*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.
I’m concerned about my lack of satisfaction in my life. Why did my sister lose her battle to cancer? Will that person ever fill my needs? no. Will we ever get out of debt? maybe maybe not. SATISFY me Lord, in the morning and every minute of every day that I may rejoice! FILL me Lord that I may have peace in an imperfect world. It’s my daily prayer. It’s my struggle. It is my desire to be content.
Your heart is so precious and pure sweet Kim. Your post touched me … keep praying, He will satisfy.
I plan to be here tomorrow for the livestream. After reading the serious issues so many siestas are dealing with, I wasn’t going to post this, but it is what is on my heart right now. I am deciding whether to start a ladies Bible study in my home. I feel led to do it, but I keep talking myself out of it. I have a habit of letting fear and doubt keep me from doing things. It is that double-hearted thing I am learning about in your James study. (I am a long-time member of another ladies Bible study group, and we are doing “Mercy Triumphs”.)
I started a women’s bible study out of my house about 4 years ago, we just started are 8th study on James! We’ve mostly pitched in and bought Beth Moore DVD studies which we all enjoy:). We did one priscilla shirer and a Kelly Minter book study over the summer. Using the DVDs, I don’t need to worry about leading, discussion just comes. We have had 8-12 women over the years and these women have blessed me and have become dear friends. I started with one friend on board, she invited a few and I went to my neighbors to invite them to the study. Good-luck and may you be blessed!
~Holly
I started a small group (and I mean small-just one other lady) to do Rick Warrens 40 Days in the Word study. We meet at 6am-7am and we sit on my bed and watch the dvd and drink coffee with our bibles, commentary, workbooks, etc. spread out. Its a great time! The dvd does all the teaching. It was time for me to step out after attending Saddleback for 10 yrs. Its very easy and rewarding. I say go for it!
Janet, I lead a ladies bible study several years ago. I didn’t think I could do it, even though God was telling me I could. It turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in my life. Praying for God’s guidence and strength as you make this decision.
My heart is heavy for my children who are divorcing. The dismantling of a family is devastating!
I’m sorry you are going through this Heidi. I know how devastating it is because I am the product of a dismantled family, but what the devil meant for evil, God used for good.
Three main things pressing:
1. Failing Christian marriages…constancy of encouraging, counseling others. Tired…
2. Shifting seasons in ministry- approaching empty nest, what’s the best use of time
3. When in leadership where does one find encouragement?
Thanks Beth…will tune in tomorrow
Being able to hear God and know what I need to do regarding my broken, but maybe-back-on engagement, and how to talk to family about it.
One of my biggest concerns right now is how to relate to my family as a 28-year-old single woman. Comments have been made implying that everything in my life is defined by my singleness. These comments are hurtful and untrue. I have a fulfilling and awesome job in ministry, a fantastic church family, and my identity is found in Jesus, not in my relationship status! While I want to get married and have my own family, everyday is about trusting the Lord and His timing in that area of my life. How do I explain to them that I need their encouragement and not their negative comments?
Kate, I can SO relate! I am a 31-yr-old single girl in ministry. My dear Christian parents have been anxious for grandbabies, and used to make comments to me about my lack of dating, etc. One day I finally confronted them about their comments, and how it hurt my heart. Since then, I’ve had nothing but support! I know they still want to see my married with children (that’s what I want too!), but they now understand that I’m living this single life one day at a time, and trusting God for contentment and peace in the waiting.
Biggest care or concern right now – making sure we are in the church congregation that is right for us and our family. That we are where God really wants us in that respect.
We are stuggling to start a family and my heartbreak has hurt my relationship with God.
Hearing from Jesus on a daily basis. I try to be quiet and still before Him, read the Word, and wait patiently (all difficult as a homeschooling mom of 3 young girls), but still feel like I’m not getting a response. What am I doing wrong? Maybe I’m just expecting the whirlwind and fire instead of the still small voice. I don’t know.
My brother and sister-in-law are not following the Lord. Their children are no longer allowed to go to church with my parents. My nieces are 15, 7, and 5.
We are building a new house right now and we are in the finishing stages. Please help me pray for renewed strength and energy for us and all of the subcontractors, bank lenders, my children, etc.
Number 1 concern right now…
Seeking and recognizing godly discernment for God’s path/everyday life.
Feeling inadequate – A couple of weeks ago one of my dear friends that I have been ministering to for years killed herself. Ever since then, the devil has really been hounding me over all the missed opportunities I had and that I didn’t say or do the right things to help her. I know it is Satan telling me these things and I try to put him in his place, but it’s still hard. I keep second guessing every ministry thought I have.
Sonjia, if you see this, please know that everyone of us who had somebody close to us who committed suicide wishes we had said or done something that would have made all the difference. But do not allow Satan to steal your joy or ministry. Your friend made a terrible choice, not you, and it is not your fault. You must leave this at the feet of Jesus and keep fighting the good fight.
I experienced the same thing some years back. I was the last person to speak to my friend. I still deal with feelings of guilt but over iTMS I have come to learn that those who take their life listen to no one once their mind is made up and we cannot take the blame but pray for God’s comfort to those left behind. I know exactly how you feel and I am so sorry.
I am so very sorry! Praying for God’s peace, comfort and perspective for you right now!
I want to be able to know for sure how God is leading me. There has been a Christian man interested in me, but i do not feel he is God’s choice for me even though others think he is great. I want to know God’s will.
I have a task to finish this year and through the process, God is conforming me to the likeness and image of His Son. My biggest concern is that when the process gets intense, as it often does that I won’t give in to fear and that I won’t give up because of discouragement, but will press on in Jesus’ name and finish the work that my eager willingness to do it may be matched by my completion of it according to my means. I’m looking forward to the livestream tomorrow. Hugs, Patti
My heart is burdened for my family….Lord, your promises are true, I know, so help me to have faith to believe for a stronger marriage, healed relationships with siblings, filling me more with your spirit daily so that I can be an effective teacher for my children….a blessing to my parents and in-laws. Make my heart more like yours!
I am definitely planning to attend the livestream tomorrow. My main concern is with all the false teachings that are coming into the Church and wanting to make sure my children are grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
Also, thank you, thank you, thank you Beth for the SSMT celebration. It was like balm to my soul!
My biggest concern is for my 12 yearl old daughter who is suffering from depression. She wants to be liked by everyone at school and puts herself out there with words and actions. She believes the lies about herself and not the truth of who she is in Christ. I pray she listens to His voice and not the worlds.
My daughters are 21 and 18. Hang in there sweet thing. She has a mommy that is praying her through it, I can tell! It’s hard growing up in our own ‘Babylon’ culture that tries to rename our girls and brainwash them into believing they’re something they’re not. I’ve been where you are. Jr High years are tough. But you were hand selected to be your girls mommy. You’re up for it! I’ll pray for you. You’re not alone!
Beth,
CARPE DIEM: ~ Sieze the day
I want to Simplify Life so I can enjoy it more.
“What we lack is not time, but heart.” Henri Boulard
Scripture verse ( my husbands favorite) is what I am striving for this year.
1 Thessalonians 4:11 NLT
This should be your ambition: live a quiet life, minding your own business. 1 Thessalonians 4:11
I have ALWAYS surrounded myself with friends based on their character, not their compliments.
I also want to remember to PUT DOWN THE CELL PHONE (NO TWITTER,NO FACEBOOK, NO TEXT MESSAGING, NO WORD GAMES) and focus in on my spouse!!!
I love what a close family member recently quoted
“Replace the tea time or coffee break with a call to your spouse. Instead of caffeine, let romance be your central nervous system’s stimlant.”
“It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been married. Always treat your date with respect.”
Looking forward to the livestream ~
I need to remember that California is 2 hours behind YA’LL!!!!
The Journey Continues ~
With “Heaven Bound” Blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Praise the Lord we are not in a more serious season- we’re just doing our best to be patient and let the Lord guide as we wait for our next (and probably last) military assignment. I’m going to set my timer and try to participate.
My struggle this year is I feel far away from God. I recently had to leave my job/ministry at the church to take care of my husband who has a very serious heart condition and my church family has fallen away from me since I’m not there every day. It has made me so discouraged that I’m not attending very often and I feel distanced from God when I try to pray or do study.
Biggest heart cry…that my 3 adult children will return to the Lord.
Biggest concern right now…ovarian cyst (and ovary)removed in 3 weeks.
The Lord is turning our lives upside down. We are semi-retired and He is continuing to open new doors of adventure and ministry in our lives. We are listening and trying to discern the path He is lighting in front of us. It’s a joyous and exciting time, but also a little overwhelming. We are praying for wisdom and discernment.
One: my 26yr old nephew has been fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for a year now. As you can imagine, they pulled out the big guns in chemo and radiation, but he still has two masses. Next scan within the next week. He’s named Matthew Grady after my husband, Grady. He’s so precious!
Please pray for Joshua, our son adopted from Russia at age 3 (only exposed through us to super fantastic Christian influences, homeschooled, fabulous youth group, no tv/videos).
Hospitalized last march for increasing homicidal and suicidal actions. Just turned 18 — running after the darkness, currently in jail.
Yea!! I’m going to join you tomorrow right after my Bible Study that I started with Young Moms. My biggest struggle right now is hearing God…being quiet and listening to His direction for our life. How do I know His will…I want to be stronger in my faith to hear Him and know I am walking in His will. Family size, schooling options, moving, church family…all things that I need to be more confident it is where He wants our family.
Thanks for taking the time out of your day to serve us Beth!
It will be my first live stream…forgot you are only 1 hour behind Michigan last time:-)
I’m nearly 50. At 21 I had an abortion. God has forgiven me. I’ve forgiven me. Now I need to share with my family so I can save just one baby. I am so very scared they will stop loving me.
My heart is heavy for two couples who are dear and close to my husband and I. Both couples are going through very difficult times in their marriage and we are struggling through it with them.
I am struggling with anxiety. I feel like I have lost some courage and am dealing with my old stronghold of fear! I attended the SSMTC in Houston and really felt God saying that I need to take back some lost ground. But I have some health concerns and other family issues that the enemy is using to stir up that fear again.
Worrying about the future, when I know I should trust God. About to become a new mom, living very close to my husband’s family and far from mine. Struggling to accept where God has put me and trust Him with the distance. I guess I fear that my children will not have as close a relationship with my family.
My biggest concern is the future of our son. He graduates in May and wants to serve our country. We are so proud of him, but fearful of what job he is wanting to do. Also, a possible job move and if God is wanting us to go. My attitude with my current job, and wanting to get back to a true relationship with my Heavenly Father!
No need to post this one, just wanted to say thanks for changing the time for the Kelly’s thing! I was bummed about missing one of them!
How in the world to make this concise??!!
The enemy is trying to push me back and make me wear the cloak of defeat that He has for me me. Instead of filling myself with God, between bible studies or even in the evenings, I am turning to old, bad patterns & habits I can’t seem to break.
I am really struggling with how to fill myself with Him – how even to study the Word on my own. I have the desire but feel stalled out… though I do better when I am leading a formal study for other ladies, I still have trouble developing a personal habit of studying the Bible, just me, God and His Word.
God has given me so much ground, the enemy is on it, trying to push me back and I want it back!!!
How to balance life! Right now it’s caring for school-aged children & aging parents. Most days it’s lots of tasks, but none done well.
My biggest care right now is an ongoing spiritual battle with insecurity and identity. In March, I’ll be teaching the women at our church about–guess what?–contentment, insecurity, identity, etc. Ever since the Lord impressed this topic on me a year ago, I’ve battled it like a junior high girl. 🙂 HOWEVER, I watched the SSMT livestream–thank you for that!–and I now have a jar of dirt reminding me that the enemy may not have my FULL reward. Also, the same weekend of SSMT, I was in Week 6 of James, and an elder at our church called and said he felt led to come to my home and pray over me. Such a precious time. That weekend, I experienced a “breaking” of the oppression–so powerful it was practically tangible. Thank You, Lord! I still face a lot of fear and inadequacy over teaching the women in March, but in His strength I am pushing back!
And now I’ve said a lot more than a few sentences.
So thank you for the James study and your message at SSMT. God revealed Himself obviously and powerfully to me through them both!
What does a single middle age lady DO when every ministry I encounter is either for young singles or marrieds. Where are the groups,the websites,etc??? Discouraging.
I know that this isn’t very deep, but one of my most frustrating issues is my lack of diligence in caring well for my body. I know the right things to do, but have never been consistant long enough to be in good shape. And, I am starting to have other health related issues from carrying around 60-70 lbs. of too much weight.
Trusting God after the loss of my youngest son. The Lord has made Himself visible and present during our grief, but the “Whys” can wiegh me down.
To be listening for and following God’s leading in several friendships, and to forgive a family for hurting my son.
My biggest concern right now, that has literally stolen all of my thoughts, energy, and emotion is finances. We are so behind on our bills. We are both working but it seems whenever we come close to be able to breathe something else happens.
My mother is in desperate need of a hip and knee replacement, but she works for a school and has to wait for the end of the school year for her surgery. She is in near constant pain and it breaks my heart to see her in such pain.
After listening to your cd’s on the God who was,is and is to come.(Listened while exercising. Great way to pass the time.) Can’t remember the title. I would like to know more specifics about how to let him redeem our was and have it work for the glory of God in our is and is to come. Not sure if I am being clear enough. I sure hope so though. I am planning on participating. Got to remember to get on at the right time in MST.
I plan to tune in tomm
Im concerned about my son, who is autistic, going to middle school next year. We are praying about his placement and some days it feels overwhelming.
I plan to tune in tomorrow. Thanks for doing this Beth!
I have grown up believing in God, and trying to do his will. However, lately I have been very discouraged and feel like God has forgotten me, I am having serious doubts about my relationship with Him.
Biggest concern and care: How to show the compassion of Christ to the poor, the hurting, the downtrodded, the weak, the lonely, and those in need__ How to help the next generation.
care/concern: full time work for my husband. we’re newlyweds and i’m working full time.
Hi Beth,
I appreciated your last livestream and will try to be there for tomorrow’s. . . I am working the night shift so will set the alarm:) We are doing the James study and today’s lesson was on showing favouritism and I realize my struggle is when people are poor because of their own destructive choices and/or addictions. (I have repented) My concern is that our children and their friends are in this place and how can one balance this when we also have children who make healthy choices and those that don’t could totally drain all our resources. Their interpretation of “No” usually means no love and no support. My interpretation of love sometimes includes “No”. I have so appreciated your sister’s blogs and would love to hear how you were able to love her through the tough times. Thank you and God bless, Helen
I guess my biggest concerns are:
Knowing what God wants for us (our family);
How to help others, when there seems to be nothing you can do;
People not walking with God (or even knowing Him)
and concern for my nieces and nephews growing up in hurtful situations.
what is heaviest on my heart right now is preparing for the arrival of our 2nd child. That our family [and home] is ready for her arrival in 7 short weeks…or maybe earlier?
The adjustment and understanding from going from a family of 3 to a family of 4!