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.
I will be attending the simulcast at Gwinnett Church of Christ in Lawrenceville GA. I have been anticipating God’s Word to me through you Beth. Thank you for your comment on not over-analyzing after you teach. Even with the 4th and 5th graders I teach in SS I tend to analyze afterwards on what I should or shouldn’t have done. Your comments have helped me.
First Baptist Concord in Knoxville,TN(Beth, didn’t you brush that 127(or 9)’s hair here? Watched you this week on TV with Keith and telling that story, so neat.
Going with 4 girls from my Sunday School class, their first time to hear you at an event like this. So pumped.
Heard Travis at this same church a while back. So glad for this opportunity to get “the next best thing to being there!” I know the blessings will be just as great as being there!
Praying for the whole team.
Lord, bless Beth and the entire LPL team as they prepare in these final hours before going LIVE to share YOUR words, YOUR truth, and YOUR message that we all so desperately need to hear. Take away any road blocks and we rebuke Satan from any and ALL parts of this glorious day. May YOUR precious and holy name be exhalted and lifted high!!!
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 130 ladies (and a few brave sound guys) will be gathered together in His name at Pepper’s Grille in Culpeper, VA. Mountain View Community Church is a mobile church who sets up in a local high school each Sunday morning, turning an educational building into a house of worship! Let His name be praised!!! Amen and Hallelujah!
How cool is that, Lindsay? God’s mind is so limitless.
Well be at at First Baptist Church in Helena, AL. I can’t wait! 🙂
P.S. Looks like I did not go far enough back. Hi Manitoba and BC.
Of course I will be there, and cannot wait!! At Community of Hope in Rosemount, MN!
I will be attending at Livingston Congregational church in Montana. I am bringing a friend with me and I am really looking forward to it. I am Finishing up studing “Just enough light for the step I’m on ” by Stormie Omartian. and I plan to start “No Other Gods ” Solo. I am also looking forward to the memory verses in the new year.
Love you
Will be in Indian Trail NC at First Baptist Church with some of my best peeps from Hickory Grove Baptist!! Can’t wait and anticipating a word from GOD!
Dear Beth
I have been looking forward to the simulcast for so long now. I will be going with about 11 other ladies from my small church to New Life Bible Fellowship in Tucson, AZ.
I love you and praying for you.
Beth,
Your love for Jesus is all displayed in all you do. I have seen it through your writing and your studies. Thank you so much for all you do. I will be praying for you this Saturday that God would touch His people through your message!
Several of the ladies from Good Shepherd Baptist Church will be at the event! We are so excited we can hardly wait! We know that The Lord will pour His blessing on our time of worship and the hearing of The Word.
Hi Beth! I will be at our church Elizabeth Baptist in Shelby, NC who is a host site for the third year in a row for the Simulcast. I am so excited for tomorrow and you and the whole team are all in our prayers! So ready for God to do His thing!!!
In joyful anticipation …from Northwest Chapel, Columbus Ohio!
I will be at Crossgates Baptist in Brandon, MS and bringing some high-school-first-timers with me!!
I’ll be attending South Church, Lansing Michigan.
Looking forward to worship with Travis and Co. and digging into the word.
Kathy
40 ladies from the churches at the Stafford Center are in joyful anticipation about attending the simulcast at Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin, Oregon!
Our church (Bethel Church, Chehalis, WA) is hosting the Simulcast tomorrow. Can not WAIT to be together with my sisters in Christ to worship, fellowship (translation – talk, eat and drink really good coffee!) and hear the Word of the Lord just for us. Our numbers are down this year – I think it’s a combination of the economy and soccer and football season. But those of us who are attending are pumped to see what God does. Bless you Beth. We are praying for you and for every woman (and the few brave men) who attend.
First time at a simulcast event – I’ll be at Grace in Mason City Iowa
“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.”
Beth I love how you put into words the thing in my heart…I am preparing to facilitate “Seeking Him” and you word are shouting in my
in my heart May God Bless you as you have so richly blessed my life. Beth thank you for giving to the LORD!
Siesta STephanie
I so wish I could be apart or at the simulcast. All you girls have a blast with Jesus.
Me and a friend will be going to Chandler Christian Church in Chandler, AZ. Would love to meet other AZ gals!
Currently doing your Breaking Free revised study with a group after doing it solo (the older version) this summer. It’s been a challenge, lots of things are being brought to the surface and I would have to say this has been the most painful season (physically with migraines, spiritually, and emotionally), but I am encouraged that breaking free will happen and through this testing time, I will come forth as gold as Job says!
In HIM,
Karen in AZ, homeschooler to three active boys!
Beloved Beth: The women from Reno, Nevada are so looking forward to hearing from God through you and worshiping with Travis. We have a special request of prayer for our Siesta Joyce. Beth, you have met her in Irvine. You signed her bible and she got a picture with you (I was instantly texted and jealous!). Dear Joyce just lost her 27 year old son to illnes on 9/2/10. This is a woman who has been through so many life trials already that I cried out to God, why is this happening to her? At the funeral this week, I asked her if she was up to the simulcast and she said she wouldn’t miss it. We have done almost all of your studies and she knows that God will speak to her Saturday with comfort, peace and love. Please keep Joyce and her family in your prayers. Her son was a man of God and is with Jesus. So there is hope for a heavenly future together. We love you Beth! Blessings, Debbie
Oh, please tell Joyce that my heart just aches for her and that I am so astounded at her faithfulness to keep herself placed right at the feet of Jesus with an open heart. He must surely take such delight in her. I know that He looks upon her with such mercy and grace.
Yes, I will be attending the Simulcast at the Christian Hill Church in Warwick, RI.
My friend and I will be attending at Chandler Christian Church in Chandler, AZ. Thank you so much for sharing how you develop your lessons! Praying for you!
I’ll be there. In Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada! My home church, Trinity Baptist is hosting.
I will be attending the simulcast in Andersonville, TN at First Baptist Church of Andersonville which is directly across the street from my home church of Andersonville United Methodist. I can’t wait!
I will be attending at Bethel Baptist in Brookings South Dakota.
i’ll be in chicago!!! live!
I am praying for strength and peace for you. I would have loved to go to the simlucast in Chicago but it was sold out. Love Ya Beth!
Praying for your continued anointing and His words to flow. When I write, I have days where nothing comes. I have said “I got nothing” so many times, yet (often in the shower for some strange reason) the “bigness” will begin to process into some intelligible words that don’t seem nearly as big as the concept but have to suffice. Words paint and words fall short. Your heaven-sent messages seem to fit like a glove. Thanks for describing this arduous process. I think many think it just happens so easily for you, and that is rare, I imagine. I so appreciate your dedication, for waiting on Him in great expectation, for listening, obedient ears, for your uncompromised heart for Him. Praying for you this morning. Love, Annette
This so warmed my heart, Annette. I miss seeing you in Sunday School and the radiance of Christ on your lovely face. I love how you love Him.
I’m doing Simulcast in Garner, NC.
Beth, this is are first simulcast in Heppner Oregon at the elementary gym ( population 1450 middle of nowhere)but we know God’s inviting!! My two young daughters and I were with you in Irvine and are planning for Spokane. But what a blessing to bring it to Heppner where the churches are many but the pews are empty. Love Proverbs 31:26 looking forward to what God has to say. I will be dancing during “Shackles” (probably the only one! well somebody got to show them!) Praying for you and your team! ON YA!
Hi Beth,
I will be traveling 30 short minutes from Gulf Shores to the simulcast in Robertsdale, Alabama at the First Baptist Church. An awesome group of ladies is hosting again this year- they are a special part of the experience, and I appreciate their efforts so much!
I am so looking forward to this- and also have tickets to Deeper Still in Birmingham in December!
Love and prayers,
Fran
I will be there listening/watching from Tablerock Fellowship in Medford, Oregon. I have been praying for you all week Beth. I will be eternally grateful for what you and God have been through together in your lifetime that you share with the rest of us. One of the items on my bucket list is to meet you face to face! Anyway, I am ready for tomorrow!!
Misti
Lewistown,MT
Calvary Chapel, Melbourne, FL. I can’t wait!! I saw Living Proof Live in Idlewyld in Tampa back in April and I need a RE-CHARGE!!! Woo hoo………..go Beth! GOD IS SO GOOD!
I will be at the simulcast @ FBC Mansfield, Mansfield, TX.
(Morning session only, unfortunately. We will be watching my daughter march with the Baylor U Golden Wave Marching band at the BU vs TCU game in the afternoon! GO BEARS!)
Kathy W
I am so excited about attending the simulcast in Tualatin, Oregon. We will be experiencing a rainy weekend which only heightens our expectations of seeing a mighty work of God. Last year Beth prayed for a great Avalanche of God’s grace to fall and we know that it will be RAINING down on us all day. May God Bless the World tomorrow.
Ignite for Women invites you to THE CREEK in Indianapolis, IN: it’s FREE!! No need to register, just show up. Doors open at 9am. Paradise Bakery will be on-site with yummy treats for breakfast and lunch. K-LOVE will also be joining us. It’s going to be a GOD-GLORIFYING day. Did I mention it’s FREE?!!
For the first time in my life, I am in a secluded place on the beach. No kids, no phone and occassional checking of this blog and some online teaching from you! Needing desperately to hear from God and in such a painful place. I went to get away from everything and everyone, but now I am finding that I still have to deal with myself and I can’t get away from that!!! Jesus whispers to me..”I am the Way” “trust me.” “let me fill all your voids and desires”. The idols must come down. The self gratifications that I think heal my sickly heart is only for a brief moment of pleasure and then I am left with profound emptiness. While I am alone on my getaway from the world, know that I will be praying for you tomorrow Beth and all our sisters. In boldness and love may the LORD speak through you in mighty ways. I am sorry I will miss it.
Much Love,
Shelly in FL
Dear Shelly,
Praying that you will feel a sense of God’s close comforting presence. Let Him embrace you tonight.
Love, Linda
Shelly,
I live in Central FL(30 min from New Smyrna Beach),I live on the east side, but if you need a shoulder, I gotta good one to lean on, and some good knees to pray for you:)
Yes…along with 4 of my SIestas…at First Baptist Orlando.
Praying for you Beth
The Journey Continues ~
With “Harvest” Blessings,
Cali Kim here!!!!
California Blessings are all over you sweet Beth.
DO THE THANG!!!!
Praying over you and the team for health, inspiration, safety, and Harvest blessings all over the Conference and Siestas!!!
By the way, I eat Frosted Mini Wheats when in a hurry or when I am having a sugar NEED!! Or I zooommmmm to Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte and a pumpkin muffin with cream cheese!! OH MY!!!!
My FAVORITE time of the year = The BER months!!!
I am a high school science teacher by day and a teacher of God’s word when the opportunity arises…I really would love for this to be vocational ministry for me in my lifetime. The heart of the teacher always asks “was that good enough?”. And, many times evaluators are quick to tell us when it was not. I needed the encouraging reminder during this moment that I took for encouragement during the school day to walk away knowing that I’ve done my best in school and at God’s podium!
I’m attending the simulcast in Valdosta and looking forward to your challenges through His Living Word!
Thank you for serving with us!
Tina Tripp
I’ll be there at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway, AR! Can’t wait! I also just joined Bible Study Fellowship like Suzy in a few comments above. Looking forward to a year of Isaiah!
Hi Beth: A group (5) from my church in Harned, KY are attending the simulcast in Tell City, IN. Can’t wait!
Linda Walton
well since I got my behind in gear too late instead of driving 1 hr to Chicago to see you live I am instead driving 3hrs to Appleton, WI to see you with my sister. Guess it is a new tradition. (plus i get to see my cute nephew!) Last yr drove to sisters and saw you Live in WI. Just looking forward to a day in the Word as a woman, not just the MOM I have been all week putting out everyone’s fires. A Me and God day! So will be praying for you and the team while I drive before the sun comes up and coffee should be poured! Thank goodness for coffee.
I will be attending the simulcast at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, TX. I live in Bennington, OK and this was the closest one to me. I actually teach school in that community though and was a member of this church many years ago. I am sooo looking forward to spending the day learning and being in God’s Word. This has been a challenging week and a half. At one point, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to attend because of circumstances. Thank you for offering the simulcast!!!
Kelli Curtis Bennington, OK
I am going with my daughter and several friends from Moyock Baptist Church in Moyock, NC. We are attending the session at Great Bridge Baptist in Chesapeake Virginia! Can’t wait!
FBC Nederland in Nederland TX. I am so excited. It will be my third year to go with the same group of buds. Can’t wait!
Love you Beth! Good Luck on Saturday 🙂