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.
Oh, My Sweet, Sweet Beth!!!
I will not be at the simulcast this weekend. I was offered tickets and at once grabbed them up. But then I was checked by the Holy Spirit. You see, my daughter, Abby, is having her Princess birthday party that day. It’s her first “big girl” party and she’s invited friends to join her, all dressed in their royal attire. I will have eight 4-year-old princesses at my house from 10-noon and a couple “grown-up” princesses too:) In the middle of my rushing around, ordering cake and gathering tiaras, God spoke to me. The words were very familiar: “QUITE UNWILLING.” Wow. Quite unwilling to see Beth?!?! I was quite confused. But God’s good at clearing things up. “Focus on your princesses. Like I focus on them.” So, instead of spending a respite with women in the Word, I’ll be celebrating my Princess-hood with some of God’s youngest daughters:) I am praying for the simulcast. God will use you. He always does!!
Much Love,
Alyssa Johnson
Olathe, KS
Enjoy your Princess Abby, Alyssa! She will be grown up before you know it! I had a birthday party like that for my 20 year old when she was 6. My 4 year old granddaughter’s (my older Son’s daughter) Princess Birthday party was a couple weeks ago.
Love it Alyssa. God will bless and reward you.
O:)
Melissa
You made the right choice, Alyssa. May God richly bless you!
I wouldn’t miss it ! Sunnyvale, tx
Hey Beth, I’ve been praying for you. I will continue. Praying for Travis & the team as well. Love you all so much & am very excited.
There are 9 of us going to OKC from Lawton, OK. See you there!
Lawan
Phil 4:8
I will be attending at Simpsonville First Baptist in Simpsonville, SC along with 3 of my closest friends. I just wanted to share something funny—tonight there was a county-wide women’s event at a church in town. When the ladies at my table saw the program, they got real excited because it read: Prayer led by Beth Moore….It appears that the leader of the women’s ministry of the SC Baptist Convention shares your name:) I knew there was no way that it was you because we all know that you are in Texas preparing for Saturday! LOL I can’t wait to hear what the Lord has laid upon your heart!
I will be attending with my friend Shelby. Maybe we could meet up somehow?
I will be attending at Hope Community Church in Frankfort Kentucky. I am so excited, as I had such a blast when you were IN Ky. 🙂
Me too Nancy. Linda
There’s one in Warren, MN at the Covenant Church!
Siesta Mama, Chicago cannot wait to welcome you with wide-open arms!!! We have a multigenerational group carpooling at 6am on Saturday to stand in line and another handful from our church at a local congregation because the Rosemont sold out. Praying for you and your team and for all of us who will share in God’s anointed Word as he speaks through you!
Can’t wait!
Orlando, Florida – First Baptist Church
I’ll be praying for you, Beth!
Amarillo, TX
Hey Beth! I’m the mountain mama who has been in beautiful Virginia for the summer. We are on our way back home to Florida tonight (Thursday) due to an emergency so just maybe I can get a ticket to attend the simulcast on Saturday in Panama City, FL. That would be the icing on the cake! We didn’t want to leave the beautiful Virginia mountains and go back to 90 degree weather in Florida but being able to take care of our family needs PLUS my getting in on the simulcast…..how good can it get? I love your ministry and your sweet family and I will ask for your prayers at this very moment that I will be able to get a ticket for Saturday. We are in Atlanta tonight and I just “happened” to check the blog and read your post. Thanking you in advance for your prayers.
I will be praying for you on Saturday!
Shirlea
If you can’t get a ticket for the Panama City location, we still have room in Port St. Joe. I’m almost certain St. Andrews will have plenty of room though!
Looking forward to it so much. I have been very busy with work and this weekend will provide a wonderful refreshment! Thanks for all your time and hard work. I know you don’t hear it enough, but thanks for all you do to keep us in the Word, and be encouraged, convicted, and refreshed.
Will be watching in Wheatridge, CO.
Oh my gosh!!! How I needed to hear what you had to say. To know that a teacher and speaker of your quality feels and thinks the same way I do when I’m finished leading a Bible Study or writing a post on my blog was just what I needed to hear. You used the same exact words I have used to describe my feelings. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
We’re are attending from Greenville Kentucky at Second Baptist Church! I just lost my Dad one month ago, and thankfully my Mom will be able to come! I am so looking forward to soaking up what the LORD has for us!
I will be attending the simulcast at First Baptist Church in Clarksville, TN. I will have to miss about an hour in the morning because my 4 year old is going to be playing his very first soccer game (much like your Jackson!). As much as I will miss that hour, I know God wants me to be there with my little boy even more! I have to tell you this, Beth….my husband was initially surprised that I was attending the simulcast since we had our little boys’ game, but then he remembered hearing/seeing you on a couple of videos I watched at home and said I had better go because you might get mad and yell at me if I didn’t! His view of you on the videos is that people had better do what you say because you mean business!!! I think my husband is scared of you! Isn’t that hilarious???? Praying for you for Saturday and the time leading up to it.
I’ll be there in Chicago to see you!! Can’t wait! I’m going with about 6 or 7 friends who have been studying A Woman’s Heart together this past summer. We are all so excited. Praying for you as you finish your preparations!
Blessings,
Carolyn
Hello Siesta Mama and please forgive me for commenting on something that was not related to the current topic – I try so hard for order and always get a little tripped up! However, I just wanted to tell you about the study my Bible Study group is embarking on this Fall: Iva May’s W3: Women, Worldview and the Word, Serious Discipleship in a Secular Culture. This is a year long study for our group and we will be learning Bible one story at a time. She’s a former missionary now living in Memphis. Our group is a bunch of Memphis Methodists (with a few Catholics that we let hang out with us 🙂 and most folks around these parts are familiar with her, but I was wondering if you knew anything about this study. We’ve just had our first meeting and I’m excited it. Would love any thoughts or input you may have!
Will be with you in Natchez, Mississippi. We know it will be a huge blessing because Satan has worked overtime. We know God is bigger than anything Satan throws our way. Will be praying with you at 4 on Friday.
I will be attending at least part of the day. (spitting the day with my Mom, with the other one of us staying with my Dad who can’t be alone.) I live in Oklahoma, but will be attending at
Parkside Baptist, Denison, TX.
Thank you so much, Beth!
See you Saturday at New Hope Church in Durham, North Carolina!
Oh sweet Beth, I am such a simulcast groupie…I have had the privilege of attending EVERY one. I’ve been on the other side of the screen enjoying Travis and the worship team and your invaluable teaching. And the best part is that Jesus is always there. I love the simulcasts and I love you!
We will be at Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin, Oregon.
Thank you for those words.
I am sooo excited about Saturday! We have signed up for the very first time to have your simulcast at our church, The River Christian Reformed Church,in Redlands, Ca. Woo-hoo. We have several women from our church attending as well as many ladies from neighboring churches and women from the community! We do a couple of your studies a year at The River. We did Daniel last winter and are doing Esther now. Looking forward to your teaching on Saturday!! <3
I am so sorry that I am going to miss this one. I try not to ever miss a live simulcast! Beth you have blessed my life beyond words! The Lord has used you in such a mighty way in every place in my journey. I was so looking forward to what the Lord had for me on Saturday but my mom is traveling down to see me and my family here in Tennessee. I haven’t seen here in a while. We just moved in May of this year…and may I say it is the first time in 44 years that I have been more than 20 minutes from my parents. I know I am in God’s will here in Tennessee. He has prepared me to go and I am here, in complete obedience to His will. But I must believe and trust that Our Precious Lord is in complete control of our lives as we submit to Him. I will pray for you that the Lord would speak through you with a word in season for all those sisters listening.
I love you Beth and hope to one day meet you! (before we get to heaven) 🙂
Maryjo
Dear Beth,
I’m sorry I’m going to be missing this simulcast. Unfortunately none around here inmy area that I’m aware of. 🙁
Please know I will be praying for you. As I am one of your intercessory prayer warriors and has been for 8 years. I believe and feel that prayer is the best gift we can give one another!
Lord, I ask and pray that you will be with Beth and surround her with a hedge of protection around her mind, her car, plane and all transportation vehicles she will be in. Surround her while she is sleeping and give her a peaceful rest and encouraging dreams. May the attenders be very blessed and have their ears open to hear what you want them to hear and their eyes open to see what you want them to see. Please keep all involved protected and surrounded by a hedge of protection. In jesus precious Holy name Amen!
In Christ’s Love and prayers
Sis in Christ
Tina
I am on the Canadian Steering Team. My group will be meeting at Credit Union Place in Summerside Prince Edward Island. There is another host site in Charlottetown. (About 55 minutes away, but two in this small area is sweet)
Our fellowship is Summerside Community Church. We have all had challenges leading up to this not in the least my mum in Toronto 1200 miles away is in hospital again tonight. . . .God knew about this too. So I pray.
Hanging on tight to what I know and looking forward to where He wants this Simulcast to go.
so i won TWO tickets, from our local christian radio station, to the simulcast on saturday. i’m super bummed b/c i really don’t think i can go. i have prior commitments of pee wee football, teenager going on youth trip, and a local juv. diabetes walk fudraiser that our ENTIRE town participates in. plus nobody to go with me….all my friends are super busy also.
if any of you siestas out there read this…i have TWO tickets to the simulcast being held in siloam springs, arkansas at second baptist church. [email protected]
it would be a pure shame for them to go unused!!!
We are so so excited! We have been working getting everything ready, last night and tonight. We will be at it again tomorrow night. We are so far out in the boonies, we are serving lunch. It is awesome seeing everyone working like the body of Christ should. Such a blessing. Our men folk are making lunch. Now that is a praise!
Gum Springs Baptist
Walling, TN
My friend, Shelby and I will be attending Simpsonville First Baptist in Simpsonville South Carolina.
Here’s a shout out from NH! Only one host church in the state, but I will be there with a dear girlfriend.
Hi there from Australia! Our simulcast will be one week after yours and I am sooo looking forward to it! In fact, I started looking forward to it the moment last year’s finished! Blessings on you all! Praying!!
Hey, Lindsey! That’s so exciting! May the Spirit mount up higher and higher over that week!
There are 4 of us attending from Eugene, OR. We’re going to Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin, OR.
I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this but your August simulcast in 2008 changed my life. Absolutely changed my life. One day we’ll be able to sit down and talk and I’ll tell you all about it!
Our church is hosting in Clay Center, Kansas! Third year and counting!!
I’ll be at Liberty Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, Fl for the simulcast!!
Beth,
I’m so glad you think of us everyday. I think of you everyday too. Smile. I won’t be able to be there Saturday. I wish I could. I will be lifting you up in prayer. I love this community!
Susan in OKC
would have loved to go to Chicago but can’t aford a ticket , you are so loved and we have a bunch of ladies
doing your study each week. I will pray for you
all to be blessed aboundunantly HAVE FUN
Thank you so much for this post! We can have a critical spirit towards ourselves after we complete a public task (teaching, speaking, serving, etc.). I just love what you said about knowing you did the best you could to point people to the Scriptures. And even if you DIDN’T do your best, God is still made perfect in our weakness. Sometimes I have to fight that tormenting sense of inferiority that keeps me from doing what God asks of me. But maybe He’s bringing glory to Himself through even my failures.
http://www.livewithflair.blogspot.com/
I will be attending at The People’s Church in Fresno, CA. I can’t wait!!
Beth:
I for one am counting the hours until I leave my home at the crack of dawn the day after tomorrow to catch your Living Proof “Live” show in Chicago. I have no doubt that it will be a memorable event for all of us in attendance as well as the multitude of simulcast viewers!! I’m starting my 12th Beth Moore Bible Study this fall (When Godly People Do Ungodly Things) and can’t thank you enough for helping to strengthen my relationship with a God who has always been there for me (even though during many sinful years I turned my back on Him)! I have learned so much as a result of your studies and look forward to spreading my newfound faith to others so that they can enjoy the peace, joy, and love that I’ve found in my new life as a practicing Christian. God Bless You.
P.S. Don’t worry if your simulcast isn’t perfect – I always tell the kids that only God gets to be perfect!!
Karen Stahlecker
Downers Grove, IL
I will be attending at Grace Fellowship in Kearney Nebraska and I am so looking forward to it, cant wait for Saturday to arrive.
I will be attending with my sister and my aunt at First Baptist Keller, Texas.
Can’t wait to hear what God has placed on your heart. I am praying for peace and supernatural understanding as you approach Saturday.
Much love,
Jennifer
I will be attending at Fremont Presbyterian, in Sacramento, california.
As my husband and I are headed to Alamogordo, New Mexico to preach a revival, I was just so upset that I would miss it! But I looked on the Lifeway site and found a church just a few hours from our destination that is doing the simulcast. So we are stopping there tomorrow night and staying over so I can attend the event!
So I will be at West Main Baptist Church in Artesia, New Mexico. The ladies there so graciously offered to hold me a ticket!
Will not be able to attend the Simulcast but will continue to lift you before the Throne. You are being obedient; God will mightily use you as you hide yourself in Him. Have a blessed weekend!
South Tulsa Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK
Beth,
I have to say that I flew from New Orleans to St Louis this summer to see Living Proof Live, and it was amazing…. every bit of it!!!!!! I can’t imagine that you missed anything, and I am sure all that hear this weekend will be equally blessed. It’s the Beth Moore way!!! It must be overwhelming to know how God is using you, because on the small scale he uses me, I am overwhelmed. You…..wow!!! I am doing “Jesus the One and Only” with a group at church and “Revelations” by myself simultaneously, because in this season of my life, I seem to be so hungry for the Word and it is so alive for me that sometimes I have to put one hand up while I write, as you say….amen!!!! It is so interesting to see you at different stages in your ministry simultaneously…of course, it is wonderful, but not quite like experiencing you LIVE. Your passion is infectious and I pray all that hear this weekend “catch it.” I have surely caught it!!!!
Bless you for overflowing your love of God onto us!!!
Rochelle
Hello Beth!!
I am sooo excited and can’t wait for Saturday! I am located here in Columbus Ohio and attenbding a local simulcast. I was blessed to attend the live event in Lexington, KY last month! Thank you for your hard work and how you make Gods word come to life! I learn so much from your teachings along with your life experiences! I always get a “word” from you! I pray you are rested, have safe traveles. I also pray the Lord will meet you where you need Him and allowing His light to shine so bright through you. Thank you for your gifts and thank You Jesus for Beth!
I am planning to attend Christian Fellowship in Columbia, Missouri, but today I had something pop up and now I don’t know if I will get to go or not. I am keeping my fingers crossed, because I don’t want to miss out it.
I live near Minneapolis, but I will be visiting my daughter in Chicago this weekend, where she (and I) will be attending her very first LPL conference! I have attended a few LPL conferences with friends, but this will be my first time attending with my daughter and I’m sooo very excited for her….and for me = )
Can’t wait to hear what God speaks to us through you, Beth!!
Praying for you and all those involved in the LPL conference.
I will be attending your simulcast in Newport, TN. Can’t wait to hear your message! Thank you Beth for all the time you spend preparing for these events. Love YA!