Hey, Sweet Things!
I couldn’t wait to see my LPM coworkers today but whew! It was hard to get back in the swing of things this morning! Was anybody else a little hungover from so much turkey and dressing and visiting and coming and going and cleaning and butter and sugar and coffee? Lord, have mercy! We put these bodies of ours through a lot over a holiday, don’t we? I feel like I could use about a week of saltine crackers and water. But then I’d have to have coffee, too, and that would be a gross combination. I’d end up needing a little something sweet to go with the coffee and then some dip for the crackers and it would just go on from there. Before you knew it, I’d be driving back through Chick Fil A.
I had such a great week (we get the whole week off at LPM). After a very busy Monday morning through Thursday night, I spent most of Friday by my very own self in the country. Keith was at our cactus ranch and the girls were also doing their own things. It felt so good to have a few hours of reflection and quiet after such heightened activity and great company. That’s one of the gifts of being older and your family being grown. Just getting to hear yourself think on occasion. I feel bad about even mentioning it to you moms who haven’t been alone for one minute since, say, 1999. Then, if you do get a while by yourself and you’re like me, you can’t wait to get back with your peeps. After my Friday alone, I spent three or four hours with Amanda and Melissa over Saturday lunch and we laughed our heads off and talked a hundred miles an hour. They remain my very best friends.
I so hope all of your Thanksgivings were wonderful and, maybe more than that, meaningful. It’s just flat healthy to take a season of time to tell God how grateful we are. It relieves us of some of the imploding stress of our self-absorption. God has been so good to us. So unspeakably faithful. You as a community were among the things I felt so thankful for. I had a blast swapping recipes with you guys. I made two completely new dishes because of you and adapted several of my own recipes. It was great fun. Thank you for joining in! It made me feel like I spent part of my Thanksgiving with you.
I have to keep it short today because I’m in the happy trenches of preparation for our last Living Proof Live of 2011. Travis and the LPL team and I will be in Pensacola, Florida this very weekend. We won’t have another LPL until, hmmmm, late March I think. As we looked for practical ways to alleviate some of the stress on my schedule several years ago, my very wise office administrator suggested that we not pile speaking engagements right on top of Houston Tuesday night Bible study. (It kicks off in mid-January each year.) We’ve done this for a year now and, although I always miss the activity that I’m not doing, I’ve savored every second of it. The new schedule has enabled me to give more attention to one thing at a time. Contrary to my prior standard-operating-procedure, I can say with no fibbing that we’ve made some strides in lessening the work and stress load around here and I’m so grateful to God. I hope you are doing something similar. There comes a time when a person has to say, “I CANNOT KEEP LIVING LIKE THIS” and then, here’s the hard part – do what is necessary – and Godly (lest someone think I’m talking about her leaving her husband) – to change it. I’m just still going to say to you that it’s tough being a woman.
OK, I better get back to work. Thanks for a quick coffee break! Will I see any of you girls in Pensacola this weekend? I’ll look so forward to our clandestine meet-up. Shhhhhhh. That one’s got to stay a secret. Watch for the slide.
I love you guys.
That is great you are making changes to alleviate some stress. As thankful as we are for your teaching, your health is most important.
Praying for LPL Florida, and praying that God is now solidifying the final details of your message for this weekend.
Our bible study girls group, J.O.Y. (just older youth) are attending and we’re so excited!! Most of the girls in this group have never attended a LPL so they are truly beside themselves! Praying for you as you prepare and travel!
Hey Dear Beth!
Glad you had a fantastic Thanksgiving! Ours was wonderful as well. Family, food, and fat…but hey, it happens. 🙂
I so wish I could come to Pensacola. I am only two hours away, but my friend and I are having a garage sale. You can tell a lot about people’s lives by going to their garage sales. Some of it is pretty cool..other times it’s just plain scary. I’ll spare you the details.
Anyway…(with my arm extended to Pensacola and a pitiful look on my face) “I’ll never forgit you!!!” I am praying for our precious Holy Spirit to show up. Be blessed and I pray for traveling mercies as well. Take care, my Friend.
Carol in AL
Beth, I so know what you mean about having young adult daughters. There are no two people I’d rather be with than my own precious girls.
I got to have a precious time with the Lord early in the morning the day before Thanksgiving. I just started going through the past year, thanking Him for all the blessings He has so graciously given us during that short 12-month period. Now that was some Thanksgiving right there! I guess you could say I filled my spirit before I filled my belly! 🙂 Blessings to you, Beth!
How sweet that must have been to the Father’s ears!!
Oh how I love to hear your updates sweet Beth. Makes me feel like we are hanging out at Starbucks together …. maybe one day, huh? Hugs and love to you!
Oh Beth I too love hearing your updates. It makes my morning brighter, like having a conversation with a very sweet friend as we sip our coffee. God bless you my dear friend, Hugs to you and love you so much sweet sister!
I’ll be there ready for a WORD (or a dozen!) The Lord and I are walking an interesting path this week — I lost my job today. Can’t wait to see what He shows me through you. I’m on week 2 of James already — Considering today a joy.
Sweet Beth…I will be praying for LPL this weekend! The gulf coast is my absolute favorite place on earth! I hope the sun is warm and you can get a glimpse of the beautiful white sand and water. 🙂
I’m so very thankful for all you teach me. I pray His sweetest blessings over you this weekend. Shine Jesus shine!!
Lots of love from TN!
Fran
Beth,
You are so precious, always look forward to hearing all your doing in the Lord. So thankful, for faith, family and friends…a time to pray, a time to make memories and a time to laugh_the joy of the Lord!
My family and I went to Branson this year for Thanksgiving. Actually, ate at Cracker Barrel, but we also visited Sight & Sound A Miracle for Christmas. It was beautiful.
Will be praying all of you.
Beth,
I will be in Pensacola this weekend to see you and to prayerfully get a word from God as well. Driving in from Atlanta so that I can join to of my wonderful friends in seeing you. Just love you and I am thankful for the way God works through you. 🙂
Cass
Beth, I don’t know how you keep everything straight that you do! Thanks for being used by God.
My 2 daughters will see you at Passion. We have 4 other girls from our college ministry at church going because of your scholarship (but over 30 going!) The college kids are babysitting at church on Friday nights to earn traveling money. Thanks for speaking to the young women there. My girls seem to “take it from you” better than from me, so keep speaking the truth!
Dear Beth,
I am so glad to hear you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. With your wonderful family I am not surprised…The pre-Thanksgiving post was so fun! I really enjoyed reading thru the responses. I am so thankful for the faithfulness of our God as just this last week I recieved a scary diagnosis. I have not told friends or family yet as I can’t seem to say the words out loud. Just me, the Dr and God knows. Maybe that’s enough for now. Wouldn’t mind a siesta prayer or two though. Grin. Blessings to you Siesta Mama. We love you too!
I’m coming to Pensacola! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I would certainly be glad to go to a LPL anywhere, but Pensacola is the home of some of my favorite peeps. I am sure I will be weeping with joy the entire time.
I don’t often comment, but I read the blog often. Had to comment tonight and mention that I’m coming to P’Cola. I bet I’ll have the craziest story of how I got there too! I started out in San Diego(where I live) and traveled to Wisconsin the week before Thanksgiving. While I was there, my aunt passed away, so Saturday I left the kids with Dad and Grandma to come be with my mom in Alabama. Thursday I will drive a rental car down to P’Cola. It’s been a crazy two weeks, but I am hanging on for Friday night. Have a good week!
I’ll be there this weekend and I’m SO excited! I’ve been praying expectantly to hear from the Lord. I’m praying for you, Beth, as you prepare!
wish wish wish i was headed to sunny florida! no women’s bible study in my future, so i am doing james on my own. and i love it. it’s been two years? since i got to study with you, and i have missed it. when will you be in NC again?????
I will be there! rally looking forward to it.
Have you ever read “If You Give a Pig a Pancake?” Your first paragraph reminds me of that book!
Love you very much!
Dearest Beth,
We had such a lovely Thanksgiving -truly truly grateful for all our blessings and that our monastery renovations are FINISHED!!! We are happy ladies!
Sending much love to you – S. Lynn
I’ll be there!!!! Can’t wait!!!!
I’ll be In Pensacola!! I’m looking forward to it and praying for you Siesta Mama (and the others as well)! I’ll watch for the slide, but as usual, I’ll likely miss it. 🙁
can’t wait to see you in live person siesta mama.
Oh, I wish I were in Pensacola. We will be heading that way come January on our way to Disney! If the Lord is willing. Talk about being thankful … my very first Bible study (right before I learned about you) was written by an amazing man … he and then you helped me fall head over heels in love with my Savior. That very man … I just learned that I am teaching his granddaughter at church. What an honor to give back. Yes, God is so good.
Thanks for your playfulness. Love that your children and you have such a wonderful relationship. I long for that. Since you are coming to Florida. There is a “Keith Moore” starting a mega church in Florida that is a “prosperity” one. Just a warning so no body confuses your wonderful husband with this “minister”. There was an article in the paper about him this weekend that was disturbing. Only GOD knows it all. Just care about you and wanted you to know. Thanks for how the LORD has continually blessed me through your studies…I look forward to the PLUNDER that the LORD will bring through the horror of my past. Your life is living proof and gives HOPE to me everyday. May God continue to pour out HIS SPIRIT and LOVE on us though you and yours. HIS GRACE is AMAZING, LOVE IN CHRIST, Deb
Definetly had the hangover, I can’t wake up feeling this morning. Loved the time with family and not working. I do love those opportunities for alone time too, but also love it when my baby girl is home from college. She has grown into my very best friend and she is really discovering the awesome relationship God wants to have with her. Such sweet times.
Marie Young Justin Texas
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 14:19 NIV
What’s the balance between “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” and simply I can NOT keep this up and stay sane?? I’m struggling because I feel like my life is too full but they are all good christian (church, woman’s ministry), helpful to others (school committee, family), or necessary activities (working/shopping/laundry). Any advice?
I only wish that I was going to Penisacola 🙂 Praying now for you as you prepare. May the LORD fill you to overflowing. Thanks so much for all you do.
I’m looking forward to being with my daughter (Allyson Phillips) in Pensacola this weekend for her birthday and as she experiences her first LPM conference. This is going to be a treat for both of us. See you there!
I can’t believe it but I’ll finally get to be at a Living Proof Life event — a very DEAR sweet friend surprised me and is whisking me away from Thursday to Sunday….I’m a stay at home, homeschooling mom with a special needs child and time away is RARE for me — maybe half a day here or there but four whole days!!!
While other women were standing in crazy Black Friday lines, I was thinking of the line at the Pensacola Civic Center on December 2nd!! I.CANT.WAIT!!!
I’ll be there this weekend! Can’t wait to hear from God!!
Thanksgiving was extra special for me because I had my 4 “turkeys” at home. My son who goes to Moody Bible was only here 35 hrs. But, we squeezed every last morsel out of him! As my kids grow up, I love being with them more and more. I not only love them, I like them! So looking forward to Tuesday Night Bible Study starting back up. I’ve missed it so!
Blessings to all at LPM
i am so excited about LPL in p’cola with some of my favorite girls!! i haven’t gotten to attend an LPL event since jacksonville in early 2008…needless to say, i am READY 🙂
I will be there with a few ladies from my Tuesday night Bible study. Can’t wait!!
Hey Mama Beth,
So glad you had a great Thanksgiving with family. I did to but I am like you I enjoy that down time for myself. That is a bit easier now that the twins are 15. I have been praying to our Father about helping me make Christmas about Him and keeping it simple cause that is what my dear little heart has been begging for and I think the Lord is telling me it is time.
I will be praying for all the ladies IN Penscola. Yall just have some fun with JEsus and fill your sweet dear little hearts.
Well time to get back to my tea and grading papers.
hugs and love
I will be in Pensacola! I can’t wait! Going with my best friend.
Thanking God for your ministry to women! Since Breaking Free, I am truly free! Thank you Beth! Love you my sister in Christ!
Beth,
Headed to the mountains with my kids to rest, and seek the Lord. Taking my James bible study, can’t wait to dive in, along with a copy of praying God’s word!! Thanks for all you do! Looking forward to getting back to Tuesday night bible study in Houston!!
Much Love!
Misty
I so need that message repeated to me over and over – thank you! I am so sad to learn you’ll be in FL this weekend (as will I) but so in the wrong direction! I got excited for a minute and thought I could drive through and stop in at LPL until I checked the map ;( The Lord is definitely honoring you focusing on 1 thing at a time! Yay you for listening to Him.
“I spent three or four hours with Amanda and Melissa over Saturday lunch and we laughed our heads off and talked a hundred miles an hour. They remain my very best friends.”
I LOVE the relationship you and your girls have and I love reading about the three of y’all together just loving each other! I am praying that the Lord will give this to me and my two girls, as well- best friends!!! What a blessing my girls are to me already and they are only 5 1/2 years old and 18 months!!!!
His,
Shari
Been looking forward to this weekend since last year!! So excited to gather for worship and instruction. Perhaps even a defining moment!! Pensacola, look out!!!
I am VERY excited to say, “YES, I will see you in Pensacola!!!!” Praying for you as well as for all those attending. Looking forward to a great time of worship and learning together.
hey beth! so glad you have slowed it down a little. we can really over do it! our pastor’s wife was talking about having margin in our lives. sometimes i feel like mine is so marginless. something to work on in the coming year. i always think about how there are so many good things to do in life, but God has specific good things for each of us and if we aren’t doing our own good things we might just be doing someone else’s good things! kwim! i won’t make it to fl this weekend although i would love to and planned to. but i am coming in january and so looking forward to that. prayers! love, kimberly
Me! me!! I’ll be in P-cola with my VBF (very best friend)! We are so super excited to have a girl’s weekend and time with our precious Father! See you FRIDAY!!! :))))))))
I absolutely can not wait to see you this weekend!I’m praying for all of us involved in the weekend for God to prepare our hearts for unabashed worship, and for our minds to be clear and focused to hear what He has brought to you to deliver to us.
You are our Moses! :)Ha!
4 of us Mobile girls will be there! Can’t wait for that special girl time with a wonderful spiritual leader, Beth Moore! 4 more days!!!
Wish I could be there for the event Beth especially since I am only about 3 hours away. But, I have my friend from Poland coming in the first of next week and a huge dinner party (our ladies Bible study group) on Wednesday night to prepare for so I had to pass. Do you realize that in May of 2001, you were in Pensacola? It was my very FIRST LPM event that followed my very first Bible study….Jesus, the One and Only. It was also just one month after cancer surgery. God really used these things to woo me into a closer relationship with Him. Thanks for being a part of helping me grow in my walk with Jesus and showing me how to really dig into God’s Word!
Ginger
Wetumpka, AL
So sad that I cannot come to Florida to hear you speak. I’m way up in the boondocks in Washington State. But thanks for being a mentor to me through your many bible studies. Maybe I’ll get to meet you one day on this side of heaven. I know well be the best of friends in heaven! I wonder what the coffee is like up there?
Beth and LPL staff,
I pray your preperation for Florida will be richly blessed and extremely rewarding.
I have attended several LPL events and have been so blessed by each one.
Hope you enjoy the Christmas season and the many miracles to be found during it.
God Bless You All
One of my best friends, Stephanie, and I are coming to Pensacola! We can’t make it to Texas in January so we are celebrating with a road trip to the last LPL of 2011! We are so thankful for Living Proof Ministries and the Siesta Scripture Memory Team! We’ll be praying for you, Beth, and Travis and the LPL team as you prepare this week! We are so excited about this weekend and can’t wait! 🙂
Hi Beth! I will be in Pensacola with my mom and sister! I was blessed to have met you last year in Birmingham, hope I will get the chance to see you again this weekend! Can’t wait to hear what God has to say!!
Many blessings!!!!
So excited about Pensacola! 5 of us from Vicksburg will be there and we can’t wait! 2 others had planned to come, but had to cancel because of illnesses. Praying for a beautiful encounter with the Living Christ! Praying for you and the team as you prepare and soak up all the annointing the Lord has for you!
Love and blessings!
Driving up from Tampa with two of my BFFs, meeting another one there! Craving a fresh Word!
I’m driving up from Tampa also to be there. I’m meeting my Sister in law.