*To log onto livestream, just click this link. Or type: www.livestream.com/livingproofministries into your web browser. Reminder: If you log on too early, it may be password protected. We’ll lift that password in plenty of time for you to join in! See you tomorrow!
RED ALERT! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TIME HAS CHANGED TO 10:30 AM RATHER THAN 11:00 AM SO THAT WE CAN CLOSE DOWN BEFORE THE NEHEMIAH FACEBOOK LAUNCH PARTY FOR KELLY MINTER’S NEW SERIES. It is so fabulous and I don’t want you to miss a single word about it if you can help it. I’m not going to miss it either. (I thought it began at 11:30 but I was mistaken!) Those of us who can make it will gather at 10:30 for our Siesta livestream then, as many as possible, jump on Kelly’s at 11:00. If you need to make an understandable choice between the two, attend Kelly’s! Mine is just a chat time and we’ll have many opportunities just like it. The launch party for Nehemiah is a one-time-only skype. Thank you for your cooperation! The following post has now been edited and corrected:
Hey, Sweet Things! Let’s get together live again! Want to?? I have a window of opportunity this coming Wednesday, February 1st at 10:30 AM Central Standard Time for half an hour. Would that work for any of you? I know many more would be available if we’d do the livestreams in the evenings and I hope to schedule some of them accordingly but our little studio and set up for streaming is here on campus at LPM. Since these tapings require a substantial amount of staff on hand, I hate to ask them to work after hours. As it is, they work every Tuesday night this time of year. I so appreciate your patience until we can schedule one after work hours. Until then, those of you who are pretty certain you’ll be able to tune in, consider doing something that might make our time together richer. In a comment to this post, please very succinctly (so that I can read many of them!) tell me ONE of your biggest cares or concerns right now. The devotional we’ll share has to do with that theme – unless God changes the direction – and I’d love to work in some of your own examples. Please, JUST ONE and within a few sentences please. Oh, man, I don’t ever want to play “tick tock, the game’s locked” but it would work most effectively if only the ones who plan to participate in the livestream leave comments to this particular post. If you’re unable to attend, please refrain from writing a reply BUT here’s how you can participate: let these comments morph into prayer requests and pray for some of your Siestas in their areas of greatest concern!
Since I’m posting this after closing and our hard-working Lindsee has already gone home for the day, don’t look for these comments to get moderated and published until well into the morning tomorrow (Tuesday). Thank you so much for contributing!
I hope to “see” many of you Wednesday at 10:30! Oh, and by the way, this one is open to any woman and not just our community so you’re welcome to get word out. As I promised, I’ll let you know when a gathering is really just intended for our active blog community.
You are huge to me.
May Jesus be blatant to you this week! He loves you so.
Praying for boldness in OBEYING Him. After a year of soaking up the Word, I’m hearing from Him specifically like never before, but struggling just to DO THE THING instead of watching the winds and waves (often well-meaning friends/family). “I resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1Cor 2:2) is my constant prayer! (in the midst of having a husband and 4 young kids at home! blessed chaos!)
My concern is for me to handle the pressure at work. I work in a Hospital environment which is very stressful. I would like to work with more Joy and less Stress!!
Biggest concern/heartache: having a son who is gay.
Joyce I have a daughter who is transgender (became a man) and I so understand your heartache. I’ll be praying for you and your son.
Joyce, a have a brother who is gay. I understand your concern and heartbreak. Praying for you and your son. Praying for you to, Peggy!
Thank you both. I don’t personally know of anyone with this situation and it can be a lonely place. I do have friends who encourage me but still not always sure how to handle things. Will be praying for you, Holly and Peggy.
My biggest concern right now is dealing with the anxiety I have been having without effecting my children. I love them so much and I don’t want them to see it. I saw my Mom go through and it was hard.
Tricia
PS=looking forward to Wednesday!!
Dearest Beth-
I will be home from our ‘James’ Wed. morning study just in time for the live stream. Can’t wait!
My biggest concern right now, is for clear direction for this year- for my ladie’s retreat project, and for my relationship with estranged siblings after the sudden death of both parents in 2010. Kind of similar to what you have described in your family. The difference is, I don’t miss them. Praying for an obedient heart when the time comes……
Thanks for your how you allow the Lord to use you! Hard to describe how your Bible studies have changed me!
My brother is having surgery on Wed. morning on an ankle that won’t heal. He broke it over a year ago, got MRSA in a prior surgery, and there has been no progress. He’s got a new doctor this time, so we might get a turnaround, but he admitted today to being apprehensive, as are we all.
I’m concerned about my hubby and teen boys. Dad is not spiritually leading and our whole family is suffering because if it.
Biggest concern? What now? I’m laid up post surgery; not at work; not seeing a lot of people…what now?
BIGGEST CONCERN? Being whiny and pitiful…ugh! Hate that…
Anxiety. (Trust, surrender, obedience.)
My biggest concern is for the next generation to know Christ, They face such a crazy world to grow up in.
My biggest concern right now is distinguishing God’s voice above my own. I read His Word, I love His promises, but I have a hard time knowing what is a promise to me for a particular situation.
1st, 11AM? WOO HOO! I can make it on before my preschooler’s carpool!
My biggest concern right now is dealing with MEAN GIRLS with my 5th grade daughter. I’m trying to love her through it while wanting to take. a. 10. year. old. girl. DOWN. It’s harder than I ever thought. My heart is breaking slap open for her. And she’s only 10. My other daughters are 6 and 5. We’re just starting this ride. 🙁
Being a new mother. I just had my first baby, what a joy and awesome responsibility….and how overwhelming.
Living away from my parents who are caregiving for my grandparents. They need help and I am not there enough to give them a break.
Oh Beth, I am so LAZY right now. I don’t want to be. I know I shouldn’t be. I know that I should leap forth from my bed each morning in great anticipation of what God has in store for me but…I just hit the snooze button over and over. Once I grumpily rise, I just waste the day away instead of being totally plugged in with these precious children of mine. Time is fleeting and I feel like I am missing it. (This isn’t a medical issue, I checked in hopes that it would be that easy. Nope, it’s a head/heart thing, which for me is much harder to fix.)
I am right there with you!
I’m in a season right now where nearly every area of my life is being hit with change, uncertainty, and loss (aging parents, wayward children, ministry, friendships, potential job loss, finances, to name a few). I know that God works on us in the valleys, and yet I have never been through a season like this where it is all happening at the same time in so many areas of life.
“What are you up to in my life and what are You trying to say to me, Lord” is what I am asking Him these days.
I believe, in part, the answer He has given me so far is “loosen your grip”.
Learning to deal with stress by immediately going to the Word instead of defaulting to extremely unhealthy and destructive patterns of the past. When the stress comes, I find myself in a battle against the sin of the coping mechanism instead of enjoying the fruit of casting my cares on a Savior who wants to carry my burdens for me. Thanks!
I would love it!! :p I’m not sure if my internet connection can handle it, but I’m going to try! Biggest concern right now?? Finacial issues, we have some mounting medical bills for an accident my husband had in December & taxes too…. Our son made too much money to be considered a dependent & some expenses we thought would be deductable for our small business were not. All adding up to a LARGE debt load coming due soon.
LOSS! Just lost my dad 3 weeks ago to Alzheimer’s, my 46 year old sister is under hospice care, and my mom is dying as well (from alcohol related issues) I’m OVERWHELMED! No other siblings.
Dear Wendy,
I am so very sorry for all you are going through. I am praying for you right now, Sister. He sees you and knows you and will not let you down.
In Jesus Christ, our Lord,
Gretchen
Wendy,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti
My greatest concern right now is one of my grown sons. For two years he has been physically, mentally, verbally abused by his girlfriend. He now sits in jail, refusing to press charges against her, charged with stealing their car when he tried to get away from her latest attack. Covered with bruises and scratches. He’s overwhelmed with shame – in so many areas – and remains belligerent and rebellious. Prayers for my boy are coveted and greatly appreciated.
God has amazingly Blessed us with a new home that will close next week. My concern in this is for my sweet girl Hattie. H is high functioning autistic and has a hard time with change – PLEASE pray that we can make this transition as easy on her (and, in turn, all of us) as possible!
Thanks so much!!!
I’m doing the James study right now. The thing I’m struggling with is how to share some concerns my husband and I have with the Pastor of our church. We want to be loving and supportive of him, and yet the things we need to share are hard, and sure to be met with defensiveness. Should we share our hearts? Should we simply pray and let God intervene? How do we balance being loving and encouraging with speaking concern? I so want to tread lightly and yet feel no matter how we say this, we will hurt him. I so want to make sure that my tongue is not getting me in trouble, and yet does that mean that I do not speak of the concerns I have? Or is it the wording and the intentions with which I share what’s on my heart? Lots of praying going on around here these days!
One of my biggest concerns right now — that I’m following hard after God’s will for my life.
My biggest concern right now is when is (or if) God is going to send me a husband. I desire to be a wife & mom, but those things can’t happen without a man!
Jenny I struggle with that too! I will be praying for you and it will be easy to remember because we have the same name 🙂
Have patience, I’m a Lady in Waiting, too! 🙂 I am 34 and soon to be 35! Hold strong my Siesta!
Jenny, you are not alone! I’ve been patiently waiting a long time too (I’m 31). This single girl life is not easy, but He is faithful! Press on & press in, dear sister in Christ. 🙂
Beth,
I am most concerned about being so excited about an opportunity in front of me and wanting it that I would allow my will to supercede His will. I want to make sure I am following God’s lead in my life/my decisions and not just going with my own choice. I am concerned about being overconfident – and not focused on God.
I will be there – Thanks!
My heart is burdened for my elderly parents. My mother (wonderful Christian woman) is battling the later stages of Parkinson’s disease. She loves to hear God’s word and still plays hymns on her piano. My dad is dealing with this incredible stressful situation by drinking…..heavily! God has moved in the situation and I know He is king- it is so difficult to visit them and see the decline in my mother and my dad’s denial with drinking. please pray………
Finding my life’s passion to make a job change if that is what God would have for me.
Seeing God’s direction CLEARLY
(adoption has been on our heart – sometimes we feel like we’re on a ride and have no idea where we’re going or how we’re getting there – I guess that can apply to a lot of life, not just adoption)
I am absolutely torn right now. I really need a job, but a part-time job during the day so that I’m not torn away from my family & special needs children too much. I’m torn b/c there’s a full-time opening in my field of expertise right now. Should I go for it, or can I afford to hold out for something better? I’m begging God for a handwritten note telling me what to do.
That my two single adult boys in there mid and upper 20’s come back to their walks with the Lord. That they will do so before meeting their life partners.
Praying fervently for your boys, Mary – I have two of my own 23 and 28, so your prayer resonates with me well.
Growing my 2 1/2 year old, firecracker!, little girl into a woman of God and not ruining our relationship through the process!
I would love to be with you Wed. I have physical needs for myself and a friend suffering from upper respiratory she is 7 her name is ellie kate. I would love to have been in the conference with you but am recovering from eye surgery at that time. love you momma beth! God is good!!
Surviving an unequally yoked marriage while raising Godly children.
That I so want to be married and to a godly man for sure.
My 19 year old born again daughter dating a verbally abusive male for 2 1/2 years. Praying that this relationship would END!!!
I am learning how to partner with my husband in discerning God’s will for our family. My husband and I have been married for 18 months, we have an 8 month old son. We have a number of decisions to make in the next few months regarding where we should live (which state/city) and which job my husband should take. We are earnestly desire to be obedient and follow after God’s path. The process is drawing my husband and I closer together and closer to the LORD – it is a sweet blessing. Yet we are unsure how (and maybe we just have to trust God with the how?) we will know what God’s answer(s) are.
My biggest concern is for my children.Two for salvation. One not totally surrendered to the Lord.
My biggest concern right now is working through shame issues – and believing my worth is based on who Jesus says that I am instead of the voices in my head from my past.
Pam, I’m praying for you. My son is dealing with shame now too. Someone told me last week that being ashamed of what we’ve done is one thing, while being ashamed of who we are is something else entirely and infects our entire core. Satan uses lies to keep us shamed of who we are, when God is the one who made us.
Beth’s book, Believing God, is a tremendous resource for breaking that stronghold. Memorize her five main points, and repeat them often, especially when the negativity weighs heavy. And memorizing Scripture about who He says you are – personalizing it to read “I am” really helps too.
I’m praying for you. May God’s truth fill you in such a way that there’s no room for lies of the enemy. You are loved and cherished. God doesn’t make junk.
(((((((HUGS)))))))
I’m so excited about my joining you for my first livestream! Here is my biggest concern, as quickly as possible. I am a certified teacher, but have spent the last several years home with my children. My husband somewhat grudgingly agreed to this situation because I felt so strongly about it, and promised that when our kids were old enough that I felt confident leaving them alone for a bit after school I would happily return to the classroom. My kids are now 8 and 12, and I am ready to teach again. In fact, I miss it so much! But two years ago we moved to a new province, and there is an overabundance of teachers here. I can’t get a job — I can’t even get an interview! For about a year now I’ve been crying out to the Lord to show me what He wants me to do! I’m willing, but I’m not getting any direction. I’m frustrated! And so is my sweet and patient hubby!
I am adjusting to being a widow after 47 years; how does God want to use me; what adjustments must be made financially and emotionally as I walk HIS path.
Blessings,
Chaplain Sue Powell
I have been trying desperately to hear a word from God. ‘ I need a revelation, show me what to do. Should I stay here or do I need to move? Give me a revelation, I’ve got nothing without you.’ (Third Day song Revelation). These lyrics pretty much sum up how I have been feeling for awhile.
I love that song, too, Andrea. I hear exactly what you’re saying. May Jesus grant it!
I am at such a loss. I am active in church ministry, I work at my church fulltime and volunteer in ministry outside of my church. Yet I feel there is something missing. I love Him so much but feel my passion is gone. How do I pray and ask for God to bring that back? Or is that a selfish request and I just need to get over myself? I think I need a revelation too.
Thank you Momma Beth. I am bummed I can’t live stream tomorrow, the kiddo’s have dentist appointments. I know Jesus will grant it, but I am so impatient, ugh. I am glad I recited all 24 of my verses, because I have your gift, Fulfill Your Ministry in the Wild of Community. I’ve done the first day and am going to finish it hopefully this week. For me, this could be a message from Jesus through you, to reveal what I should do for God. I have also turned in my Leadership paperwork to our church, so I can lead a small group and will be taking a class in February on leadership in the church. Hopefully, this will get me going in the right direction. Thank you so much for your support, it means a lot. I am so blessed to have found this Blog, I love it, and you too and all the LPM staff. Blessings, Andrea 🙂
Yes!!! Me, too! Praying we all hear clearly.
Dear Beth,
I am at the end of my rope over trying to find a church. I have been in church my entire life (your familiar denomination.) My husband is not attending during this season, so it is up to me to decide. I have always been a part of this denomination with traditional programs like Children’s church and medium size youth groups. The church I feel drawn to, however, is much larger and non-denominational,a little out of my comfort zone, but very solid Biblically. My children would much rather go to the
other church. What do I do? Go where my kids are more comfortable or go where I feel more alive and growing. Recently saw an Andy Stanley tweet: A sure fire way to get your kids to leave Church when they are older is to force them to go to a Church you secretly wish you could abandon.Really struck me at my core. Any advice? I love and appreciate everything you do.
Tammy
I’ve gone through the same situation after attending our home church for 15+years. It has been so difficult. My kids were so comfortable there, but we felt called to leave for several reasons. The Lord really laid on my heart to focus on Monday through Saturday in His Word, and Sunday would take care of itself. I had gotten so worked up about where to attend. My kids would suffer far more if we stayed comfortable. (although they were not happy about the change.) I knew that they would be better off with two parents spiritually filled! It has been 2+ years, and He is slowly healing our hearts, and feeding us. I lift you up in prayer. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13
Hi Tammy, I’m in a similar situation where my children want to stay where we are going, but the church doesn’t offer as many wonderful programs or Beth’s bible studies that a larger church in our area does. So what I’ve done is keep going to the church I was raised in for my kids, but go to bible studies and women groups during the week while my children are in school so that I’m still growing spiritually and keeping everyone happy in our house. It’ll be hard to find any perfect, fulfilling church so this seems to be working for us now. I hope this helps.
I’m so blessed that this season does not include life altaring illness or concerns, but in the throes of raising kids I’m wondering if I’m doing enough to make Jesus relevant to them. Are they seeing that He is IT?? I have 4 years left with my teenager and what if it’s too late…am I doing enough?? Is that just trivial of me to be concerned about???
How can I focus on trying to figure out God’s purpose for my life, while I am in such a financial stress bubble?
My biggest care of concern right now is my stronghold on gettig pregnant. I have some health conditions which lead to infertility so i should not be surprised. I have been blessed with an 11 year old daughter. I should be satisfied with at least having a child when so many don’t have that.. but I brood.
Shannon
My biggest concern right now is how to care for my aging parents in a way that honors the Lord and honors them without sacrificing my entire life – mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. My dad has alzheimers and my mom probably does too. They still live at home. I have a full time job and am really struggling.
I am concerned about juggling taking care of my oldest sister who has no husband or children. I am concerned about eating in moderation and not turning to sugar. And getting out of debt.
How to help my husband forgive and allow to visit me in our home, a very dear friend who said something negative and offensive to him. Beyond prayer, how can I help reconcile them? I will be participating in Wednesday’s livestream.
My 16 year old son is getting his driver’s license and I am scared to death!
Cricket – been there, done that, and thankfully they’re both grown and very safe drivers, but Psalm 112:7 is a very helpful verse for this season. I can’t tell you how often I stood at the kitchen window waiting for the headlights of their cars to appear, saying out loud, “She will have no fear of bad news, her heart steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
Considering all the other answers, this is trite: but learning to be content where God has me in ministry right now.
Nancy – not trite at all! Contentment is a God-thing.