Hey, Everybody!
I’m so happy to spend these next few minutes with you. I like to remind you in a writing season like this that I am thinking about you constantly even when it appears from your side of the screen as if we’re less in touch. As I study and write workday in and workday out, you are the first group that comes to my mind. Teacher’s pets if I’ve ever had any. I’m chatting to you constantly right now as I peck away at the keyboard. You just can’t hear me. I’m smiling thinking about how those tables may turn in a little over a year for any of you that end up doing the Bible study. You’ll be talking back to me as we discuss various passages in your homework but I won’t be able to hear you either. What a weird and beautiful dynamic.
I had the biggest blast getting to see a whole bunch of you Siestas at our Eugene, Oregon Living Proof Live. I was shocked when I walked in that room right after the event and David Lowe (our good friend who subs for Rich when he’s out) already had you split into two groups for our picture-taking. It would be hard to over-blow how much I loved being in Oregon for our event. God brought together one of the most wonderful, enthusiastic, Jesus-seeking, gonna-get-a-word-or-else groups ever. One of my top ten favorite groups in all fifteen LPL years. I could have cried when it was over.
(I just happened to remember that I have a few pictures on my iPhone of various shots from this trip so I’ll pitch a few in here for those of you like me who love visuals.)
(In the above picture, we took that State-famous “O” for Oregon and made it into a few divine adjectives for an “Omnipotent,” and “Overflowing,” “Overcoming” and “Out-breaking” God.)
Try to wrap your mind around the fact that God incited 7300 women by His Spirit to attend that event. That was nearly twice what we would have expected in that part of the United States for a gathering of this kind. Travis, the praise team, and I knew within about 2 minutes that Jesus was planning to be there whether we came or not. We felt completely incidental to the whole thing. He has something huge stirring in the Northwest. I can’t quit thinking about it. I got a DM from my good friend, Louie Giglio, last Friday saying that he and Chris Tomlin and their team had just been to that part of the country and were blown away by what God was doing. We left feeling the same astonishment.
I got to spend a little more time in the area than I usually do because I couldn’t get a flight out on Saturday night. That meant several walks in several different parks.
This scene was walking distance from the Holiday Express where we stayed in Eugene. Your blog mama is in there but it’s kind of like “Where’s Waldo?”
Most of our team went to Mount Pisgah Arboretum on Saturday afternoon and, honestly, it was like we were caught in the hobbits’ glen in Lord of the Rings. If Frodo Baggins had stepped out from behind a tree with his short legs and long hairy feet, the whole scene would have been complete. The trees looked just like the ones that talked in the trilogy and they groaned and creaked in the wind like old men trying to get out of a low chair. It was crazy. I didn’t even bother taking pictures with my iPhone because it would have been a travesty but our friend David got some great ones with his grown-up camera. This one doesn’t even give a hint of the gorgeousness that was surrounding us in that park but I think it is especially gorgeous because I love this group of women so much. These are some of the hardest working girls you’ll ever find on earth. They are part of the LifeWay women’s event team that actually puts on Living Proof Live events. (As well as Priscilla Shirer Live and many others.) They don’t often come to the platform but trust me when I tell you that no one would serve on that platform if not for these women doing all the front work, sight inspections, training, praying, and city coordinating. Then, once the weekend arrives, they are busy behind every scene, down every hall, and all over the arena. I am nuts about them. There are at least a dozen others who weren’t assigned to our Oregon event over the weekend. I wish you could see them, too. They are all stellar women.
I could have stayed a solid week in Oregon. Or, if all my people had been there, a month. But Bibby gets cranky for the grandbabies after too many days away. I saw them right before I left for Oregon and the day after I got back. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my beloved Amanda and Curtis, who always make room for the grandparents in their hyper-busy pastoring lives. I happen to be typing this post about five feet away from this picture right here. Now, I ask you, who could stand to be far from those two for very long?? My point exactly.
Oh, one more thing about the trip. On the rare occasions when much of the team gets to stay an extra night after the event, there is considerable foolishness. With God-fearing people, especially of mixed company, off-color humor is out so we have to go with just plain stupid and it works for me every time. This is Travis with his good friends Clay (who played the mandolin for us at this LPL! We loved him!) and Seth (who we always love and get to have on the team most of the time).
I bet Travis wore those glasses for 15 minutes in the drugstore. (Yep, that’s where all this stuff was.) Long enough to where I found myself talking to him normally as if he didn’t look like an idiot. Of course, it might be a tad hypocritical for me to say he looked like such a thing since…
Tragically, that’s not plastic you’re seeing there below the glasses. That’s my real nose. (I made myself laugh.)
Well, I could talk on and on but, the fact is, we have Scriptures to do today, Sisters! I love mine this time around. Remember how we talked about the importance of choosing one to memorize that really means something to us personally? This one’s really speaking to me right now. Lately I’ve been especially aware of the contrasts in the Christian public square between those who build up the Body of Christ and those who tear it down. If we’re going to be builders in a world tearing apart, we’re going to have to be deliberate. We’ll also have to accept the materials we’re working with. We’ll never have a flawless body of believers to edify. Not this side of our completed state. As my friend Carlos Whittaker says, we’re all crazier than we think we are. It’s a mess out there. Oh, for crying out loud, I’m a mess in here. But we do have a flawless Savior and we are indeed God’s chosen people, loved and planned for and accounted for in the Kingdom agenda. We’ve got to decide how we want to treat one another on this thorny journey. This verse says it well.
Beth, Houston. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV
There He says it: don’t just take a stab at it. Strive to excel in it.
Oh, Sisters, I love you so much. I truly do. I’ll talk to you soon!
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Sharon Allen, Redmond, WA
For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13. ESV
Traci from Evansdale, IA
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14 NIV
Richelle, Kingston, TN
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you, he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 NIV
Jill , Bozeman MT
This is what the LORD says : Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths ; ask where the good way is and walk on in it, and you will find rest for your soul.
Jeremiah 6:16NIV
Thank you for this verse. I didn’t have one this morning and was reading through those already posted. Jer 6:16 instantly spoke to my soul.
E’Von, Houston, Matthew 11:29 -30 (NIV)
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle
and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Natalie, Nesbit, MS
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)
Liz, Bloomfield: “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone wants to come with me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.'” Luke 9:23, HCSB
We have this hope, as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19 NIV
Megan from San Diego
“For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:20 NIV
Jessica, Chapel Hill, NC
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Sarah, Oklahoma City, OK, “I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:24-25
“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” James 3:8 NASB
Temple, TX
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3: 14 NIV
Laura, Little Rock. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV 84)
Jennifer, Frisco TX
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21 NIV
Laura Hagedorn, Wausau, WI., In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. — Romans 8:26-27 NIV
Mary Beth, Richmond,KY
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise – dwell on these things.”
–Philippians 4:8 (HCSB)
Kem,Memphis
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand.
Psalm 139:5-6
Keri Lee Robbins in Las Vegas,
“But someone will say, “you have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?” James 2:18-21 NKJV
Nikki – Houston, TX
“No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need,so that it gives grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29 HCSB
Lindsey H.
Gulfport, MS
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
KJV
Cindy, Fort Worth, TX
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
Psalm 89:14-15
Kathy, Danvers
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
We live by faith, not by sight.
Julie dk in Casper Wyoming
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Connie, Fulton, KY
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalm 26:13 NKJV
Valerie ~ Oklahoma
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV
Ellen Forrester, Spring, TX
I lift up my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (NIV)
Psalm 121:1-2
“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”
Psalm 119:133 (NIV)
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. I Cor. 4:8-9 (NIV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
Bobbie Ft. Worth, Texas
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go; for to You I lift my soul.”
Psalm 143:8 NIV
My eyes are ever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Psalm 25:15 (NIV)
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will,
Ephesians 1:12 (NIV)
Jenn, Orlando FL
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:4-5 (NIV)
Beth. I was in Eugene, and I just want to say thank you. God had a specific message for me, and I’ll never be the same. My husband and I, along with our two kids drove down from Seattle where my husband is stationed in the Coast Guard. My children know you because they have sat down many a time and read your Bible studies with me. I met you when we were stationed in Hawaii. I told you that if you were ever near me again that I wanted you to come over and eat chicken friend steak and pecan pie with us and just chat about how Good the Lord is. You said to me, “Carla honey…you are my pecan pie!” It made me laugh! I am a native Texan and miss home so much…as my husband proudly serves his country. It was wonderful seeing you in Eugene. Not only did you bring the Word of God to us, but you brought a little of Texas too. God spoke directly to my heart and pierced it with an all consuming love. He always does when I truly empty myself and ask him to fill me with the fullness of Him. I am overwhelmed and to quote a song by Leeland…”I feel there’s not enough praise within me.” I will be praying for your ministry. I love you, sister.
Carla
native West Texan
USCG wife
Melanie,Saint Augustine. No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. Eph. 4:29 HCSB
Betsy Roberts – Antwerp, OH
Hebrews 10:23 ESV
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
“Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119: 24,32
NIV
Concord Township, OH
Brenda, Collinston
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Proverbs 4:25 NLT
Kristi S. Rogersville,TN
Joshua 1:8 NIV
May 1st NIV 1984
Joshua 1:8
Do not let this book of law depart from your mouth;meditate on it day and night so that you can be careful to do all hat is written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Debbie Jackson, Amarillo, Texas
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
Sacramento,CA
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Psalm 96:2
LaDonna. Hammond, LA
for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29 ESV)
Tina from Ohio
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galations 1:10
Bambi-Houston, TX
Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rain in early spring.
Hosea 6:3 NLT
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,so is my word that goes out from my mouth:It will not return to me empty,but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:8-11 (NIV) Shantha, Lincoln, RI
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. — Galations 6:9 NASB
Gail, Phoenix
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Amanda C
Derby, KS
Proverbs 11:2. NIV
When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
But with humility comes wisdom.