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.
Attending@
Frederick Christian Fellowship
Frederick, Maryland
Blessings, Sharon
I’ll be at First Baptist Concord in Knoxville, TN. I loved looking at all the churches people will be at because I knew a few of them from past places I’ve lived and it brought back fond memories!
PS…I’ve been selfishly praying for you, Beth. I need a word from God!
Wouldn’t miss it. I will be attending at Northland Christian Church in Topeka, Ks along with about a dozen ladies from our church. Can’t wait.
Beth let me share with you something that happened last night at Breaking Free Bible study. We had just finished the video where you had said in session 2 that you didn’t know what our bondage was. Maybe it was anger….etc. A lady appeared upset at the door of our class. Her life was falling apart. She entered our church through a door that is never unlocked, except for last night some guys were standing there and let her in. She came in cryed and asked us to pray for her. We invited her to a couple of Bible Studies we have going on during the week and had prayer with her. We left hugging and totally amazed that God could use a dozen women to reach out to one hurting, searching new friend. So powerful for each of us, and so powerful for our guest. God showed us the message was real, because we quoted back alot of what we had just heard. It was just really neat. Thanks so much for leading us and teaching by example. We are growing because of it.
Jan
I’ll be attending here in Lititz, PA at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church. God has appointed an amazing team of women to prepare & plan for this event over the past year. The current count for attendance is right near 350! We are so excited to see what God has planned for each of us this Saturday. It is our prayer that each woman would walk away changed because of the work of God in her life through this event… Blessings to you, Siesta Mama. We’ve been praying for you as well!
I am who I am in Christ because of His work in my heart through several of your studies… but it was at a Simulcast in 2005(ish) that you spoke on Psalm 126.
I have never been the same.
Thank you for your efforts, 8 of us from my church will be there with you in Lititz.
I live in Sarasota. My husband is driving me to Ft. Myers so I can attend the simulcast @ McGregor Baptist Church. Dinner with family afterwards. Can’t wait for either event!!
I’ll be there!! I have been doing your Bible Studies for the past year and getting to you more and more!! It has been a blessing! Your ministry has been a blessing my life!! I am really looking forward to Saturday! Can’t wait! 🙂
Yes, I’ll be attending and am sooo looking forward to this! This has been a tough month but I can tell you confidentally God has been so incredibly good it brings tears to my eyes. I’m looking forward to worshiping and hearing from the Word with you all. And I’m praying for you, Beth!
~Jennie
Oops, almost forgot! I’ll be at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, CA 🙂
We are hosting the simulcast at Maple Ridge Baptist Church (a suburb of Vancouver, B.C.). It has seemed a bit more difficult to get ladies out this time (our last simulcast was April ’07) and we’ve wondered if the early Sept. date was part of it (most of us Canadians don’t begin school until after labor day and so we enjoy the summer holidays right up until the bitter end). Regardless, we have at least 150 attending and are certain that God will have everybody there that needs to be there. We will also promote Compassion at the lunch break and hope to “adopt” out some beautiful children. We chose to highlight this ministry long before the Guatamala trip, but the posts from last week just did me in. Very timely indeed. Praying for all of the final details and for God to change our hearts on Saturday.
We (from Craig Colorado) will be attending at Euzoa Bible Church, Steamboat Springs Colorado.. I can hardly wait. My first simulcast was last year about this time. God was reawakening me then from a real time in the desert. I’ve been drinking from the well and not full yet!!!
Something about His water just keeps me thirsting for more.
I’m going to be in Chicago to listen, learn, and worship with you live! I’m so excited and so blessed to be able to attend!
Me, my mom, and several of my closet friends will be at Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN.
My sister and I will be attending the simulcast at Calvary Chapel in Yorba Linda, CA, as my home church is not offering it.
This is the fourth simulcast we’ve attended together, and we were just remarking how at each simulcast, God has always had a word for us through you at just the time we needed it. And we are at two very different places in life. I truly believe the Holy Spirit guides you to prepare and then say exactly what He wants you to say, and then prepares our hearts to receive it if we ask Him to.
Thank you for being obedient to Him. You’ll be in my prayers. Can’t wait for Saturday!
I am so excited to be at the Simulcast Saturday LIVE in Chicago. I am bringing 3 of my friends who have been so blessed with your teachings/bible studies over the years. We are leaving my house at 5:30 am to drive from southeastern Wisconsin to the Rosemont. This is one time I don’t mind getting up early!!!
I will be praying for you Beth as you continue to study His Word! I KNOW that the Lord has a Word for each one of us to take home.
God bless you, we love you soooo much!!!
I will be attending solo at Hope Community Church in Frankfort. My friend Kim had to cancel because she will be attending the funeral of a friend Saturday who died Tuesday after suffering a stroke. Please keep the family of Judy Holmes in your prayers.
Can’t wait to see what God has planned after “Eat, Pray, Love”….
Linda
KENTUCKY
Praying for you as you prepare! I honestly don’t know how you do it, but then again I do. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! You are such an amazing teacher because you do always bring us back to the scriptures.
I will be attending at Grace Christian Church in Raleigh, NC. I am going alone so I would love to meet up with another siesta!
Love you so much Beth!
Southern Pines, NC
My daughter and I will be attending the simulcast @ Daybreak Community Church in Carlsbad, CA. We will be meeting up with 4 other dear friends.
Counting the hours….
Blessings,
Julie
Julie
I will be attending at Daybreak Community also. Although Redeemer by the Sea is not my home church I will with 34 other ladies from that church walking over about 8:45am. Look for me and say HI.
Carolyn
Oceanside Ca
Carolyn,
I will look for you! Blessings..julie
I will be attending in Mason City, Iowa at the Grace E. Free Church.
praying for you tonight, Beth….for your dependence on the Holy Spirit to lead you where He wants you to go for the weekend and for you to be able to listen and understand!
Yes I will be attending a sumulcast with a friend. We are from Lake Charles, La. but will go to First United Methodist Church in Vidor , TX. It is the closest one to us.
I’m so looking forward to hearing a “word” from the Lord.
I know that God will give you His message. You are such a great example of a “yielded vessel”!
So wish I could go but I am with you in spirit.
Thank you for sharing how you process the whole teaching thing, it also helps me with organizing my “material” and battling with my mind.
I will be attending at First Baptist in Petersburg, WV. I am excited to be one of the thousands of women to be hearing God’s word on Sat.
Liberty Baptist Church
St. Petersburg, Florida
I’ll be attending with a friend in Lititz, PA at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church! Looking forward to what God has for us this weekend!
I’ll be there! In Lititz, PA at LEFC!
Can’t wait to hear how the Lord spoke to you this week, Beth!
Will be there with you at First Baptist, Clarksville, Arkansas! I am SO EXCITED!! CAN’T WAIT to hear what God has in store for us! Praying for you to get plenty of much-needed rest and have safe travel, and then BRING IT, SISTER!!!
First Baptist Church, Greeneville, TN
I cant wait and I’ve been praying for you!
love you 🙂
Thank you Beth for mentioning CANADA! I pray you will be inspired by The Holy Spirit in all that you put forth!
I’ll be attending at Neighborhood Church, Visalia, CA.
Three generations will be together in St. Petersburg, Fl.
My 17 year old granddaughter, my daughter, and I will be attending at Liberty Baptist Church. May the Lord gently rock you in His arms to sleep on Friday night, letting you know that what you have prepared for Sat. night has His blessing.
About 80 of us will be at First Baptist Church, Nederland, Texas. Can’t wait!!!
I’ll be there! Topeka, KS
I will be attending with my friend, Nance and her mom, Echo at CrossPointe Community Church in Hudsonville, Michigan. It has been a blessed year as we have been able to attend 3 Living Proof events!
Okay, it should read- Sat. simulcast, not Sat night. (Maybe Sat night would be okay too )
Oh yes!!!
Huntsville Alabama
So excited! Yes I will be there, even canceled volleyball matches so I could attend at First Baptist Powder Springs, GA.
I so needed to hear the insight of the process today. If He’s sovereign over the whole universe,then He’s certainly sovereign over a Bible study lesson.
much love,
Unfortunately, no church around here will be providing daycare, so I won’t be able to attend this one. I did get to attend Priscilla’s Going Beyond event last week while my hubs provided the care while I was away for two days.
I’m hoping that this simulcast will be available for download at some point in the near future though????? 🙂 🙂 🙂
I noticed that there is only one Deeper Still event for next year. Is that an event that will be winding down? I’ve never been to one before and was hoping it would come closer to South Mississippi sometime; but if I need to try and make preparations for Birmingham, I want to do that.
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
I will be attending the simulcast from First Baptist Church in Cedartown, Georgia and I can’t wait to see what Gid has in store!! I have been praying for you Beth and the service all week!
Sweet Beth, thank you for immersing yourself into the Living Water so that you can share with us. I so need to hear what God is speaking to you. I walk away from the messages you share with us more focused and in love with my Jesus! I just want you to know I have a ticket to three LPLs on my dining room table right now!
Charlotte, North Carolina, next summer
Rapid City, South Dakota, this November
And Saturday’s Simulcast at First Baptist Church, Statesboro, Georgia.
I would love to have a Siesta friend at any of these events!
Eat, Pray, Love was so gooood…
I am praying the Armour of the Lord all over you. And asking Jesus to crush the enemy’s head with His heel. Splat!!!
Deborah
Middle Georgia
Deborah!!! Melana and her daughter will be at the LPL in Rapid City this November. You should get together! I love you both to pieces!
Hugs,
Adrienne
I’ve driven from Johnson City, TN to Sevierville (90 miles or so) to attend the Simulcast at First Baptist Sevierville. Can’t wait!!!
Beth-
Whoa honey, now, that’s a lunch for champions..ha-ha-ha
I along with many of our seistas are praying for you, and the people involved. Praying that the Holy Spirit will be all over that place and all over the people there, and…and ….that at least 1 person gets saved.
I am planning to attend the simulcast at Judson Baptist church in the Nashville area. I can’t wait!
seeeeee ya there…..sort of :0]
I will be with you in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada! Praying for you as you prepare and looking forward to meeting with my sisters here.
I’ll be attending with Dotti in the beautiful Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage, CA!
Will be there at Second Baptist Church in Greenville, KY!!!!!
Hi Beth!! Going to hear the Simulcast in Oregon, Ohio! I am from Monroe Michigan. Went last year and I almost didn’t go. You know that sneaky enemy. THANK GOD I DID! You had such a word from the Lord for me last year that was so perfect for what I was going through. I wept the whole day. A good, healing, cry that the Lord knew I so needed. Cannot wait for Saturday, will be praying for you! Much love and blessings to you!!!
A couple of ladies and I will be attending at Kettering First Baptist Church in Dayton, OH…So excited to hear what the Lord has pressed upon you to share with so many!!
I am going with a group of six friends/family. We are so exciting and can’t wait to hear what He has to say to all of us. We are attending at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway, AR. See you there!
I will be at First Community Church in Brushton NY, about as close as you can get to our wonderful neighbors in Canada! My 82 year old mother accompanied me to a simulcast in the past.What a blessing for her to attend such an even and the host church was only a few miles away from Mom’s Florida home.This time I will travel to the site with a much younger Bible study partner who is in her late 20s.We received a last minute invitation to a wedding this Saturday. While we would love to celebrate the happy couple, my Bible study partner and I BOTH sense that the simulcast is where we should be. May God annoint the lips of Beth as well as the ears and hearts of the hearers near and far!
Yes, we are coming to see you in Chicago! Traveling from Salem, WI! Very excited!!
Hi Beth,
My daughter & I will be attending the simulcast at Second Baptist Church in Amarillo Tx. She has been looking forward to this for months as I have because she desperately needs a touch from God. Be safe in your travels & can’t wait to hear the subject matter.