So Long Insecurity...

Two different blogs I read are biblically dealing with insecurity right now.  Is this a coincidence?  No. I don't think so either.

Heart to Heart with Holley is on Part 8 of her series entitled OUT of INsecurity.  If you haven't taken the time to visit Holley's blog - I believe you will blessed once you do.  The other blog is Living Proof Ministries, as its founder, Beth Moore, has written a book called So Long Insecurity.  I might have mentioned it before.

I'm on Chapter 6 of So Long Insecurity, where we're really digging into the reasons for our insecurity.  Fascinating!  (Not my insecurity, of course, the reasons.)

Why am I telling you all of this?  Well, because I wanted to share part of my heart with you.  Many of you (all 3 of you) who read my blog have asked me to pray for you and it is my honor to do so.  (Nothing like bridging the gap between a friend and our Father.)  Well, I need prayer too!  After I share my heart, will you pray for me? 

Or, maybe you're struggling with insecurity and think you're the only one.  If so, you're not alone AT ALL.  Maybe at times we all struggle with some insecurity, but I think we'd be surprised to find out just how many women struggle and battle insecurity.  Does my response to Part 8 of the OUT of INsecurity - reasonate with anyone else?

I'm just struggling right now. Is it because I'm trying to find the roots of my insecurity (I'm reading Mama Beth's book!)? Is it because I'm tired of hanging on to it like a baby holds on to a blankey? I don't know what the reason.

I laugh at the people who say (well, not laugh AT them, I laugh when they say) "You don't seem insecure". I tell them I'm just really secure with my insecurity...is it because I've just let it be such a part of me?

I don't want this part of me. Am I grieving this part as I try to remove it because it's been a part of me for so long? I seem to be grasping on to it for all its worth but pushing all my loved ones out of the way as I pass by.

Prayer and more time with God. This is what I need to remove the blanket of insecurity.

__
Part of my reading this morning was from Psalm 18 - Let's pray these words:

I love you, Lord; you are my strength.

You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior, in whom I find protection.

You are my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.

I call on you Lord, who is worthy of praise, and you saved me from my enemies (my fears, my doubts, my insecurities, my pain, my sorrows, my needs).

In my distress I cried out to You Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help.

You heard me from Your sanctuary; my cry reached Your ears.

You rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.

They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but you, oh Lord, supported me.

You led me to a place of safety; You rescued me because YOU delight in me.

You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.

In your strength I can crush an army (of my enemies); with my God I can scale any wall.

Your way is perfect. All of Your promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.

You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great.

You have defeated my enemies – all I had to do was ask.

I praise You, oh Lord, for your faithfulness. Your word never fails and your promises never cease. By the blood that washed me clean as snow, I offer up my prayer in Your son’s Holy name. Amen

*I found the picture here.

So Long Insecurity!

Hey, have you heard that Beth Moore is releasing a new book entitled So Long Insecurity?  It's either being released today or tomorrow.  I'm anxiously awaiting the copy I pre-ordered to arrive!  I'm not real sure how I missed doing a review for it - maybe I didn't get asked to review it by Tyndale, who, by the way, is launching a new website and they are giving away books every day for the next 30 days!

I digress so quickly sometimes. 

Obviously, I'm excited for this new book.  We're hosting the April 24, 2010 simulcast at our church (but I'm really going to miss being with my siestas in Atlanta!) and I'm excited about that too!

BUT, the main reason for this post is to tell you that Beth Moore will be leading a study of her new book on her blog!

Here are the details from her blog, in case you're interested in participating! (How many !! will I use in this post?)

What’s the plan?

To go through the book together here on the blog over the course of nine weeks. It will conclude the week prior to the SLI simulcast (on April 24th) and I’m anticipating God using our discussions here to add insight into the messages I’ll share that day. He’s used you so many times in this ministry.

How will it work?
Every week I’ll give you a reading assignment (roughly two chapters a week) along with one or two questions based on that material. Those who want to respond will do so through posting comments.

Who should participate?
Anyone with two X chromosomes! Everybody’s welcome! Some of the things we do together on this blog – like summer Bible study and Scripture memory – are over the heads or outside the interests of many of our female coworkers, neighbors, siblings, or friends. Not this time. This subject matter was purposely written to be relevant for any woman trying to survive this culture with a little dignity. My prayer is that, in the pursuit of dignity, they will discover real Security. (Proverbs 3:26 NLT) I give you my word it is not a trap. It is what I believe from the marrow of my bones to be the Truth. If you’re unsure you want to risk asking someone outside the Christian community to join us, grab hold of the book quickly, read it for yourself and see if you think a few of your friends might be open to going through it. No pressure. It’s entirely up to you. God alone has the power to draw people to His Son.

When will we start?
So Long Insecurity hits the stands this coming Tuesday, February 2nd. I will give everyone who wants to participate one week to get your hands on a copy (bookstores, Amazon, etc.). Then, on Tuesday, February 9th, I’ll do a “roll call” (First name and city) to see who’s going to participate. That’s always a ton of fun. In an outreach setting like this one, it will be a blast to see brand new names. On Thursday, February 11th, we’ll start our reading assignments and our first week’s discussion questions. Each Thursday for the next nine weeks I’ll pitch another set of assignments and questions on the blog until we reach the conclusion. (For those who are afraid that one week might not be long enough to get a copy of the book in your hands, keep in mind that, even if you get yours late into the second week, the reading goes quickly enough to put you right on schedule.)

What if I don’t want to take nine whole weeks to read the book?
I just knew somebody was going to ask that question. I’m laughing but I’d be the same way. You can read the book as fast as you’d like then look back on it chapter by chapter as we slow down and do it together as a group.

But what if I don’t want to participate?
Then don’t! I’ll love you so much anyway and meet with you plenty of other times on the blog.

WOW. This is about to be a reality. I just have one last thing to say, Siestas. If you hate it, you helped me write it. SHARE MY PAIN!

I love you. Beth

I love you too!
(Seriously, how many ! did I use?)

Can you fill me?

This is a repost.  I just read the post from Lysa TerKeurst and came back and found this post. If it's your first time reading it, enjoy!

We've gone on a short road trip. I'm not happy with....my hair, my outfit, my bra (hello honesty), my shoes, what I have packed to wear and I left my tennis shoes in my car. We're going to be schlepping all over the place and I have no tennis shoes to wear. What was I thinking? Throughout the short weekend, I keep talking to my myself...Here's the gist of what I'm saying:

You're inadequate. Whatever you're wearing and brought to wear isn't "cute". How will you do your hair without styling products? Why didn't you bring those? Did he just look at another woman? Are you sure you're losing weight? You look heavy in those mirrors. Should you be eating that? Why can't he just tell me what I need to hear?

On and on I go. I've now worked myself into such a tithy and I want someone to make it better. So, naturally I go to James. (This is going to work out well.)

Do you still find me attractive? Do you think I'm pretty? Can you ever answer any of these questions adequately enough to take away all of my insecurities and doubt? I need you to fill me up.

The next day at Sunday school I'm sharing all of this with my class and I talk about how he just couldn't seem to tell me what I needed to hear and would it be too much for him to affirm me?

We've been working through Beth Moore's Measureless Love. Beth (she's my BFF so I can call her Beth) talks about who we're measuring up to, who we're measuring God up to and who we're measuring up for. That person we're measuring up for (Hi James) will never be able to fill us up and keep us full like Jesus will. If I'm not Jesus full, then I'll be desperately trying to get everyone else to fill me up. (ouch) If God is showing you something about yourself (sometimes it's over and over and over), then He's wanting you to kiss it goodbye! Goodbye insecurities and fear and self doubt and condemnation!

When we had a few minutes alone, I apologized to James for putting him in a position he was never going to be able to fill. (Of course, he had no idea how upset I had been!) Only God can fill me up. Only He can be the One who can give me total and unconditional love. I never have to wonder how He feels about me.

Will today be the day that I finally allow God to fill my cup with all the fullness of God? Will today be the day that I grasp that if God doesn't condemn me, then who am I to condemn myself?

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Eph. 3:19

Praise You Father for not condemning me. Thank you for allowing me to come to You when I start doubting myself. You will fill me up Your fullness and all I have to do is ask. I empty myself of my sinful nature and ways, pride, idolatry, condemnation, of the need to please everyone for my own sake, for looking for constant affirmation from others who can't possibly give me what I need way down in the marrow of my soul. I thank you for allowing me to say this prayer to you throughout the day or whenever I feel condemnation rising up. Fill my cup, Lord. I want to be full of You and not me. ~ Amen

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

There aren't really any lions or tigers or bears here but I wanted something catchy and that's what I came up with.

I have so much I want to share about my trip to India but finding the words to speak or write have been really difficult.  Also, I had some technical issues (camera not working) and so I have to wait on other people to either post or send me pictures.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

I have two or three book reviews that I need to write up and post too.  I thought I'd have more time in India and on the flights to read, but I was so focused on the task at hand (or being miserable on a plane) that I wasn't able to read too much.  (I did read 2 really good books and will get those reviews up soon.)

I have two people I'm supposed to mail books to from last month's (or was it the month before?) giveaways.  Bear with me ladies!

My roomie in India has gifts of prophecy, discernment, prayer, and more.  She told me that my verse is Psalm 27 and that I need to really read Proverbs (for the wisdom it holds).  I told her that out of all the things I saw in Ps. 27 was that I need to wait on the Lord.  Of all things - who wants to wait??  Wait on Him I shall do.  But, I will not be idle in my wait.  I will continue to pray and study and mediatate on His word.  I can sense changes around me and I can't wait to see what He has in store!

Over at Beth Moore's place, she's recouperating from surgery.  Her daughter, Amanda, was asked what Beth's favorite verse was because a friend wanted to have the verse by her in the hospital.  Guess where the verse is from? Psalm 27:4.  Well, I want to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord forever too, which is why I'm going to wait on Him.  I just love the little threads that weave my spiritual quilt together.

Sophie over at All Access wrote about the last Deeper Still conference.  One of the topics, which she shared, is discernment.  I've been praying for discernment!  I'm going to post her post here.  Thank you Sophie!  (I love a post that includes the word skeedaddle - thanks Sophie!)

The Power to Know

by Sophie - December 14, 2009

When I found out that Beth Moore was teaching on discernment at last weekend's Deeper Still, my ears perked up a little bit. Because I'll be honest: discernment, especially in relationships, is one of those things that's been sort of tough for me in the past. I do not like confrontation EVEN A LITTLE BIT, so there have been lots of times when I've ignored a flag in my spirit for the sake of keeping the peace.

So, a lesson on discernment? Yes, please. Bring it on.

Beth began her session with 2 Corinthians 2:6-16, and she said that if we as believers are going to learn to "mind our spiritual gut," so to speak, we desperately need divine revelation in our human encounters. But before we can have confidence in that spiritual gut, we need to know whether or not we can trust what we sense.

This is where a how-to list would be super helpful, wouldn't it?  Well, I am so happy to provide one.

Beth said that there are four questions we need to be able to say "no" to before we say "yes" to our spiritual gut in a given situation.

Remember: 4 NOs = 1 YES.

Here are the four questions:

1. Am I a critical or suspicious person by nature?

2. Am I jealous or do I feel threatened?

3. Do I have anything selfish to gain from this?

4. Are my emotions clouding my discernment?

Beth reminded us that discernment is NOT a critical spirit. A critical spirit is carnality, but discernment operates within the fruit of the Spirit. She also said that we're not called to love blindly; we need to remember that "being entangled with somebody is not the same thing as being in fellowship with them."

Oh, that's a good word.

Anyway, if you answer "NO" to all four questions, and if you know that you know that you know that the flag in your "spiritual gut" is legitimate, what do you do?

Well, according to Beth, when you truly discern that something is off in a situation, you pray and listen for one of four instructions:

1. Run (2 Timothy 3:5). Have nothing to do with them. Obviously if this applies to a situation in a marriage where someone is in physical danger and needs to leave, that person should also seek Godly counsel about what the next step should be once he or she is in a safe place. But if it's the sort of deal where you sense an emotional danger with a friend or acquaintance - or if, heaven forbid, you find yourself thinking about doing things you know you shouldn't do - then SKEDADDLE. Get out of there.

2. Take a step back (Proverbs 4:23). Watch. Listen. Pay attention to what's going on. The flag may be so you don't move too quickly in a situation or in a relationship.

3. Ask questions. If the answers don't add up, ask God if you are to lovingly confront. But do not - DO NOT - do this over the phone. Loving confrontation should always be done face to face. (I missed the Scripture reference here - sorry!)

4. Learn to love with eyes wide open (Obadiah 1:3).

Beth closed by saying that we should be careful not to be cynical (Psalm 116:11), and we must always remember Philippians 1:9-10: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ."

That's some mighty good wisdom, isn't it, girls? Yes, it is!

Beth Moore is so cheesy!

Is it any wonder I just love this Bible teacher so much?

Beth Moore Simulcast (video)

LPM blog (Beth Moore blog)

Simulcast this weekend - are you going?

Have you ever wondered...

...How people come up with the cute and creative blog titles? Yeah, me too. Obviously it's not a skill or talent God has bestowed on me. I figure this will be another random post but I already had one "random title"

First, HOW ARE YOU? I've missed you!

Work has gotten incredibly busy lately! I enjoy being busy but this has been nuts! I'm hoping this is a sign of job security! I've come home at night just pooped and haven't really done anything but sit on the couch and babbled some nonsense and then gone to bed. So, I guess what I'm saying is I haven't taken the time to comment on blogs. Shoot, I'm pretty far behind in reading them too.

We started Beth Moore's Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman bible study last week. Have you done this study? I LOVE IT! Each week, we're given a theme on how it's tough being a woman. This week's theme is "It's Tough Being a Woman in a World where Beauty is a Treatment". Last session I had everyone share what their one cosmetic item was that they couldn't live without or leave the house without and I was suprised at how many of us need some type of moisturizer (either for our face, body or lips)! I think one person said mascara, one for foundation and one for lipstick. If you'd have asked me that question 10 years ago, it would've been hard for me to narrow it down to one! Now, it's facial moisturizer...(It really needs to be mascara because I have NO eyelashes!)

I feel like I really scored on my new purchase! It's the first time I've ordered from the Betty Crocker store. Of course the fact that I don't cook like I should didn't deter me from buying something for the kitchen. It's a Nonstick Everyday Pan from Calphalon and it was a mere $39.99! I also bought a couple of spatulas for $3.99. I can never find flippers when I need them. When I went to pull info for the post, the site says the pan with the glass lid is sold out (already!)

I'm having the hardest time getting these pictures put up and moved around properly. Sorry if they are extra wonky.

Oh, one more thing! I got my daughter's "old" iPod and finally got some Cathy stuff on it. I downloaded Beth Moore's: David, A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David. I loved that Beth read it! It made getting stuck in traffic bearable :-).

Ok, that's about it for now. Tell me, how are you?!?

A Bunch of Random Things!

Hello my dear bloggy peeps! Oh how I have missed you. I can't believe how long it's been since I posted a blog.

James was home for a week and we were busy doing stuff (nothing really just not being on the computer). We did run up to Memphis to visit McShane & Mike and go to the Super Chevy Show. We went to Beale Street Friday evening and that was pretty neat. There were street performers and live music and LOTS of food (and even more alcohol with the biggest drinks I've ever seen - one size came with a strap! I kid you not)! The racing part of the Super Chevy Show got rained out, but not before I got a nice sunburned red neck (just my neck, thank you irony) and blisters on my feet. BUT, I tried really hard not to complain because the boys were having fun.

We had a neat prayer & worship gathering at church last weekend, where we kicked off a 90 Day period of seeking God as His Church with this question: What area of Birmingham are you leading us to adopt for 25 years? My oldest daughter was part of the worship team and she knocked my socks off. My youngest daughter sat with me and I enjoyed some sweet fellowship time with her. Does your church have prayer gatherings? I love them!

Here are my thoughts on cuticle care (here's the really random part of the post)...I work with paper and I type, so I have dry fingers and I can't grow my nails. I don't use nail polish because it seems to make my nails peel and break. Over the last several months, I started having a problem with hangnails, extremely dry nail beds and nails that split. It was gross (and painful). I bought a cuticle oil stick and started using it several times a day at work. At home, I have a container of cuticle oil stuff that I use. Oh my goodness, let me tell you my nails have never looked better! There's truth in the statement "The best way to make sure your nails are healthy is to moisturize them daily, and care for your cuticles." I have had to cut my nails back because they started growing too long, I haven't had one single hang nail nor have my nails broken. It's amazing, I tell you. If you have problems with your nails, try this remedy!

Work has been hectic and busy. Oh, I bought myself a Nintendo DS and I've been mastering my Diner Dash skills, which might also explain why I haven't been around...We just finished our study on To Live is Christ, the life & ministry of Paul (WOW). We'll be starting Esther, It's Tough Being a Woman the end of next month. We're going through Measureless Love which God is using to really speak to me about looking to other people for affirmation and adoration. Do you think He gets tired of having to repeat the same message over and over? I'm so glad He loves me!

What's going on with all of you? I have missed you!!

Memory Monday, Changing One Heart for Many and an Update

I have a small update on McShane here.


Well, I haven't done a great job keeping up Memory Monday, and I am still not doing exactly what thesimplewife had in mind, BUT I'm doing some scripture memory and letting it reside in my heart, even if I can't quote it word for word. I'm glad I'm still what I can! Here is my contribution to Memory Monday and Mama Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture:

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded, YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV



CHANGING ONE HEART FOR MANY: A commitment to pray for God to change the heart of President Obama on the subject of abortion.

Monday is our prayer day and this is the scripture focus for this week.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS

The king's heart is in
the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse He pleases.

Proverbs 21:1 NIV
Father God, we come in agreement today - many
believers, one voice - to stand for life. We praise You for how You are moving,
using our current circumstances to disturb us into action, and raising up more
and more volunteers in positions that serve to replace pain and devastation with
hope and healing. We ask You to open President Obama's ears to the increased volume of those speaking on behalf of the unborn and help him to see Your handiwork for what it is. We thank You that the events of today are not a surprise to You, and that while our leader's mind might be turned one way, it's in Your ultimate
control.Believing You will change one heart for many, we pray in the MIGHTY,
LIFE-GIVING NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. Amen

(For the record, I know it's Sunday and I'm posting Monday stuff. However, I figure I better post it while I have the time and such.)

“I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them." Mark 11:23-24 (HCSB)

Memory Monday

Time for me to pick back up on Memory Monday, hosted by The Simple Wife. (I finally got the little linky box to work!)

To keep me from getting too overwhelmed, I'm going to combine Memory Monday and the challenge to memorize scripture from Living Proof Ministries.

Currently, I'm working on Ephesians 6:12 (TNIV):

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

I've been working on putting this to a tune - Ode to Joy - how cheerful!! It's not the best tune for this scripture, but it's what I came up with.

How are you doing with hiding God's word in your heart?

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Let's have us a JESUS-Year!!

I really wish I could come up with some witty title that might just capture someone's attention, but I can't...(Isn't this a great picture of what you think Jesus looks like?)

Anyway, Mama Beth and the folks at Living Proof Ministries wants us to have a great JESUS year! On the 1st & 15th of each month, we are to check in with a new scripture that we will memorize or meditate on.

I felt led to work on this verse because I feel like I've been fighting this battle for the past several months - especially in my marriage - and if you've read any of my posts from the last two or three months, you have seen how God has been guiding me in this battle! I feel like I should know where to find this verse and what it says (since I've been referring to it!). (I think I can combine this with Memory Monday :-).)

Ephesians 6:12 (Today's New International Version)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

I cracked up when I read the verse in The Message:

Ephesians 6:12 (The Message)
A Fight to the Finish 10-12

And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Don't you just love that? Personally, if I was in an athletic contest, I wouldn't forget it in a couple of hours because I'd probably be half dead ;).

__________

We had a very low key last night. I had ordered several movies from Blockbuster.com but they didn't come in time to watch yesterday. I guess Friday night will be movie night! We watched Law & Order and CSI (Las Vegas & NY) and looked at concession trailers. At midnight, James had trouble getting the the champagne bottle opened and wished me a Merry Christmas...I was confuzzled by that. Maybe he'd already drank all the champagne and I didn't know. lol

Today we're going to have lunch with my mom at "the Legion". We'll all return asthmatic from all the ciggy smoke, but she'll be glad we were with her, and that's more important (for reals). (And I used to help make non-smokers asthmatic and was glad for that opportunity.) We'll be eating a traditional New Year's day meal of pork, black-eyed peas (for luck?) and greens (for wealth?) and then other unhealthy things that don't follow with starting the year with a healthy meal!

I hope you're having a great day and I recommend checking out Living Proof Ministries site if you haven't already done so.

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

A United House

There is a reason Beth Moore is wonderful teacher and why I just love her so much!

She wrote this post - A United House. She took the words right out of my mouth (or the words I was trying to come up with).

_______________________________




To my beloved Sisters who I esteem so highly and consistently find to be part of the solution to our problems in the Church rather than the cause.


Please join me in praying for our President-elect Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and his precious daughters, Sasha and Malia. Go with me before the Throne of our sovereign God and ask Him to grant wisdom from above to President-elect Obama and the indwelling presence and power of Jesus Christ. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior..."

Please also join me in the active and deliberate pursuit of unity and purity in the Body of Christ at this historical time in our country. I implore you in Jesus Name to have zero tolerance for prejudice whether it is regarding party-affiliation, color (whether you are Black, White, or Brown), economics or the like. Disagreement is not sin. Prejudice is. Satan has plotted events and planted attitudes that, should he be successful, will result in havoc. We must not stand for his schemes or cooperate in a single way. We would severely displease God and invite untold chastisement upon Christ's Church in our nation.

Speak clearly to your children and graciously but emphatically draw a line in your work places and social circles regarding your stand against prejudice of any kind. "Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.'" (Matthew 12:25) A united house stands. A divided house falls. The devil has much to gain. But he also has much to lose.

We are the Body of Jesus Christ and we have an opportunity to show His character. This is our watch. We stand for what is right not from our feet but from our knees. I humble myself before you and make these pleas under such bold direction of God that I could not resist it nor disobey it. He made it a fire in my bones.I love and esteem you so much. Shoulder to shoulder, Dear Siestas. Let's leave not one inch for the enemy to come between us.

Amen!


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." Jer. 29:11

More prayer - but for Mama Siesta (Beth Moore) :-)

When I participated in a Beth Moore's Breaking Free bible study, one of the things I learned (and haven't put into practice like I should) was to replace the poisonous arrows of satan's negativity and my own negative self talk with promises from God's word. I pulled out my notecards yesterday and have been reciting them and every other promise that pops up from His word for the last 2 days. I don't remember ever being in a spiritual battle such as this, but it makes sense...we've started a new prayer study at church and I prayed that God use me in anyway to bring Him glory and to let His light shine through me. (God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but prayers like that do sort of make me quake in my boots.) I also seem to have a slight problem of putting people up on pedestals where they certainly don't belong. They will only disappoint me. I think I gotta dual issues happening.

So, anyway, I appreciate the prayers, love and support I've received from all of you. And, if you want to continue the prayers, love and support for me, I'm all for it. BUT, my Mama Siesta is about to start filming the updated Breaking Free series and she is asking for prayer warriors! If you feel so inclined, please go over and sign up!

I wrote last week or so what Beth Moore's ministry has meant in my life and how it has helped propel me in a relationship with God like never before, so it my honor and pleasure to link to her website in hopes that others will sign up and pray!

Mama Beth - I love you and pray for you in your ministry work. I know the battles I face and I can't even begin to imagine the ones you do. Thank you for showing us the way and battling those forces so we may know Him!




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." Jer. 29:11

Thank you Mama Siesta!

Over at AllAccess, they have a blog where you can leave a message for Beth, Travis, the praise team, Living Proof and the Lifeway team and thank them for the ten years of ministry amd how your life has been changed or just to say thankies!

Not wanting to lose what I wrote, I'm posting my message to them here. I encourage you to go over and leave them a message, if you feel so lead.

Like everyone else, I wonder where to begin. Without starting from the beginning, I can only imagine how Mama Siesta is going to feel when she reads all this about her. Truly a humble servant before our Lord, that one is. Sophie, I thank you for opening up the blog this way and allowing us a place to thank Mama Beth and let her know how much she’s meant to each of us.
Several years ago, when I was going through a horrible season in my life, my attendance at church was pretty spotty - at best. I had lost my brother, wasn’t sure if my mom was going to live and was going through an excruciating divorce too. I did get away on a Women’s Retreat and met a few ladies from our church. One of them was doing a Beth Moore study and everyone kept talking about how great Beth Moore was. So, to be quite honest, and I’ve never told anyone this, I thought the lady leading the class was Beth Moore. See, small groups and bible study outside of Sunday School were very novel to me. (This lady who I thought was Beth Moore has been my mentor the last couple of years and she has no idea I had the misperception!) Well, I went to the first class of her study, but no more. As a matter of fact, I didn’t really even go back to church for over 3 years!

In August 2006, I totally surrendered my life to Christ and just in time for the starting of new small groups! My friend (and mentor, whose name is Laura, not Beth) was leading a Beth Moore study, and well, Laura was about the only person I knew from church, so it was a given I would do her class. I really had no idea what I was in for, and it’s probably a good thing I didn’t, because I don’t think I’d ever have done the study! But, in August of 2006, I met one of the most of godly women I’ve ever met when I started Believing God. I finally met Beth Moore and thought she was the most precious woman ever (still do!). I got to hear stories about her love for God, her family, her heartaches, her Redeemer and how to believe God.

There are so many beautiful traits Beth has that I find so endearing. What stands out the most is how God turned her ashes into a picture of beauty and how He gave her such a gift to teach all of us women how to love Him wholeheartedly. She could very easily be put way up high on a pedastal, but she tells you NOT to do that. I admire her so much and I think the world of her, but I pray that I give her the credit she deserves and glorify the One who gave it to her!
In the last 2 1/2 years, I have gone from being so lost to being a small group leader! I’ve had an awesome and dear friend and mentor (Laura), and a wonderful godly teacher, Beth Moore, to help me grow in my relationship with Christ!

Mama Beth (and her precious family), I love you so much (and I told you that at the Siesta Fiesta, even if you just knew my name b/c I had on a name tag, I’m believing that you & Amanda really knew my name, whether I had on a name tag or not!), and I thank you for listening to our Father and for using the painful childhood you’ve had to turn it into a true living proof ministry. Words really are inadequate to express to you what your teaching has meant to me and how life changing the lessons have been. Thank you for sharing your journey with me and teaching me all along the way. I didn’t ever realize such a godly woman could still be so stinking silly and FUN!!! Thank you for showing me how to a godly woman and still love life in a fun and loving sort of way.

To the Moore family, the peeps at Living Proof Ministries and Lifeway, I can’t even begin to imagine how much work each of you invest into this ministry. I thank you for all your support and prayers and sacrifices that you’ve poured into the ministry to help touch so many lives. And to the Moore family, thank you so much for sharing your Mama with us and Amanda, thank you for the blog!!!!

Travis - I’m a new appreciator (is that a word? sure it is) of your music and I just love you and the praise team! Your music has really touched my soul!

I think I’ve written a novel, but I do want to make sure Mama Beth knows how much I just love her! She’s the one who helped teach me about Agape love so it’s only fittin’ I give her some!
I love me some Mama Beth!! Thank you so much for your ministry

(P.S. Did y'all know that Pink's real name is Alecia Beth Moore?)

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." Jer. 29:11

Pictures from Siesta Fiesta

Here are some pictures from the Siesta Fiesta from August. I can't remember now what's prompted me to post them - probably a thought that I never showed anyone (and that could be b/c I am not happy with the 50+ lbs the camera always seems to add to me). Anyyyywayyyyy...

Outside the Alamodome

Our reserved seating signs!!

My view!

Our group's picture from the Siesta Fiesta Q&A. There were over 1,000 Siestas there!

Aren't they darling?

This is from the Siesta Fiesta/Q&A Time. You can see my little face in the corner. That's JennyHope from Pelham talking to Melissa about hair! (I didn't realize I was surrounded by people I lived really close to!)

So, there you have it. I wish I hadn't forgotten my camera, but, alas, I did. Thankfully, Rich from Lifeway took great pictures and we got to snag them!

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." Jer. 29:11

Pretend I have a creative title ~

I wish I had a creative title, but creativity isn't one of my gifts or talents, so let's pretend it's creative.

I don't even know where to begin a post about the weekend. The conference was phenomenal. Wait, I don't want to start there. I want to start with the peeps God put in my path this weekend. On my flight were some ladies (Siestas!) from Birmingham. It was nice to have someone to walk and talk with during our layover. (We also shared the flights back!) We rode the shuttle to our respective hotels and met a couple of other ladies too who were going to the conference. One of them didn't blog, but she had met Beth Moore when Beth stayed in her FL house! How cool!

On Saturday, a couple of Siestas were in the hotel lobby and we caught a taxi to the Dome together. After the Fiesta, we ran into each other and they invited me to go eat some really good Mexican food with them! Thank you, Deb & Heather, for inviting me and listening to me babble. (I pretty much chattered the whole time we were together - the downside to my being by myself for too long.)

There were two sweet women who I sat with on Friday and Saturday, D'Ann and Holly. We didn't have a whole lot of time to chat, but I could just tell they were nothing short of precious. They made sure I was loved on during the conference! Thank you, ladies, for making sure I had someone to sit with and for showing me love!

We were split into groups for group pictures with Beth, Amanda & Melissa. Can I just tell you that they are all so tiny??? Size 0 maybe? I got to hug Beth & Amanda! I was telling my daughter that they knew my name, and she said "Were you wearing a name tag?" *sigh* I had already come to that conclusion, but I was trying to think they knew my name because of my witty and snazzy comments on the blogs. Oh darn, who am I kidding? I'm going to keep on thinking it's because of my wit!

The Siesta fiesta was fun. It was neat to put some real faces to some of the blog names AND I just loved seeing Amanda & Melissa interact with each other and their momma! After hearing so much about them through the various studies I have done, it was just neat to see it first hand. I could so picture Melissa saying to her mom, "Are you going to boss me today?" tee hee hee

Beth said "peeps" during the conference and said Melissa told her she should never say that again! I loved it (the fact that she said peeps).

The conference was out of this world. When Travis started the worship music, I started crying. I was so overwhelmed with all the beautiful voices worshipping at the same time. We had a song that we sang a Capella and none of the praise team was singing, and I thought that the sound was so sweet that it must be the sound God hears when we sing His praises. Ummm ummm mmmm.

I didn't get to see a whole bunch of San Antonio AND I missed the PJ party! I was so tired when I got back to my room last night and I was sinusy feeling that I fell asleep! I think all the non-sleep of the last month and the past couple of days just caught up with me.

Oh, the topic of the conference was about inheritance and how I'm an heiress of God! Yahoo-Jah!

I have to get ready for my first day of work :-)! Mary, you're the only commenter (and probably reader), so I hope you've enjoyed a tiny recap. Oh, I forgot my darn camera!!

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." Jer. 29:11