*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.
My biggest issue of late, is this — my children are almost all out of the nest. My second child is headed to college next year and my baby is just a year away from following her. I need wisdom and discernment for my own future….what to do next? I have loved raising my children with ALL of my heart! It has been my main ministry, but now what? I know God has a plan for me….but with my personality, I could easily jump on any and every opportunity. I want to be wise and follow God’s leading.
Dear Beth,
I think the biggest concerns we have up here in ND is the eroding of the home today. Christian parents today have tremendous pressures. We see this especially in our organized churches today. Couples both have to bring home an income so one is usually working on a Sun AM or the family does not come at all. We see the young families showing up for praise concerts and entertainment but the every day commitment it takes to run an organized congregation it sadly absent of the youth today. I am not sure if it is complacency on the part of young people today or if it is just pure exhaustion on the part of the families who are so pulled apart and distracted by so many outside forces now, I am not sure. I know our family is always at church but there are many who just don’t bother to show up or take an active role in supporting the organized church. I hope I have not rambled on too much here but this is a concern of mine. We need to local churches to spread the gospel and equip us for the battles we will and are facing. Thanks “see” you Wed! Love, Betty M from ND
My biggest concern is for my 24 year old daughter to come back to a right relationship with the Lord. She needs a heart change and a desire to walk in Gods ways.
My biggest concern right now is change. We are going through lots of it right now – mostly good – and it’s leaving me feeling vulnerable. I thought I had this trusting God thing down but now I feel I’m back to square one. Soooo happy He’s patient with this cracked pot!
My main concern is being in terrible bondage to food. Gay’s posts have been so interesting because food is its own addiction. But any discussion regarding breaking free from bondage when you just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m in my Bible each day, I’m memorizing James, praying, etc. I’m always seeking the freedom that that I know can only be found in Christ.
I look forward to the sharing- hope I can access the time with my “old age” technical abilities
One thing- provision
Beth I won’t be able to join you as I work during the day. But wanted to share my biggest concern. My beautiful girl has become a transgender person. My heart is breaking. God is sustaining me moment by moment but it is so hard.
So looking forward to this! One of my biggest concerns right now is health related. I’m just so out of balance and having a HARD time getting back in balance. I’m starting to see the results of bad choices in my body, and I’m struggling.
Depression and the resulting apathy. Lukewarm…so wrong.
Greatest concern: Making sure that where I’m going Is straight to the very heart of God! Knowing as much as possible, HIS WILL
How can we REALLY REALLY REALLY trust God? I believe that the sin that dogs me is a fundamental mistrust that God is “in my corner”. Scripture shows that He loves me – but it is so hard to trust!
JennyLou
Believing I am who God says I am
My biggest concern right now is overcome the doubt and anxiety that the devil has placed in my heart since the sudden passing of my 45 year old sister. He has caused me to questions things to my very core.
Being available to everyone that needs me: aging parents, time for my family (husband, sons & their wives & my grandchildren whom I adore), women’s ministry (so many needy and precious women), my real “day job,” and then of course time for me. I’m in the Word and I’m so blessed but sometimes I just feel like I am letting others down. Misplaced guilt? Probably. I love you Beth! Maybe it’s my season of life. I need to be more focused.
The biggest concern in my life right now is trusting in God’s provision after my husband and I took a new path in faith. He has delved into Christian app developing, and we are waiting on and trusting in the Lord to bring success.
My biggest concern right now is overcoming and having victory over PMDD (it’s an extreme version of PMS except instead of one week of the month it’s like 3). I have been taking a medicine and it helped at first. It still helps to level me out and not have so many ups and downs but I’ve found it kind of numbs me too. I’ve asked God for victory and healing (i know this is a physical thing) over and over again. This is definitely a thorn in my flesh.
My biggest concern is bitterness that has creeped into my life. I’ve been frustrated with my church for a couple of years but feel like the Lord wants me to stay. I am beginning to see changes but have a negative attitude still, not truly believing things will change. I feel bitter about the whole situation and I HATE it. I don’t like myself at times and wonder what in the world has overtaken me! I keep praying about it and I know my heart needs to change. I’m hanging onto the fact the Lord will be faithful to help me overcome!
My biggest struggle right now (well, always!) is finding enough time to spend with my Savior, while living and taking care of little ones. Their schedule doesn’t always allow for set time alone with Jesus, unless I get up at 3am! And I miss my special time with Him!
Thanks for livestreaming! Looking forward to it!!
My 14 yr old that has a learning disability will be 18 in just 4 more years!!! He can barely read and struggles with math as well. I was on my face crying out to the Lord yesterday morning. I so want to trust Him with his future but I keep taking it back.
My hearts desire has been that he would one day read Gods word without struggle, understand His word and be a godly man. I know God has a plan and a purpose for his sweet life. But how do I trust him?
One of my biggest concerns at this point in my life is figuring how best to parent young adults. After studying abroad is Israel for one semester, one of my daughters gave her heart to a Muslim man. We were able to (finally!) convince her to come home, but her heart remains intertwined with this man, skyping him often. He wants to come to America (and she may be his ticket here). She has no idea the danger she’s in, the raging waters threatening to overtake her at a moment’s notice. Her heart is being fought over in the spiritual realm, but warnings are going unheeded.
My biggest concern right now is my marriage. My husband has not forgiven me for an emotional affair that happened over 3 years ago. He looks at everything I do through glasses with lenses of UN-forgiveness and distrust, and I am automatically guilty without a trial on every issue. Even when I do get to defend myself and prove my innocence he doesn’t believe me. I feel hopeless and we have been married going on 28 years. I will be here tomorrow!
P.S. I am leading James Mercy Triumphs on Tuesday nights right now and it is really helping to bring me closer to the Lord and His Word, and I <3 James!!
My biggest concern deals with my identity. I have always dreamed and planned on being a mom. That was who I was going to be. After 12 years of marriage, the Lord hasn’t allowed that yet, and I feel less of a woman because of it. I know who God says I am in his Word I just struggle believing it sometimes. Submitting to His will and plan for my life is a daily surrender. He is so worthy! Rm 12:1.
Teetering on financially losing everything. How to manage the stress and walk close to God.
Biggest concern: God enables us to forgive, but why does it take so long to let go of the hurt? Does that mean that it wasn’t true forgiveness?
I am looking forward to this time with you and my Siestas.
A friend of mine and I recently stepped out into an area of ministry to which we feel called by God. Since then, the enemy’s attack has stepped up full throttle. God used your message at SSMTC to embolden me in a way that has already given me much victory! But, with that said, my biggest concern is that going forward I would not cede even ONE INCH to the enemy and that I would abide with Christ, walking in perfect step with Him. Not one step in front of Him and not one step behind Him. 🙂
I am consumed with feeling unloved, not by God, but so want to be loved and cherished in my family. I work hard for this, year over year, but it does not come. How can I come to the place that I realize this may not ever happen for me? I need to love and serve my family without ever feeling that love and affection.
I am fairly successful in my profession and outwardly probably look like a secure woman. Inside I am griped with insecurity. Working the “So Long Insecurity” workbook by myself right now. Praying I can get some relief from both of these issues in 2012. I know they are being used by Satan to decrease my effectiveness for the Lords work. Thanks for all you do to encourage us. I pray that you would also be encouraged.
YEAH!!! Can’t wait for both you and Kelly!!! My biggest concern right now is obediance to the LORD, obediance as a wife, a mom, in discipling others, in letting Him make His Name great in my life instead of me making my name great and the salvation of my husband.
I’m trying to get control of my eating and exercise habits. I feel like I literally have a mountain ahead of me and it’s hard to see progress when I’m just chipping away little bits at a time. My maternal side of the family is very into appearances (example: my mom, grandmother and aunt have all had MAJOR plastic surgery, multiple times) and I’m the only overweight one so I feel embarrassed and ashamed a lot. I’m trying so hard to work at my habits while not letting my appearance become an idol to me. With a wedding coming up in eight months, I want to look good — but I more so want to be healthy for the first time in a long time.
This is the first time I’ll get to join in on a live chat… so excited!
Amy Beth – see Psalm 139:14.
My biggest concern at the moment is finding a job. A job with a purpose. I want to do something that God has given me a passion for and I’m scared to step out.
Hormones and love. Weird mix but I have been edgy on and off for no apparent reason over the past five months and I am struggling to be the kind of wife God wants me to be…. Last night before bed, I had as close as I’ve ever come to having an anxiety thingy… Ugh. I know God can change my mood and fill me with love so I can love my husband better… But it’s so hard right now…. Went to sleep reciting 1 Cor 13.
I’m going to try to participate but I’m a lttle nervous that my computer UN-saviness (is that even a word? Oh well, movng right along) will prevent me from doing so. Trying to come out of the pit God and my darling Godly counselor are trying to help me pull out of, and believing in my heart that God really does love me as much as He says He does.
Love, Mary
Concern: I have no healthy coping skills. Now 2 of children are showing poor coping skills. Cutting. Rage. We need Jesus for healing.
One of my biggest concerns right now is fear. My husband is set to deploy to Afghanistan next month, and although we’ve been through this before, something feels different this time. I am really struggling with fear for his safety and the what ifs. I know I can trust God no matter what, and I am really trying to put the fear out of my mind, but it seems to keep finding a way back in.
Christi – Psalm 112:7 is a great verse that may help and it’s easy to commit to memory.
Hugs, Patti
I keep struggling with belief. I will get turned around with anyones comments or arguemnts… I do believe..help my unbelief!
Conné,
My biggest concern right now – loneliness – have spent 3 years now trying to wrap my head around losing my husband of 30 years (he walked out), losing my house of 21 yrs (foreclosure), losing my job (layoff) all in a 12 month span. God has truly kept me alive and moving forward, but now I live with my mom (86) – no friends, I do have a job (praise God), no church – small community, and I desperately want to hear from God – Everyday I do my best to count my blessings and “choose joy” – and everyday I keep believing that today I will turn the corner and be happy – I know God is in control – and I beleive He is wanting me to just Trust Him – This is so not where I thought I would be at this time in my life. Thanks Beth for listening! Blessings on your ministry!
Battling the giant of fear right now as we step out in obedience to the call of missions. Five children and scary to walk away from the security of “the world”. Many think we are crazy, even family and friends. How do we keep from getting discouraged by all of the fear?
I am so excited about tomorrow’s livestream!!
My deepest concern these days is learning how to be a grace-filled stepmom. Combined, my husband and I have six children, and the four that he brought to our marriage move in and out of our home every other week. Simply put, their mother’s household is not a place of faith or peace; and each time, fresh anger, anxiety, and morality issues tend to arrive with the children. It is so difficult to consistently navigate this situation with wisdom and love.
Hi Beth,
I am looking forward to the live stream again. One thing I am struggling with right now is the Holy Spirit’s leading me in a couple of decisions coming up. God has promised that He is doing a “new thing” but I don’t know the new thing yet.
The biggest thing I am dealing with right now is: how do I mother two young children and husband well while God is doing a refining work in my life? Sometimes the journeys He takes us through are so difficult spiritually and emotionally (though totally worth it on the other side!) but how do I minister to my family WELL in the midst of a season like this? I SO want to do it well yet the journey I am on with the Lord is hard!!! I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you did that!
Smoking…once and for all, giving up smoking…
2 things:94% of those who consider ourselves “born again” Christians do not read the Bible; most of my friends believe Jesus died for their sins but don’t believe the Bible is Truth. …
My biggest concern is raising my three teenage sons in the way they should go along with my sweet daughter. We are struggling with how best to do that while not getting in God’s way. If HE wants to teach them a lesson in the areas they are struggling in, I don’t want to rescue them from that trouble.
My greatest concern right now is how to be the provider as well as the caregiver for my 97 year old mother. I’ve been unemployed for a year and benefits are about to run out. I need more spiritual stamina to make it through this season of a double load.
My husband lost his job in August. My prayer concern is that The Lord will provide him with a permant full time job that will provide for us and our five children. I have to praise Jesus because He has been so VERY faithful these past six months by providing for us!! To list everything He has done would take up to much space, but I couldn’t help but post how He has always been there with us to guide and comfort. Thank you Lord!!
Biggest concern is anxiety and learning to TRUST God more each and every day as I care for my husband with Young Onset Parkinson’s and Dystonia, my mother with dementia and several other issues, and caring for my precious 3 month old grandson as my daughter-in-law has gone back to work.
How do you get to the Livestream tomorrow?
Biggest concern? Worrying and hurting about something that I feel like shouldn’t be my greatest concern…being heartbroken about a guy…and knowing there are so many more important things than a man in Jesus’ plan, I feel like my heart doesn’t get that though. I just want to love and heal in a healthy way.
Being performance and achievement driven, my mind can’t wrap itself around God being made strong in my weaknesses. I want to GET THIS and walk in it. Help!
Hi Siesta Mama,
Right now, I really struggling with the direction to take with my children’s education. We’re not even really into this semester of homeschool, and I have to begin making decisions about next year. Seems unfair since stress with our house/local move is WAY high (e weeks and counting!!!) …a rational decision doesn’t seems possible. I want to do whatever God is asking, be it Public or home. This is the issue really weighing on me right now.
much love to you and sweet Lindsee!!
rachel
Over and over again trying to find a godly healthy balance in life…so many people in need. Everywhere I look there is a person struggling to keep a job, find a job, not lose their home, while trying to be the best they can be in all the areas of their life from adult child to spouse and parent. Then throw in aging parents who need help. The recent economic crash has truly turned many lives upsidedown. How can those of us who ‘have’ help those who are being so extremely stretched? How can we spread ourselves out enough to make a difference so that the weight of worry and emotional exhaustion doesn’t cause even more distress? Thank you for how you take the time to reach out.