t that amazing!!
I pray you are safe on Saturday. I can’t go this time because of expense and no one in the area is doing the simulcast. It is my Birthday on Sept. 18 and your words would have been a great gift.
Blessings for you this weekend.
Rebecca
Praying for you, Beth, and all those who make these things happen on your and Travis’ teams and in the local churches. I would be attending Burke Community Church in Burke, VA, but am stuck at home with the three kids’ schedules. So I’ll be on my knees… or face… for you all. His word will not return void! How exciting for you all!!!!
Jennifer! I’m coordinating the Burke Community Church simulcast! I’m so excited to find a Siesta in this area! I know of many women who know of and participate in Beth’s studies, but not many who read her blog. Are you in Springfield/Burke, or would you be driving in from somewhere? I’m just curious.
I’m sad you won’t be able to join us Saturday. If your schedule changes, please come on over–we’ll be selling tickets at the door.
Thank you so, so much for your prayers.
Candi Dickerson
[email protected]
We have eleven ladies from our church headed to a little town called Hahira, Georgia at the First Baptist Church there. We can’t wait!!! In fact several of us have just started the “Wising Up” series last night at church. So, we are all fired up and ready!
I will be participating from Amarillo, Texas. Really looking forward to it!
I’m helping host the simulcast at First Baptist North Mobile in Saraland, AL. Our entire committee has been praying for each woman coming to our location by name for weeks. We didn’t forget you either, Beth. We have specifically prayed for both you and Travis. WE CAN’T WAIT FOR SATURDAY!!!
Hi Yanna,
I guess you missed my post from the blog before. See that’s what I get going out of my comfort zone.
HAVE a HAPPY DAY. Rebecca
I’ll be there with my best God’s girlfriend. We have been praying for you that God will give you HIS message for us Siesta. Glad to read of 27churches from Canada taking part.
We will be at Westney Height Baptist Church, Ajax, Canada
Gillian
Not able to go this time but pray that God richly blesses it!
Love ya’ll
I hate to miss it, but no host in this area, snap. 🙁
But I have been and will continue praying!
Have a blast in Chi-town!
I have my ticket.
Bay Community Church in Daphne, Alabama
BUT my brother in Jackson, TN is right now having a heart cath. The doctor before going in was saying the heart cath may not be enough. Unless JESUS proves him wrong I will be leaving Alabama for Tennessee tonight.
Prayers for my brother to be healed and not need any procedure more than this heart cath would be so appreciated.
Either way ABBA, prepare our Beth and the hearts of every woman who hears. Amen and amen.
Holy hugs,
Praying for your brother’s healing and that the heart cath is all that will be needed.
Praying
Thank you, Jane and Michele so very much. Our great God is answering! The doctor said before going in that it would take a Miracle from God to find less damage than he was expecting.
He found LESS than he was expecting. There is a HUGE blood clot that is 100% blocking the previous stint. They are giving him massive blood thinners to dissolve it tonight and tomorrow to do another cath to replace the previous stint.
I talked to my brother a few minutes ago and he sounds great. He’s hungry!
We still need more prayer and more healing but Praise JESUS we are not looking at open heart surgery tomorrow as the doctor said this morning that he was expecting.
Thank you. Thank you.
YAY!! Ok we’ll keep praying! Praise God!
Thank you Michele! He is resting well and may go home tomorrow! The blood clot dissolved over night and it took only about 15 minutes to put in the new stint.We are so grateful for every prayer and for this miracle our GREAT GOD has given.
Looks like I’ll be at Bay Community in Daphne, Alabama after all! Hallelujah!!
Beth, thank you so much for this post. I know you’re mainly discussing the Simulcast, which I do so dearly wish to be part of this weekend but have other stuff going on, but your description of the prep. process really hit home for me. I over-analyze so much!!!
I also have to tell you, the whole process you go through reminds me of throwing clay and making a pot – pulling and pushing, shaping and remolding. Sometimes you have to start over. Sometimes it doesn’t come out looking quite like you want it to, but in the end it’s what God sees and how those dear people listening hear God instead. I love His power! wooohooo!
Praying for all of you this weekend, and you, Mrs. Beth, for the ability to let go.
loving you guys!
Beth from GA
Listening Saturday… from Harrison, Arkansas.
My best friend, June, and I will be traveling to the First United Methodist Church in Olean, NY. This will be our third year in a row, and we can’t wait to hear what the Lord is going to say to each of us.
I will be attending in Sunnyvale, Tx with my friends from Lake Pointe Church.
I’ll be at First United Methodist in Russellville, AR – a group from my church is using your simulcast as the focal point of a Ladies Fall Retreat!
Beth,
I have the privilage of seeing you live in Chicago at the Rosemont Theater on Saturday! A few months back I felt led to purchase tickets for this event for myself and some family members…I am so happy that I did so. I will be enjoying the event with my mother, 17 year old daughter, my favorite aunt, and her daughter who is also my cousin! I am SO excited, and even more excited that I can spend this time with the wonderful women from my family that I love so dearly!! Cant wait to see you!
Alicia~
I’m going to the Simpson University Simulcast in Redding, CA and my 13 year old daughter is going for the first time. I’m so excited! We are driving almost 4 hours each way and we’ll have a great time together. I wish there were Simulcasts more often. Like, you know, every Living Proof Live. 🙂
I am going to be in Columbus MS. I am so excited! Praying for you to be filled to the measure! I was just telling someone about those lessons you did on Life Today called Filled To The Measure and I was reminded to go back to them today. Thankful that is Word is alive and that no matter how many times I’ve read something, it can fall fresh on my heart again!
Warmest Greetings Siesta Mama Beth, I am soo going! I didn’t get to go to the LPL in Kentucky, sad, but I can go to the simulcast because I’m just driving across town, and not across states! I just can’t stay that far away from my baby girl while I’m nursing her, cute thing she is:) I am praying for you, I want you to know that. I’m glad I’m part of that scattered group all over:) That, for some reason, reminds me of being salt and light, like we are scattered salt I guess? I know, I’m odd:) I will still pray for you, I prayed that you would have time to prepare, and that whatever God tells you would be a word to us (hard or not) all tuned in. I want to grow in Him, and I’m sure so many other women across the country do too. I can also pray that you get plenty of good, restive sleep, and that all the loose ends get tied up, and that you will receive a full dosage of the Holy Spirit. He is your all surpassing power in you, that jar of clay, so true!:)
Blessings a plenty to you, Love in HIM,
katiegfromtennessee
oh, yeah, my location is First Baptist Concord in Knoxville, TN ((HUGS))!
Katiegfromtennessee, I have name envy! The first time I saw your name I loved it. I could be katiepfromtennessee, but that would be totally stealing! The cool thing is, I’ve always loved your name, but I just noticed we’ll both be at First Baptist Concord tomorrow! I’ll be looking for you and your sweet baby and try to meet you! I think it’s going to be pretty packed though, but you never know! Katie
So cute! I initially signed up as “KathyBfromtennesse” without knowing about katieg. Of course, had to amend–how embarrassing. Praise the Lord for rhyming siestas from TN.
Menomonie,WI
Beth, as a teenager I hungered to know God more and His Word and my mom’s SS class had lots of homework each week. Cannot for the life of me remember why I picked up her book cause it wasn’t my SS lesson; however, I did pick it up one day and spent many hours pouring over that one lesson. I loved it. Had lots of research to do in His Word. Never loved homework more as a teenager than that! There was a void of many many years…was in my early 30’s before I was led to a Church where the Wednesday night Bible class had a wonderful teacher who gave us homework! Loved it! Then time passed and we moved to another city/state and ‘accidentally’ ran upon a Beth Moore Bible Study! “Jesus The One and Only” – my goodness did I fall in love with Him even more. Have learned so much from the studies and hunger to know Him more. Beth, you are an answer to prayer. I love hearing how you plan what you’re going to say. It’s quite obvious the LORD leads you. So, teach on sweet siesta mama.
I’m Dana and will be at First Baptist in Clarksville, Tennessee!
My sixteen year old daughter and I will be attending at First Baptist Indian Trail, NC and we CANNOT WAIT! I am excited that my daughter is excited about what God is gonna do! Thank you for making this possible!
I’ll be in Ocean Grove, NJ. Absolutely expecting to hear from God!
Cannot Wait!
Will be attending First Baptist Church, Dallas, Georgia.
First Baptist Church
Tahoka, Texas
Can’t wait!
Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri is where I’ll be. I am not from Jeff City, but my mother is the Women’s director at the church. This is Concord’s very first time to do a women’s conference and my mom said the ladies have slammed dunked the details. She’s so proud of them and I’m SO ready to join them, and the rest of the ladies around the world, in worshiping our great Savior this weekend!
I will be in Chicago. Hoping to be in the front row or two! I will have two dear siestas with me and will be leaving from Mpls early Fri morning. We are so excited! I’m getting my hair colored right now! I’ve been praying for you, Beth, and your staff as you prepare and travel. See you soon!
First Baptist Church of Covington in Covington, Georgia.
Shawn, so excited you will be at the simulcast Saturday! We have been praying hard for the ladies who will be attending at FBC Covington (and everywhere for tha matter!). Can’t wait to see you! It’s gonna be a great day! Dawn
I’m thrilled to be a part of this world-wide gathering on Saturday.
Our Merlin Community Bapist Church in Merlin, Oregon (near Grants Pass) is hosting the Simulcast and we still have tickets available!
So looking forward to it! Bakersfield, CA
I am really looking forward to hearing what truths God has in mind for you to share with us. I will be attending at Community Church in Oshkosh, WI.
I’ll be there! Attending at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail (Charlotte, NC area) with my friend Amy and my mother-in-law. Can’t wait. Longing for a word.
I am so looking forward, as I always do, to hear what God has to say to me at the Simulcast. Wild horses won’t keep me away!!! I have listened and received from so many biblical teachers/preachers/pastors over the radio and of course my pastors at my home church of 22 years, but it has only been through the messages God has given you, Ms. Beth, in which God has spoken volumes to me so deeply, so profoundly, so intimately, and so lovingly. I’m tearing up right now. I have come to know Abba/Father better and know His love for me in a way I never knew or experienced before.
I will be participating from Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California.
Thank you Ms. Beth for your love, dedication and for allowing God to use you to minister to us, (me) so personally.
Siesta in Christ,
Valentina
Dear Beth,
I will be there at the Rosemont with my man Keith from Iron River First Presbyterian in Iron River MI in the the U.P.
I am so proud of him. He went to Atlanta for Deeper Still and to Green Bay last year. You are used by God to minister to both of us greatly. Keep at it Sister. We love you and are praying for you.
Amy Jo
Henderson Texas
Bar None Cowboy Church group of ladies (Yes, Bar None was on the front page of your Houston Chronicle Saturday!)Keith would love our church! You need to come visit!
Can’t wait…prayed Up!
so excited to be attending at Christ’s Church of Oronogo, Missouri. Anyone else?
I will not be able to attend the simulcast, but I’m so excited to be attending the Women of Faith Event in Cleveland, Ohio.
I’m praying for a wonderful time with the Lord for all attending the simulcast and the Women of Faith event.
Go God!!!
Blessings,
Darlene