July 2008 Archives
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
I AM
You've been asking for it! Remember the incredible piece Priscilla quoted on Friday night? She posted this on her website www.goingbeyond.com and also we are putting it here on the Deeper Still blog for you to reflect and praise God.
Priscilla says "pass it on!" Let's all remember all that God is...He truly is the great I AM and all we will ever need! Let's keep going DEEPER STILL!
In Genesis, He's the breath of life
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He's our high priest
In Numbers, the fire by night
Deuteronomy, He's Israel's Guide
Joshua, He's salvation's choice
Judges, He's Israel's Guard
In Ruth, the kinsmen's redeemer
1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings and Chronicles He is Sovereign
In Ezra, He's the true and faithful scribe
In Nehemiah, the re-builder of broken walls and lives
In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage
In Job, the timeless redeemer
In Psalms He is our morning song
In Proverbs, He is our wisdom
Ecclesiastes, He's the time and season
In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream
In Isaiah He is Prince of Peace
In Jeremiah, the weeping prophet
Lamentations, the cry for Israel
Ezekiel, the call from sin
Daniel, the stranger in the fire
Hosea, the forever faithful
Joel, the spirit's power
Amos, the strong-arms that carry
Obadiah, the Lord our Savior
Jonah, the great missionary
Micah, the promise of peace
Nahum, our strength and shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's brings revival
In Haggai He restores that which was lost
IN Zachariah, He's our fountain
And in Malachi, He's the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings
AND THAT'S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT
In Matthew Mark Luke and John, He is God and Messiah
In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven
In Romans, He is the grace of God
Corinthians, the power of love
Galatians, freedom from the curse of sin
Ephesians, our glorious treasure
Philippians, the servant's heart
Colossians, He's God and the trinity
Thessalonians, our calling King
In Timothy, Titus and Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful pastor
In Hebrews, the everlasting courage
In James, the one who heals the sick
In 1st and 2nd Peter, our faithful shepherd
In John and Jude, He's the lover coming for His bride
AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it's all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior He is Jesus Christ the Lord HE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Incredible Photos!
I just have to say I love the photos taken at Deeper Still: The Event! And I am so thankful we can share some of them via the Deeper Still Blog.
But now we have something even better...
For all you scrapbookers, faith journalers, and memory makers, we have an incredible photo in Philips Arena taken by Rich (our awesome photographer extraordinaire) The arena is full of the women attending Deeper Still in Atlanta!
This was such a monumental and life-changing event we have to share it!
We jumped through the hoops and received permission from Philips Arena to make this photo available to you! You can get a 4X6, 5X7, 8X10 or even 11X14! You may want to put a large one in your church somewhere as a memorial for how God worked in the lives of your women's ministry during Deeper Still. I just want one for myself...as a marker for my significant God Moments during the weekend!
Click here to the link for www.sendtoprint.net and type in for the event name deeperstill. To sign in you must type deeperstill as one word.
It is $7.00 for shipping and handling, so if possible order as a group. (Otherwise every person will have to pay the $7.00 when she orders separately)
We've never made any of our photos available, but have heard your requests via evaluations and word of mouth. We hope you love this priceless photo and will reflect upon our great God and how He worked in your life during Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta every time you look at it!
Blessings!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
What We've Been Looking For...
Hey gals...sorry about all the confusion I caused on my "I AM" post. That is what I get for blogging while traveling six days straight! Hopefully, I can give you the info you've been looking for...
Remember the lyrics Priscilla quoted on Friday night? It (the song) is not called "I AM" but "HE IS." My mistake! We wanted to make sure you all knew Priscilla didn't write those words. But who else can quote them like she does!!!
The lyrics are from incredible writers Aaron Jeoffrey, a father-son duo. Click here to link to the lyrics and for information on ordering the CD, downloading the music and/or the sheet music!
I will attribute my confusion and poor communication of information to "my head still spinning" after Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta. It just seems there is so much to reflect upon and process!!!
How is your head still spinning after Deeper Still?
Hope to get my thoughts together and post notes next week on all the sessions...including the panel discussion!
Until then...everyone have a wonderful July 4th weekend celebrating the freedoms we have as U.S citizens. Also, remember to spend some time praying for our troops in all the armed forces. There are so many families making huge sacrifices on a daily basis so we can attend Christian women's events like Deeper Still.
I am forever grateful.
Monday, July 7, 2008
America at the Crossroads
Hope you all had a great 4th of July celebrating our freedom and independence as a nation.
It only seems appropriate to post the notes from Kay Arthur's message today after the July 4th weekend. So many of you have asked for copies of the Saturday morning message at Deeper Still: The Event by Kay Arthur. My best advice is to continue checking Precept Ministries website to see if they are going to produce an audio copy of the message.
For those of you who attended Deeper Still in Atlanta or those who have ever participated in one of Kay Arthur's Bible studies, you know the woman teaches the whole Bible with every message. Or at least it seems that way! There is just NO WAY to give you all the notes!
However, I did want to give you a few quotes from Kay's message and the seven points with scripture references to help us all reflect on our weekend going deeper still.
These were just a few of the quotes that really caught my attention. I would love to hear what notes you wrote down, the quotes that God used to speak to you.
"All through history they [people] have burned the word of God. People have tried to rid the world of the word of God. But they can't destroy or change it because it will live forever."
"What do they [unbelievers, those who oppose God] want to do with truth...with Christians? They want to keep us in the church. They don't want us in the market place or in the schools."
"We are living in the midst of lies and those lies are going to destroy our nation. What are you listening to? What are you watching? Are you in God's word to form your opinions?"
1. We are to break up the fallow ground. We do this by returning and repenting. (Jeremiah 4:3)
2. We are to mourn. (Jeremiah 9:17-18)
3. We are to pray fervently.
4. We are to love God's word, to know the whole counsel of God. (Jeremiah 20:7, Deuteronomy 8:3)
5. We are to love others as Jesus loved them. (Jeremiah 31:3)
6. We are to introduce people to Jesus Christ. (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
7. We are to rest. Rest in the fact that if you do the other six points you can rest in His assurance. Rest in faith. He is the one who does the work and you are only the vessel. (Jeremiah 33:1-9, 15-17)
This is only the "tip of the iceberg" of Kay Arthur's message. Please share your insights and reflections and let's hear how God spoke to you!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Priscilla...Expect the Unexpected
If you've never participated in one of Priscilla Shirer's Bible Studies, attended a Going Beyond women's event, or heard her bring the Word in any setting--sisters, just get ready to hear a powerful word from God!
As Priscilla kicked off our Friday night at Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta she said, "Expect the Unexpected." Now I can't remember if she was talking about the weekend at Deeper Still or talking about one's relationship with God! But it doesn't matter...both are true! I don't want to give everything away and tell all of Priscilla's amazing illustrations and real life stories that apply the scripture, but you can read one or two of her blog posts to get a taste for how she takes everyday situations and applies biblical truth. What an amazing Bible teacher!
We did want to give you a few of our "notes" from her message. Also, I want to hear back from you. How did God use Priscilla's message on Friday night to bring His Word to life? How did the truths of God's Word speak to you personally?
Priscilla spoke on "divine invitation" and taught from Exodus 19. Although there were many other scripture references tied to her message, Exodus 19 is where God extends a divine invitation to the Israelites. The Lord offers the invitation to Moses and the Israelites. Like Moses, will we hear when God speaks? Will we see Him when He comes down? [Read Exodus 19 to understand all this!] Priscilla reminded us that Deeper Still: The Event was a place of divine personal invitation. And we didn't want to journey all this way and then miss His divine invitation.
Without sharing every part of Priscilla's message, the portion that God used to speak to me was on the wilderness. Priscilla directed our attention to the word "wilderness" in Exodus 19:1-2.
Wilderness is repeated three times in these verses. Priscilla shared that God often leads us into the context of the wilderness in order for us to hear His voice and so we will see His divine invitation. The Israelites needed to meet face to face with God. We need to be brought face to face with God.
Moses is the one. He is the only one who knows the sign--when they come to the mountain of God--they will see God like never before. The wilderness will be worth it when you come to the mountain of God and meet Him face to face.
What is it about the wilderness that sets us up to see God in a whole new way?
Just as God told Moses, this will be a sign to you; you will see the mountain and realize God chose the wilderness for you. Isn't it hard for us to accept that God would choose the wilderness for us?
Now that is some truth to chew on and ponder today! And it gives some of us great hope to know that in the midst of the wilderness God is working and setting us up to see Him in a whole new way. Expect the unexpected...I'm counting on that one truth today. How about you?
Who else is in the middle of a wilderness experience? How can we pray for you? What truths jumped off the pages of Scripture for some of you at Deeper Still in Atlanta during Priscilla's message on Friday night?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Praying for Las Vegas Deeper Still
Hey sisters! I don't want to cut short the work God is doing as we reflect and process our Atlanta Deeper Still experience. However, I do want us to join together and begin praying for Las Vegas Deeper Still.
Today, yes today, is the ministry partner luncheon in Las Vegas. Betsy, the Event Coordinator for Deeper Still Atlanta and Las Vegas, will be meeting with church leaders, women's ministry leaders, and others within Christian organizations in the Las Vegas area. They will have lunch and Betsy will share more information about Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas so they can pass that information on to their churches and spheres of influence.
Please pray with us!!!
- Pray for the churches in the Las Vegas area. Pray for strength and boldness as they stand up for Christ in a really difficult area of our country.
- Pray for churches, Christian organizations, and individuals to consider sponsoring some of their friends, family members, co-workers, and acquaintences who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. There are women all over the Las Vegas area who need to hear the message of Christ's love and forgiveness.
- Pray for unity among the body of believers in Las Vegas. They need the encouragement of one another as they stand together, set apart for Jesus Christ.
- Pray for Betsy, the Event Coordinator, as she conveys the details of Deeper Still: The Event. Pray that she will help connect churches and believers in Las Vegas so they may continue supporting one another long after Deeper Still: The Event in September. Also, pray for safety and God's protection as Betsy travels.
We are counting on all you Atlanta Deeper Still sisters to lift up your Las Vegas Deeper Still sisters! Praying still....and going deeper still!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Is It Travis or Billy Ray?
Hey sisters! Hope you are still praying for Las Vegas Deeper Still after my requests yesterday. But as I was thinking about today, I had to share a small piece of our Atlanta experience with you.
You need to realize that our team drove from Nashville to Atlanta for Deeper Still last month. That means...too many hours in vans...and too many stops in random areas of Tennessee and Georgia. OK, we only made two stops, but that was one stop too many. It seems we all do some crazy things after being cooped up in vans or an airplane. Not "break the law" crazy, but "middle school" crazy.
One of the craziest members of the team is Travis. We all love our favorite Deeper Still worship leader, Travis Cottrell. Yes, he is talented. Yes, he has an amazing voice. Yes, he leads us to the throne of grace like nobody's business. And YES, He is one of the funniest and craziest guys you will ever meet! (And yes, I know I am using the word "crazy" a lot!)
Travis talked about needing a new or different shirt for Friday night and we all had suggestions. So, I thought you might all enjoy these fun photos of our Deeper Still worship leader, Travis Cottrell as he goes for the Billy Ray Cyrus look! (That would be Billy Ray about 20 years ago!)
Thanks Amy J. for taking these awesome photos and sending them to me.
So, what do you think sisters? What is your vote for the cover of Travis Cottrell's new Christmas CD; Ring the Bells, coming out October 7th in LifeWay Bookstores? Denim or camouflage?!
Friday, July 11, 2008
People You Meet
One of my favorite things about LifeWay Women's Events is the amazing people I get to meet along the way. And I'm not just talking about the Deeper Still platform of Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer!
God keeps putting incredible people in my path as I travel to different cities for Deeper Still: The Event or other LifeWay Christian women's events.
I remember meeting an older woman several years ago in Kansas City. Her fiancée had died a few months before their wedding and she had never married. Instead she invested her life in children and served as a teacher for over 40 years. She said she could never love another man like she loved her fiancée, but she could love hundreds of children...and so she did.
On another trip, our plane (full of people) watched out our windows as a young soldier met and escorted the coffin of his fallen friend to another plane so the body could be returned home to the family. I couldn't help myself when I saw that young soldier standing alone...all alone...inside that terminal. The mama in me had to find out who he was and let him know how proud I was (we are) of his service to our country and to that family. I had to find out his name so I could pray for him. James was so sweet and brave and said, "This is the hardest thing I've ever done. Harder than leaving my home, living in another country, or going to war."
It is funny (not as in funny, ha ha, but funny as in the things the mind remembers)...I can still see their faces...I'm talking details of their faces...and I still see the tears in their eyes.
Well, Deeper Still in Atlanta was no different. I still see your faces and remember the stories some of you shared with me.
I loved meeting one woman on Friday night...it was her 40th birthday and she was so excited to be in Atlanta! When her family asked what she wanted to do for her 40th, she told them she wanted the family to join together in worshiping their KING! So, 14...yes 14 of the women in her family met in Atlanta for Deeper Still! Did I say she was from Puerto Rico?! No kidding...several of them had flown from Puerto Rico to Atlanta for Deeper Still! Her excitement was contagious and I know it was the best birthday ever!
Another group of eight women I actually first met through this...our Deeper Still blog. They connected with one another through the blogosphere and decided to meet, for the first time, face to face, in Atlanta for Deeper Still: The Event!
The common denominator, in addition to their love for Christ, they all lost babies in the last year, most of them actually lost a baby in the last three or four months. And most of them lost their babies to Trisomy 18. You have to get into genetics to even begin to understand all of this, but unlike Down syndrome with its varying degrees of severity, Trisomy 18 is usually fatal. They knew before their babies were born that they most likely would not have them in this life for long. Yet, they opened their hearts and loved them with everything they had for as long as they could physically.
All of these sweet mommies carried their babies and then returned them into God's hands within hours or days after birth. For one of these mommies, the weekend of Deeper Still was only four weeks after she had physically let go of her little one. For another it was exactly one year after the loss of her baby. I think the longest any of these mommies had her baby on this earth was 59 days. Tragic....
My heart was broken by their stories. I still can't begin to know the loss they feel. But I was also so encouraged by their dependence and passion for our great God. To watch them worship was amazing. And I can't begin to express the impression they made upon my life through a few blog comments and a short gathering at Deeper Still to talk and pray and hug.
One of these sweet moms commented that from the moment she connected with the others on the Internet she began to carry these mothers, their families and their precious babies in her heart and in her prayers.
And now, I also carry these eight mommies in my heart and in my prayers...and I will forever see their faces...and their tears....along with a retired teacher, a young soldier named James, a feisty forty-year-old Puerto Rican, and so many others I've met along the way.
What an honor to meet people like you....to see your faces...to see your tears. I hope you see mine too. I am forever grateful to God that our paths crossed on this journey as we go deeper still.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Bridge
"There's a bridge to cross the Great Divide. A way was made to reach the other side. The mercy of the Father cost His Son His life. His love is deep. His love is wide. There's a cross to bridge the Great Divide."
I woke up this morning with memories of Atlanta swirling in my head and visions of Las Vegas fresh on my heart. Life goes so fast that we barely get to internalize one amazing experience before we are thrust forward to take in the next one in front of us.
That's the way I feel today. Like I'm walking across a bridge here in the weeks between all that we embraced in Atlanta and the God-adventure ahead in Las Vegas.
There are many preparations and lots of planning to do to clear the way for the folks in Las Vegas to get their Word from God on Sept. 5th and 6th. Observing deep and fresh encounters just a few weeks ago at Philips Arena is what is fueling my mind and encouraging me to watch every detail carefully, following God's lead, until we get across the bridge to Las Vegas.
The quote above is the lyrics to one of my all time favorite songs by Point of Grace. It so clearly describes that there is one way to peace with God...through the shed blood at the cross where His Son died in our place. Praise you, Lord, for providing a way for us!!!
I'm a really visual person. When my feet hit the ground in Las Vegas last week for a site visit and luncheon, I felt like a wave came crashing over me. All the lights, the dinging, the music, the advertisements - and that was only in the airport! Las Vegas is so much glitz and glamour.
I met some of the sweetest ladies at our luncheon and reconnected with Jennifer and Diana who have worked tirelessly to build a network for this event. We talked and shared information and prayed fiercely for all the women who would come to the Thomas and Mack Center.
Will you join us in our prayer for women who come with needs that many of us are familiar with - marital problems, infertility, loss, guilt, illness, emotional needs .......
but specifically in this sin-city would you join us in praying that God would draw women from the "the industry" to Himself. Where there are signs lining every street advertising women who have given themselves over to all sorts of things....we know that God wants to gently but firmly lead them to The Bridge that leads to The Cross!!!
Would you offer a prayer for them right here as a comment? Let's bombard the Throne Room on behalf of these sisters.
Betsy
Event Coordinator for Deeper Still: The Event
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Deeper Still: A Divine Appointment Indeed
By the time I pulled into the dark parking lot of the hotel at nearly 1:00 a.m., I was spent. I had been trying to get there for what seemed like forever. My heart was pounding and my mind was racing as I handed my keys to the man at the valet desk and made my way to Room 112. Heavier than either the bag on my shoulder or the box of t-shirts in my arms was the need to look into the eyes that were awaiting me, to fall into the arms it had taken me so long to reach. I wondered if I would cry. I thought I might laugh. But when the door slowly opened, I did neither. There, in that little room, were six of the best friends I will ever have. As I hugged them one by one, I began to wonder if that is what Heaven might be like. Our babies are already there, after all, so we have each spent a great deal of time trying to imagine how our eternal home will be. There in that simple hotel room in Atlanta, in the middle of that June night, I believe we were given just a glimpse.
We stayed awake, chatting in our pajamas like old friends instead of women who had just met until our eyes finally closed. Sweet Kenzie fell asleep before the rest of us, as her body is working hard as the Lord knits her third child together in her womb. What a blessed little girl that will be to have one big brother in the world and one big brother in Heaven. Sweet Maddox was born in January and opened his eyes to gaze upon his earthly father just before he closed them and saw his Heavenly One. In a moment, he changed more lives than most people do in many years. We slept in the next morning, and then made our way down to Starbucks to continue our conversations over the very comfort foods (and beverages, of course) that have helped to sustain our broken hearts this year. Just to sit all together at one table instead of in separate drive-thru's scattered all across the country was a miracle and a joy to behold!
That afternoon, we pulled the brown t-shirts I had carried in the night before over our heads and everything changed. Like soldiers dressed for battle, we headed to the airport to gather one more sister before we went to worship together at Deeper Still: The Event. Just four weeks before Karen stepped off that plane, her precious baby boy Jacob Ryan had left his earthly father's arms for his Heavenly Father's hands. Her third son, he had lived a miraculous 138 days in this world as a Trisomy 18 miracle. It was only fitting that Yvette was waiting there to meet her, too. Her third son, Tristan Asher, was the only other one of the babies represented that weekend who had made it home from the hospital. He, too, was a Trisomy 18 miracle and spent an incredible 56 days under our sun before he, too, found complete healing at home in Heaven. When we rejoined our group, I had the privilege of introducing my sweet new friend to every one in the group and one more special grieving mother, our friend Kirsten. By God's divine intervention, that California girl was also in Atlanta and she needed to look into eyes and be embraced by arms who understand just as much as any of us. Her first baby girl, Chloe Faith, was born into the arms of Jesus in April and changed her life forever. Meeting for the first time was such an unnecessary charade. We knew each other by heart.
Kim and I share the bond of being Kentucky girls. Atlanta wasn't our first meeting. I met her for the first time just days after she was given the incredible honor of holding her third daughter, the beautiful Mary Grace, for seven sacred hours. As long as I live, I will never forget how it felt to see that tiny white casket covered in roses resting silently at the front of all those pews. I knew I was standing on holy ground. It had only been six months since my husband and I had endured that impossible task. It was an unspeakable honor to finally embrace the woman I had prayed so fervently for. It broke my heart to know that she, too, understood the pain of standing with an empty, still womb before a tiny casket that held the treasure she had cherished for so long. And yet, even then, she and I knew that the Lord was working. His plan was bigger than we knew. As we exchanged glances and laughter over that lunch table with seven other women who knew the same secret in Atlanta, we believed it more than ever.
I never dreamed when I held my sweet Miller Grace and sang to her until the angels carried her home on the morning of June 28 last year that I would even be standing one year later, much less standing and worshiping our Maker with the mothers of her best friends in Heaven! The two days we spent together with our arms raised high in praise to our Lord, with the names and life spans of our babies written on our backs, were simply too sacred for words. Try as I might, I could never capture the sanctity of such a divine appointment. We shared everything from snacks to tears as Priscilla reminded us that even the Israelites endured a time of wilderness before they were able to stand on the mountain of God. We wept as we watched her throw her elbow in the air, portraying to us how a mother eagle will offer a wing to her little ones when she realizes they cannot fly on their own. We swallowed hard and nodded when she said the Lord will do the same for us. We sat still while our hearts were absolutely moved as Kay Arthur challenged us to open our eyes and see the state of our nation for what it is. We took it to heart when she called us to action. When we sat on the sidewalk to eat our boxed lunches together, we were more determined than ever to make the most of the moments we are given in this world.
We held our breaths as Beth Moore took the stage. She has played such a crucial role in so many of our lives during this season. When she said she felt moved to offer a time of prayer before she spoke, we needed it more than anyone. When we found the strength and the joy we needed to return to our seats, we were thirsty for a Word and she did not disappoint. Grief has a way of making a girl desperate for relief and sweet Beth reminded us that Jesus is the One and Only Deliverer. By the time the praise band took the stage again, our group of eight from all walks of life and all corners of the nation couldn't help but lock hands in the air. I think I will always count those moments I spent with my left hand in Karen's and my right hand in my dear friend Chrissy's among the sweetest I have known. Chrissy and I share the special bond of having held little dark haired girls for five days before they breathed their last against our chests. There is not a doubt in my mind that Eva Janette, Miller Grace, and all their precious friends were worshipping right alongside us that day.
As the event came to a close, our adventure reached its climax. We filed into a small vacant room backstage, and absolutely could not believe it when Beth Moore and her own baby girl followed us in. I can speak for all of us when I say we would give just about anything to have video footage of those moments to watch over and over again on hard days. With all the intensity of a woman on fire for God and all the love of a mother with a heart broken for us, she called us to our knees. As she, her daughter Amanda, and our dear new friend Michelle walked around us and laid their beautiful hands on us, Beth offered up the most beautiful prayer to our Lord that my ears have ever heard. She was undaunted as the sound of our sobbing and the presence of our Lord filled the room. She continued to petition God on our behalf, to ask Him to be glorified in our lives, to make Satan sorry he ever messed with us, to bring healing here and to transform our ashes into beauty. Though I doubt she knew it, Beth Moore instilled in us that day a courage to pray boldly to our Lord, a hope that beauty is indeed on its way even when ashes are all we can see, and a peace that comes only in knowing that His plan is still to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future.
I will never forget standing there with one of my hands on the back of Beth Moore and my eyes on the seven women who held my heart, there on the very day on the calendar that my girl finally received healing one year before. June 28th is a day of redemption indeed. I will forever be moved to envision in my mind, again and again and again, how Beth embraced our sweet friend Kristy that day. She is perhaps the most faithful of us all, as she is the mother of two little boys in Heaven. Kristy and I share the bond of being mothers to little ones whose neurological conditions cannot be named or explained, while the rest of our friends' little ones share the commonality of having been diagnosed with Trisomy 18 prior to birth or soon thereafter. Kristy's second son, Isaac Matthew, would be three this year and Asher Joseph, her fourth son, joined his brother just four months ago. To listen as she told Beth her one prayer request in all of this is that the Lord would be glorified somehow spoke volumes to our broken hearts. Only God.
Overwhelmed by His goodness, resting in His grace, we did what all smart women do: we went to the Mexican restaurant! It was then that I finally had the chance to really talk with Angie, the mother of precious Poppy Joy. Her blog was the first one I had dared to read during those first months after Miller Grace left us. I will never forget praying for that beautiful baby girl while she was in Angie's womb, then marveling over her beauty and the joy that filled her pictures that day in December. When I read of her arrival, the beautiful three hours she spent with her family, and her gentle passing all in one post, I realized for the first time that I was not alone. And I began to suspect the Lord was up to something wonderful. As we sat there, changed women knitted together by sorrow and grace, that Saturday afternoon in Atlanta, it was confirmed. He is absolutely on the move.
The Lord does not always work in ways we expect and sometimes, He works in ways that break our hearts. But He is still good and He is still worthy of our praise. No matter the heartache, the joy will always outweigh the sorrow in the end. The weeping may last for a night - or a year - but the joy is on its way. We may be wandering in the wilderness tonight, but we can rest assured that we are on our way to the Promised Land. We cannot afford to waste a single moment that we are given. Little babies that lived six days, five days, three hours, seven hours, one moment, fifty-six days, thirty-five minutes, five days, and one hundred thirty-eight days came to remind us to live each breath to its fullest. Their tiny footprints are big shoes to fill we know, but it is our heart cry and our sincerest prayer that the Lord might use their little legacies and our lives to challenge you to do the same.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Land of 10,000 Lakes
Florida is the "sunshine" state, Texas is the "lone star" state, and Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes. Who knew there were this many lakes in Minnesota?! Maybe 10,000 malls, including Mall of America--but never 10,000 lakes! From the moment we landed in Minneapolis to prepare for Living Proof Live with Beth Moore this weekend--we saw water...everywhere! I'm not kidding...there were several lakes by the airport and then regardless of where we drove throughout the city we saw more water. What does one state need with so many lakes!?
And then I began to meet the people. I can't speak for all of Minnesota, but the people in the twin cities area of Minneapolis/St. Paul are so kind...but also, like every city, so in need of God. Even with so much "water" surrounding this area...the people here are thirsty. No matter how much they swim, water ski, sail, boat or take in the beauty of these lakes--they are still going to have an unquenchable thirst. Not even 10,000 lakes will quench the thirst they have...because this thirst will only be met by God.
I thought of John 4 this morning where Jesus meets the woman at the well. In verse 13 "Jesus said, 'Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again--ever! In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life." (John 4:13-14, HCSB)
Sisters, I am asking you to join us in prayer as we drink deep from the well of God this weekend at Living Proof Live in Minneapolis. We don't know all the needs of the women coming for this Christian women's event but God does. And I can just bet that whatever you are going through right now in your life, there will be a woman here this weekend going through the same type of thing. Would you please pray for her?
Also, pray for Travis Cottrell and the Praise team as they lead us in worship this weekend. Pray that we will be true worshipers and will worship the Father "in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24) Please pray that it will be a time of true worship and ministry of God's word that will change women just like those changed at Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta. I'm asking God that for this time, instead of 10,000 lakes, Minneapolis might be known as a land of 10,000 worshipers!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Going Deeper Still at Living Proof Live in Minneapolis!
What can I tell you? Living Proof Live with Beth Moore in Minneapolis this past weekend was incredible! Once again Beth brought a fresh word from God to share with the women titled "Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place."
Thanks Rich Kalonick for creating an amazing visual of the weekend!
LPL Minneapolis from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.
The Minneapolis Living Proof Live event had one of the most tender altar calls. It was beautiful to see so many women bring their burdens and heartaches to Jesus. As you watch this slideshow or after watching it, please pray for these women. So many of our sweet sisters came to the altar...they were literally standing in lines 20 women deep just waiting to pray with someone or have someone pray over them. The women in Minneapolis were so patient...so precious. They had great desires to go deeper still with Jesus, but also had many challenges holding them in bondage. Pray that as many of these women are caught between "a rock and a hard place" they will trust Jesus and their faith will be the one thing that will stand firm in the midst of the difficulties of life.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Taking a Poll
As I've been reflecting on Deeper Still: The Event in Atlanta and preparing for Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas, I thought of something really fun we need to do! Before the Deeper Still events we always try to do a "roll call" to find out where everyone is coming from to the women's event.
One thing we've never asked is how many "rookies" and "veterans" we have coming to the events. I would love for you to share with us if Deeper Still: The Event was your first LifeWay women's event! Also, I would love to hear from some of you who are often "on the road" with us at Living Proof Live events with Beth Moore, Going Beyond events with Priscilla Shirer or other LifeWay women's events!
So, let us hear about your rookie experience at Deeper Still in Atlanta or where you've been as a veteran of LifeWay women's events. How has God used these women's events in your life or the women's ministry at your church?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Prayer Line Nightly for Deeper Still Las Vegas!
Dear Friends,
We are so excited to announce that there is a specific prayer line set up to allow women and men to join each other in prayer nightly. How amazing!
This dedicated line will be open nationwide to call in to pray specifically for the Deeper Still Conference. The prayer line started last night, July 27, and is continuing for 40 days leading up to the event in Las Vegas on Sept. 5-6.
Here is the phone number and directions for the Deeper Still Prayer Line. The phone line will be open for 2 hours every night during the following times:
5-7 pm Pacific time
6-8 pm Mountain
7-9 pm Central
8-10pm Eastern
There can be up to 96 prayer warriors on the line at the same time from any time zone.
Telephone Number: 712-432-0031
Access Code: 262799#
Instructions:
To reach the Prayer Call In line, dial 712-432-0031, enter 262799 #.
You will be connected to the conference call.
Every caller will be able to talk/pray simultaneously.
The best way to enter into the ongoing prayer is to state your name, the city/state you are calling from and then listen to the direction the prayer is going and wait on the Lord to direct your prayer.
Although the line is open for two hours, you may pray for 1 minute or up to two hours on the line.
Additional features are available while on the line by using the following keys:
*3 Exit - exit the conference call
*4 Instructions - conference instructions
*6 Mute/Un-mute - caller controlled muting
Frequently asked questions:
What are the costs involved in a Prayer Conference Call?
Only normal long distance charges by each caller's carrier apply.
There will be no bill or charges from Greater Calling for this service.
How many callers can be in a single conference?
96 caller maximum in each conference with no required minimum number.
Can I use a calling card to call in for the Prayer Call?
Yes. You may also use 10-10-### services to connect at favorable rates.
Can international callers participate?
Basically, anyone who can dial a US telephone number should be able to dial a Prayer Call number.
Is this a VoIP service or an Internet service using my computer?
No, this is a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) conferencing service that utilizes your regular telephone.
We appreciate your participation in praying for this conference. May God continue to bless your life as you continue to serve His people.
Many Blessings,
The Steering Team
Deeper Still - The Event
...like a tree planted beside streams of water. Psalm 1:3
www.lifeway.com/women
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed
How many of you are getting ready to promote or start your Women's Bible Studies for the Fall? We've had several questions on the blog related to Bible Studies and tons of you wanting to know more about the Deeper Still Nashville taping and the Bible study created from that event.
Our sister, Deanne, specifically wanted to know more about this Bible study for a group of young women she leads. So, Deanne, I hope this info helps answer your questions and the questions of many others!
Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David is seven sessions and was taped at the 2007 Deeper Still Event in Nashville. The first session is an intro session. The following six sessions explore the life of David in three segments. Priscilla Shirer focuses on David as a young man, Beth Moore examines David in middle-age, and Kay Arthur looks at the final third of David's life.
Each DVD Bible study session is approximately one hour. The Bible study books include daily homework that builds on the DVD teaching sessions. It is a similar format to other Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, or LifeWay women's Bible Studies you may have completed. (Intro session, do daily homework during the week, then meet for DVD teaching session--you know the plan!)
You can use the seven Bible study sessions as a retreat, women's Bible study, or on your own.
Click here to see the online LifeWay catalog about Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David and watch previews of all three amazing Bible study teachers!
The release date for Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David is September 1st...so it won't be long now! And great news for all our Las Vegas sisters...the LifeWay Bookstore at Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas will have this new Bible study DVD kit and Bible study workbooks available for sale!
So, that is one option to kick off your Fall Women's Bible studies! What other Bible studies will you or your church be leading this fall season?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Rapid Heartbeats.. .. ..
Well sisters, we are nearing the end of summer, so our family did a quick trip over to Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to make sure we go out with a bang (or splash) before school starts in August. To keep a family of five happy for an extended length of time is no easy task...but I can't even begin to tell you how much fun we had!!!
It was a perfect day. Really...I'm not kidding. It was beautiful and sunny in the morning and then was a little overcast during the heat of the day. As my husband and two older girls took off for the "fun, take your breath away" waterslides, I hung out with my youngest daughter. There is nothing like looking at the world through the eyes of a child. As we floated the lazy river she would get so excited, "Mommy, look at the trees!" "Mommy, we are just floating and floating and floating--this river never stops!"
My favorite and most memorable experience was going down a waterslide with my seven-year-old. You need to understand that we had never been to Splash Country and don't go to water parks on a regular basis. The whole waterslide experience can be a little scary especially when you are seven, or maybe a little older (that is all I'm saying). I put on my most calm, brave face and said, "Come on, we can do this!" As Kaia snuggled next to me I wrapped my arms around her little body. My hand was positioned in just the right place to feel her sweet little heartbeat. It was so precious...and began to beat faster and faster and faster. As we glided down that waterslide, she laughed and screamed (or was that me?) and that little heart just kept pumping faster and faster. As we splashed into the water at the end, she jumped up and down saying, "Let's do that again!" (And of course, we did...again and again and again....)
As I thought about her rapid heartbeats later that day, I also thought of you my sweet Deeper Still sisters. And I prayed that all of us would have hearts beating faster for God as we continue to go deeper still with Him. That is truly what I want for you and for me.
Well, my heart continues to beat rapidly even though it has been days since the whole waterslide experience. Right now my heart is beating faster as I think about this weekend. The Living Proof Live Simulcast Event is this weekend in Louisville, Kentucky and we could really use our prayer warriors. I can't tell you how much prayer and effort has gone into this amazing ministry. We are so thankful the Lord has provided this opportunity for women from churches all over the country to participate in a Living Proof Live Event with Beth Moore. So, pray with us this weekend or join us at a participating simulcast church in your area...and may our hearts keep beating faster for Him as we go deeper still...