May 2008 Archives
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Sitting in the Sun
It rarely ever happens. Life gets busy and before you know it there is no time to sit and soak. But yesterday was my day! There were still some errands to run and chores to be done, but it was such a beautiful day in Middle Tennessee…I honestly couldn't help myself.
What started as "I'm going to sit on the deck for five minutes in the sunshine and take a few deep breaths" turned into an hour! Feeling the breeze blow across my face, listening to birds chirping, wind chimes, my neighbor on her cell phone, traffic on the nearby interstate, the sound of the garbage truck rumbling and squealing its breaks through my neighborhood-it didn't matter-the pleasure was in the sitting and the soaking…being silent and still…just being.
I guess for most of us these moments of silence and solitude are few. However, I think about how my life would be different if I carved out more time into my week and each day to sit and soak in the Son. Not a quiet time or Bible study or prayer time. Just sitting and soaking in God's presence-no agenda, no outline, no timeline, no deadline. Just me and Jesus…sitting and soaking and going deeper still in our relationship with one another.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield.
The Lord gives grace and glory;
He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.
Lord of Hosts, happy is the person who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:11-12
Friday, May 2, 2008
What a Way to Start May!
May 1st started early…around 4:45 a.m. to be exact. It was a travel day! However, there is something about traveling on the National Day of Prayer that provides some security. (Big sigh and smile) Even though we had one connection slightly delayed it was an uneventful travel day…until…we reached our destination in Colorado Springs.
As we were waiting at the baggage claim, this really cute woman runs up and says, "TRAVIS! Is it really you?!" She and several of her friends flew from Dallas to Colorado Springs for Living Proof Live today and tomorrow. They were so sweet and we took their photos with Travis. It made me laugh…the whole time Travis is talking with these ladies he has this really surprised but happy look on his face. He still doesn't get it-we think he is so precious and love how he leads us to throne of grace with God in worship-but he still sees himself as Jethro on the Beverly Hillbillies (as he and Beth like to say). Anyway, it was a precious moment and one I don't want to ever forget.
After meeting our new friends at the baggage claim we stepped outside. UNBELIEVABLE! We left 70 degree weather in Nashville and were all dressed for 70 degree weather. However, it was in the thirties and snowing…YES SNOWING! They were big flakes too! Did anyone bring a coat? YIKES! I wrapped my very thin denim jacket tighter and pushed ahead into a wind that totally messed up my hair! We jumped in the rental vans and cried for someone to turn on the heater!
As we drove through Colorado Springs it was beautiful…the mountains…the snow…amazing. I thought about all the Christian organizations that call Colorado Springs home such as Focus on the Family. What a beautiful place in God's creation to live and minister! And then I thought about how they need ministering too, just like all the rest of us. The men and women in ministry in these great Christian organizations give so much daily to others, but they also need times of refreshing and renewal. We are so honored to serve them and all the ladies who will be at Living Proof Live tonight.
So, I am calling on all you prayer warriors to join us in praying for LPL in Colorado Springs! I've been praying a few verses over the believers living in Colorado Springs or attending this specific Living Proof Live.
"Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave and strong. Your every action must be done with love." -1 Corinthians 16:3-14 (HCSB)
We want God to do a HUGE work in Colorado Springs…as HUGE as Pikes Peak! We will let you know in the next few days how God shows up and shows off!
Love ya sisters! Thanks for praying!
Michelle
Monday, May 5, 2008
I DID IT!
Sorry for the delay in posting my big race results (I know you’ve been on the edge of your seats for those who read "The BIG RACE" post)….I have been recuperating and rehydrating since I ran 13.1 miles in 2:10:54. But yes…I did it!!! It was incredible and I am hooked. I told someone yesterday that I believe it was a ‘life-changing’ event for me…that I am different now. For sure! Just call me Speedy P!
I prayed that I would see spiritual application all along the way and I so did, but not in the way I thought I would. Per my post last week…I foresaw so many potential ‘running together’ racing analogies to build on…well all of that went out the window when people in plastic bags for tops got in my way from the get go. It was as if people purposely tried to block me. I am a type A traffic gal for sure and it is where I lose my witness the most. So this was a mini version of that. 30,000 people running on wet roads is hazardous to say the least, especially when many of them began to drop their ‘bag-tops’ on the ground when it stopped raining.
So what was my spiritual analogy ‘ah ha’ moment? The big E girls…ENCOURAGEMENT. My sweet friend Gretchen and I ran this race together and helped each other through (there, the running together analogy. We even held hands as we crossed the finish line. It was dorky but we didn’t care).
There were thousands of people watching us along the way and the vast majority of them stood with arms folded looking at us like we had just run in from outer space, or somewhere less interesting. Gretchen began to actually encourage people to encourage us…I mean people! Help us out here?! I’d say a tenth or less of those watching actually cheered or shook their little CMT tambourines.
I think they either needed more coffee or were looking to cheer their one favorite person whenever they arrived on the scene. Many held signs for that one person. ‘Go Karen, you can do it” or “Janice, here is your sign honey!” I asked God to show me a sign with my name on it even if it wasn’t intended just for me and at about mile 9, there it was….’Go Beth, Susie…and PAIGE!’ I yelled, ‘That’s ME!” in this poor guys’ face and I really scared him I think. Then there was a lady who single-handedly encouraged thousands of runners with a simple sign that read…This sign is for YOU...I tear up just thinking about her. I love that woman. Several people thanked her as we passed.
But when that 1/10th of folks danced, clapped, and whooped us, you could actually feel your adrenaline and drive increase; your steps were truly lighter. After we’d pass such a small cheering section, I’d have to slow Gretchen down from all the excitement. She’d just take off from the joy of it. So, here’s the application gals…. We need encouragement to finish the race, even from people we don’t know. We need to be cheered from the sidelines. We need a sign (with or without our name on it) that says “You can do it.” Whether the road is easy or hard we need to shake our tambourines and smile for each other. It makes ALL the difference. I just finished the Stepping Up Bible Study and as Beth says, we fellow pilgrims on the journey need to encourage each other and we need to watch for the road signs. Now there’s a great tie in. Just an FYI. I saw several that said…”Run like you stole something.” These made me smile.
When Gretchen and I saw the sweet faces of the people who had actually come to cheer us specifically we could have cried if we weren’t so dehydrated from sweating. They were so glad to see us, to cheer us with signs meant just for us. So whether you are the one running the hard road or the one standing by watching….encourage and be encouraged! We are on this road together.
There was another sign I saw….The 2 Timothy scripture…to fight the fight, to finish the race. And I did…and that’s why I loved it so much.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Weekend in Colorado Springs
Hey sisters! I know I promised you a report on Living Proof Live Colorado Springs, but I've got something better than any words I might write! The amazing Rich Kalonick, our event team photographer, tells a story with his pictures that my words could never express. So, thanks again Rich for leaving me speechless...I know that makes you happy too!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Girlfriends.....these are all mine!
What would we do without them? Just wanted to introduce you to my girlfriends, but also encourage you to think about yours.
Every year for the past 15 years, a dozen women from my church get away from laundry, work, dinner making, errand running and every day life as they know it, to escape for four days at the beach. Since I am working mom, who travels with her job, I have only gone on the girl's trip the last 3 years as my kids grew older.
This year only nine of us went, but we still had a wonderful time. We are all different but yet all the same. We are all still in our forties (two approaching 50 fast). We are all trying to stay thin, apply ample amounts of anti-wrinkle cream, and want to talk about our kids until midnight. Some of us work outside the home, some stay at home, some do both. One is already a grandmother, one is a single mom and one still has kids in elementary school. We cover the gamut in types of women and types of lifestyles. So, how can nine women get along for 4 days, in 2 cars, in one house and on one beach? Only the Lord!
As I look at this picture, I think about how God uses each of them in my life. Toni (front row far right) is my daily walking buddy. What is talked about with walking buddy stays with the walking buddy. Julie (one with the hat) is our hair fluffer and poser....you've got to have one in every bunch especially if picture taking is involved. Deborah (back row far right), is our comic relief who is not really trying to be funny but just is. Janet (back row second from the left) is a physical therapist and can stretch your legs out like no other after a brisk morning walk together. Each of them contributes greatly to the group and we are stronger for being in the group. We can handle anything as long as we trust in the Lord and have each other.
As you gather up your girlfriends for the Deeper Still event keep these things in mind...
Pray for each other before you leave…but especially when someone might get on your nerves...don't talk, just pray
Plan a group picture, coordinate clothing…it is so much fun
Be sure someone is assigned as hair fluffer and poser and someone is in charge of bringing the camera.
Love each other for your uniqueness and differences
Celebrate big with each other
Admit to each other that life is hard sometimes instead of trying to fix the problems
Pray for their families, husbands and especially the single Momma's.
Drive carefully and wear your seat belts
Relax and be flexible...go with the flow
Don't even attempt to all sit together at the event
Listen up, God will have a word for you!
Faith Whatley, Director of Training and Events at LifeWay AND member of the Gladeville Baptist Girl Pack
Friday, May 9, 2008
News from the Atlanta Luncheon!
We just wanted to give you a quick report on the Deeper Still Luncheon that took place Tuesday in Atlanta. There were about 75 ministry partners and church leaders at the luncheon!
It was an awesome time of prayer and sharing of information about Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta. The City Coordinators, Ruby and Cheryl, are incredible women of God. They have spread the word about Deeper Still around Atlanta and enlisted a great steering committee to organize volunteers and prayer warriors.
A couple of things for you to know—
There are still several hundred tickets left. Get your tickets now through LifeWay's Event Registration if you don’t have one! We will set up a ticket exchange post on the Deeper Still blog when it is a sell out. That way if you have an extra ticket or for some reason can’t come at the last minute, you can post that your ticket is available.
Mark June 5th on your calendar! There will be a prayer rally for Deeper Still beginning at 6:00 PM at Mount Paran Church/Walker Center Chapel in Atlanta. No matter where you live you can join us in prayer on June 5th!
Can’t wait to see how God shows up and shows off in Atlanta!
Betsy Langmade
Deeper Still Event Coordinator
Saturday, May 10, 2008
This Mother's Day...
This Mother's Day is going to be a "first" for me in many different ways. Not my first Mother's Day by a long shot. My oldest daughter is almost 30 for pete's sake. I've been doing the MD thing for quite some time now and my fam always makes it special.
It will be the first time I'll celebrate MD without my four fabulous daughters around me. This year we're scattered about the country for various reasons. Each one of them will occupy special thoughts of mine all day Sunday.
More strange is the fact that I'll celebrate MD with my siblings for the first time in about a hundred years…okay maybe 32….still, that's nearly a lifetime ago. I haven't spent a lot of time with them in my adult life because I've always lived away from our hometown. But about a year and a half ago the four of us gathered around my mom for 27 days while her life slipped away due to acute leukemia. It was the worst and best of times to pour our combined energies into her for her last days. A fitting tribute to a mom who loved us and others well.
Just a couple of years ago my mom was able to attend a Living Proof Live Event with Beth Moore that I was coordinating. Mom told the ladies from her church that she wouldn't be able to ride on the bus with their group. She went on to tell them that she had a special seat reserved at the event since her daughter (that would be me) was- and I quote - "IN CHARGE OF WOMEN'S MINISTRY FOR THE WHOLE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." I can just picture her big blue eyes getting wider as she told them with all the animation that was so "her."
Mom was proud of me and told me often. I'm proud of my girls, who are pretty terrific, and I don't tell them often enough. Thanks for the reminder, Mom.
Mom won't be with us on Sunday. My girls and their father won't be with me. It'll be a bit strange. I'll wholeheartedly thank God for the inconceivable blessing of having a mom and being a mom.
Moms say the darndest things…Do you have something yours said that you'd like to share?
Betsy Langmade
Event Coordinator for Deeper Still
Monday, May 12, 2008
Three Sisters
It seems I was destined to enjoy and take part in women’s events. My mom is one of three sisters, I am one of three sisters, and now I have three daughters of my own. I remember crying, yes crying, when I found out I would have a third girl. I couldn’t believe I would need to live through the whole “three girls in one bathroom” thing again! However, because of my family background and all the girls, the long lines at the restrooms during women’s events don’t bother me nearly as much as they do others! How many of you can relate to a house full of girls?!
If you’ve never experienced a Christian women’s event like Deeper Still, think about it like having a house (a very large house that you would never want to clean on your own) full of girls…lots of talking, laughing, hugging, and crying. There is a sisterhood that is difficult to explain, but so worth experiencing.
As I ready Betsy’s Deeper Still blog for Mother’s Day, I thought about all the moms I’ve met at LifeWay’s Women’s Events. Whether it was a Deeper Still, Living Proof Live, Going Beyond, You and Your Girl, or a women’s training event, I always run across moms and daughters attending together. Sometimes it is a mom bringing her daughter and other times it is the daughter bringing her mother. Somehow I think these mothers and daughters are bonded at a deeper level because of the spiritual bond they have with one another through Jesus…and it is that depth of relationship I want to have with my three daughters.
I’m not sure who will be joining you at Deeper Still: The Event in about six weeks; but, I am praying that there will be lots of spiritual mothers and daughters, multiple generations of women, all seeking to go deeper still with Jesus and one another.
Who is coming with you to Deeper Still? Do we have any mothers and daughters attending? Several generations from one family? Spiritual mothers and mentors? Did anyone give their mother or daughter a ticket for Deeper Still as a Mother’s Day gift?
Can't wait to join all of you at Deeper Still in Atlanta! So glad I am part of a bigger family with more than three sisters!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Three Sisters of Deeper Still
After writing about sisters yesterday, I thought about our three sisters of Deeper Still: Kay, Beth, and Priscilla. I thought it would be fun to put up some photos of our three sisters who will be leading us deeper into God's Word at Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta and Las Vegas.
I love this photo--you would never guess there were 20,000 plus other sisters in the room! They are so engaged with one another...it is like watching a talk show when they do their panel discussion! Yet, somehow you feel like you are sitting right there at the coffee table with them!
OK here is another favorite of mine--I just LOVE Priscilla! This photo was actually taken at a Going Beyond event in Rogers, Arkansas. Look at all the cards on the steps...those are prayer requests women brought to the altar.
OK one more for today...I also love this one. I love to see our Beth on her knees with the Father. I think I love this one because she is caught up in worshiping the Lord just like the rest of us. You can tell from the video screens that Travis and the Praise team are one-on-one with the Lord. The crowd is a blurred image. I think that is how it is when we are focused on Jesus in worship...everything else pales in comparison and in those moments of true worship everything but Jesus fades away.
Love you sisters...thanks for praying for our three sisters of Deeper Still!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Hello from Boise, Idaho!
Well, we are on the road again with Living Proof Live in Boise, Idaho. It is beautiful here! It is really clean and fresh...and HOT! As in about 90 degrees HOT! We've been busy setting up the arena, prayer walking, and preparing for all the wonderful women who will be joining us tonight and tomorrow morning! What a thrill to get to serve Jesus this way!
Amy Cato, the Event Coordinator for this Living Proof Live, pointed out that this area of the country is called the "Treasure Valley." We don't often think of the "valleys" of life being a treasure. However, that is what we've found here so far! No matter what "valley" we may be in right now, God has great treasures in store for us all as we worship and walk deeper in the Word this weekend.
I can't wait to see what God is going to do this weekend! Please join us in prayer for Beth, Travis and the Praise Team, the women attending, and our event and production teams!
Thanks for your prayers. I will give you an update soon!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Can I Trust You?
This was the question of the weekend as over 5,000 women went Deeper Still into God's Word with Beth as our incredible teacher. "The Trust" was the title of the series of messages from 2 Timothy 1 at Living Proof Live in Boise, Idaho as we searched the Scripture to discover what it means to "fan into flame this gift within you." Beth covered seven main points during the three sessions, but the one that really jumped out to me was "The three vital components of every extraordinary gift are power, love, and self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7). These three vital components fan the flame of faith and break down the fear and strongholds in our lives.
I could sense the Holy Spirit whispering, "Can I trust you? Will you squander your gifts from God? Or will you trust Me and fan into flame this gift within you? Will you rely on My power and My love? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to be self-disciplined and of sound mind? Will you trust ME to be your constant source of stability?"
Lots of thoughts to ponder as we process the weekend! I do want to be one that God can trust! What about you? Even if you were not in Boise this weekend, how are you living as one God can trust? How are you using your gifts from God to build up the body of Christ?
Monday, May 19, 2008
What can we say...it is MONDAY!
More Traveling Woes
Okay, I’ve just got to appeal to my fellow coffee lovers out there who are frequent travelers that stay in hotels. In case you’re wondering what my problem is today, I’m about to unload it on you. For some reason I will never understand, our friends in the hospitality industry have decided that travelers like me will LOVE the coffee that comes out of one of those cheesy coffee makers that pours about a thimble of barely hot water over a coffee pouch into a nasty paper cup. No more mini automatic drip coffee makers. You know, the “old fashioned” kind that allows you to be totally high maintenance and bring your own wonderful Starbucks blend and all the accoutrements you love to enjoy with your first morning cup. There’s a Starbucks in the lobby, you say? Have you seen my hair first thing off the pillow? Come on. Have you spent the morning with me when I have to wait the hour it takes me to prepare for the public before I’ve had my first bit of brew? It’s not pretty…you can ask the man who’s put up with me and my coffee habit for 32 years. In case you can’t tell, I’m really mad about it and I’m not kidding. I know I sound like a spoiled brat but I’m still mad. I’ve tried my best to negotiate with the front desk of more than one hotel to search the bowels of their food service area for a banished coffee maker that they can send to my room - for a handsome tip, of course. I only succeeded once.
Okay, I’m over the edge on this one….anybody else?
"Coffee lovin' Betsy"
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Beth, Babies, and Boise
What an incredible weekend in Boise, Idaho! The women in Boise were "Living Proof" of God's great grace and abudant life! We had several cute babies in the audience at Living Proof Live...does it get any better than this?! Look at this little guy's face...and that smile!
Once again Rich Kalonick (my favorite photographer) has captured images beyond words!
Travis and the Praise team were surrounded by over 5,000 beautiful voices in Boise.
Thank you Boise, Idaho for a precious weekend. We will always remember being with God in the "treasure valley!"
Check out the Deeper Still blog tomorrow...we will post a slide show of the weekend from our guy Rich!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Keeping my promise
Yesterday I promised to post the Boise Living Proof Live slideshow...so here it is! Thanks Rich for again creating a visual memory that is more powerful than words. Blessings as you catch a glimpse of God working in Boise, Idaho!
Friday, May 23, 2008
It is Officially Summer at my House
Yesterday was the last day of the school year for my girls! Do you remember those days? You can see the picture in your mind of kids running out of the school building, papers thrown up in the air and flying away in the breeze, and of course, yelling and jumping for joy! (Some of the yelling and jumping was done by the parents and teachers.)
Everyone was excited to be out of school…at least for 81 days. We all went and ate pizza at CiCi's and then each girl had her own way of celebrating the end of the school year. One went with her dad and a friend to the movie, Prince Caspian (not sure if this was actually her idea or her dad's!) My oldest invited her friend over to hang out… and my youngest, she didn't want to do anything. I think she actually sat a large portion of the afternoon in a swing and then took a two-hour nap.
We all needed the down time. This week was a whirlwind of activities at our home. There were Award Ceremonies at three different schools, end of the school year parties, final exams, and in the midst of all that, the "break up" on Wednesday…only to be followed by a new boyfriend on Thursday. (Yes, I am already worried about commitment issues, but it is seventh grade) The drama never ends in a house with three girls.
And I was reminded that the drama never ends when I was startled awake at 6:30 AM this morning. It was our first "official morning to sleep late" and "two out of the three" woke up before their regular school wake up time! I was quick to ask, "Why haven't you been getting up this early the last two months?!" Today I am making a list of "Summer Rules" which will include:
If you are awake before 8:00 am, you must act as if there is a newborn baby in the house. No there is not a baby in the house and there is not going to be, but any music or anything above a whisper is not allowed before 8:00 am.
No one is allowed to play "veterinarian" without mom's permission. Our poor dog, Boomer, was already on a leash and being pulled around (in the house) by 7:00 am! Currently, he is sacked out on the floor in the sun and won't leave my side when he is awake.
As long as the grandparents are visiting, you are not allowed to play in the basement until they wake up. The "two of the three" woke up the grandparents with a Barbie guitar and "Stop it KALI!" (Yes, I do banish my parents to the basement when they visit, but it is actually the best place in the house…unless the Barbie guitar or other toys THEY GAVE my kids come back to haunt them!)
These are the Summer Rules I came up with before 8:30 am. I am sure there will be more as the day progresses.
So, what does all this have to do with Deeper Still: The Event? I'm sure we are all going to need a fresh word from God and a weekend away by June 27-28, and no one will need it more than me! I am soooo looking forward to Deeper Still and praying for all of us in the midst of the "dramas of life." I am praying that we all are preparing for what God will do in our hearts in Atlanta.
Until then, PLEASE share any great ideas for Summer Rules or fun summer activities you do with your kids, grandkids or random children you know!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
30 Days and counting!
Can you believe we are one month away from Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta? After a long Memorial Day weekend it is time for us to jump into the final details in preparation for an amazing weekend June 27-28 at Philips Arena. As we complete final details during the next thirty days, the LifeWay Women's Event team and the Atlanta Ministry Partners ask that we all join together in prayer. In addition to the physical plans we all make to attend a large Christian women's event, let's spiritually prepare for what is God is going to do in our lives and hearts at this incredible meeting of Christian women from all over the United States! By the way, do we have anyone coming from outside the U.S.?
Click here to download a wonderful prayer guide created by the Atlanta Deeper Still City Coordinators. In addition to praying daily, remember to pray specifically next week by marking June 5th on your calendar. There will be a prayer rally for Deeper Still beginning at 6:00 PM at Mount Paran Church/Walker Center Chapel in Atlanta. No matter where you live or how far you are from Atlanta you can join us in prayer everyday and on June 5th!
We will see you here in 30 days! The front of Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia where Deeper Still: The Event will take place June 27-28, 2008!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Remember the Alamo!
I'm not sure if you really care...but I am REALLY tired, my feet are swollen, and I stink! Today was one of those "behind the scenes" days that you may not know about when you attend a Christian women's event like Deeper Still.
The day started early, 4:40 AM catching a flight to San Antonio, Texas. Several of our team are here inspecting the Alamodome and hosting a luncheon at Oak Hills Church (some of you may know the pastor Max Lucado) in preparation for a Living Proof Live event with Beth Moore in August.
It actually was an incredible day, but VERY HOT for May. Rushing around through airports, arenas, and hotels in heels and a jacket was not my smartest choice for the day. So, right now I look like I stepped out of a sauna.
However, here are some things you have to look forward to at Living Proof Live in beautiful San Antonio on August 22-23, 2008.
The amazing riverwalk with wonderful restaurants and shopping...
A fun river boat tour through the heart of San Antonio...
The Alamo...
For this girl (I was born and raised in Texas), my mind was flooded today with facts and memories from Mrs. Turner's seventh grade Texas History class. Indulge me for one moment. As I thought about the men who stood their ground for two weeks defending the Alamo, fighting for Texas independence, I thought about all you women standing upon your faith and defending the cause of Christ day after day. You are amazing women of God and we are so thankful to serve you through LifeWay women's events.
So, despite the fact that I smell, look like a swam the river instead of riding in one of the riverboats, and my hair looks like a Davy Crockett hat...you women are worth it!!!
(OK...maybe my hair is not that bad, but it is pretty close!) Can't wait to see you women at Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta or Las Vegas, in San Antonio for Living Proof Live, or at another LifeWay women's event in a city near you!
Remembering the Alamo and remembering you today!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Atlanta Deeper Still Ticket Exchange
It is true…Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta, Georgia is officially sold out! This page on the Deeper Still blog will serve as our main page where you can let others know if you need tickets or if you have additional tickets you would like to sell. Feel free to post your email and/or phone numbers in the comment section where you can be reached.
So, begin posting your comments now and let's exchange some tickets!