August 2008 Archives
Monday, August 4, 2008
Word of the Day...and for 2009!
Let's start off this week with a fun activity. Go stand in front of a mirror. Hold up both hands and then hold up three fingers on both hands creating "W" and "W." Now hold the "Ws" on either side of your face. Open your mouth and make an "O." What does it spell? W-O-W! Yes, WOW, WOW, WOW!
WOW! That is my one word for the weekend and the Living Proof Live Simulcast Event with Beth Moore in Louisville, Kentucky. I knew it was an awesome event at Southeast Christian Church the live location because I was there! God brought a word to us through Beth's teaching that did not disappoint 715 churches and over 70,000 viewers! And then it was so incredible for me to hear my friends, from my church in Tennessee, talking about all that God did throughout the weekend once I returned home! And it gets another WOW when we think about all the women across the country and around the world sowing the seed of the Word of God in their communities! Talk about 100-fold blessing!!!
Well, I am also excited about the WOW factor for 2009! Yes...LifeWay Women's Events is beginning to release dates and locations for 2009! In addition to Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas, September 5-6, 2008...we now have two Deeper Still dates and locations solidified for 2009!
September 18-19, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida and...
December 4-5, 2009 at Cox Business Services Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and...
Keep watching the Deeper Still blog or www.lifeway.com/women for one more date and location for Deeper Still: The Event in 2009! WOW--there will be three Deeper Still: The Event in 2009!
Go ahead and contact LifeWay Events Registration at 800-254-2022 or register online for Orlando or Oklahoma City by clicking here!
WOW! 2009 looks like a 100-fold blessing kind of year! Pray that God continues to sow the seed of His Word in many hearts around the world and that each one of us is faithful to Him!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Live from Louisville
I know many of you were part of the Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore this past weekend in your home church or another church in your community. For those of you who were not able to attend the simulcast event, we wanted to give you a small five-minute glimpse into the work of God in Louisville. We are so thankful to God for the technology that broadcasts around the world God's Word! Thanks again Rich Kalonick for always capturing the power and presence of God moving at these amazing Christian women's events.
Praying the next five minutes you spend watching this video recap will cause you to worship our great God and take you deeper still in your relationship with Him today.
Living Proof Live Louisville KY Simulcast from Rich Kalonick on Vimeo.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Meeting the Teachers
This is the week...what most know as school registration or school orientation...I just call it "meeting the teachers." I'm not sure how many of you are in this mode, getting ready for school to start and trying to get a household back on a schedule. Honestly, we are failing...miserably! It is going to be tough, tough, tough next week getting everyone up and off to school so early after we've slept in for months! However, other than the getting up part, I think we are ready!
Our "meeting the teachers" day went well this week. All three of my daughters were excited and more ready for school after seeing the number of friends in their classes and meeting their teachers face-to-face. It doesn't matter what rumors they may have heard in advance, once my daughters actually see the teacher face-to-face he or she doesn't appear so difficult or frightening. Yes, he or she may still give lots of homework or pop quizes, but at least they come with a nice, kind face!
As I've thought about our "meeting the teachers" day for school, I've also thought about our wonderful Bible teachers for Deeper Still: The Event. Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer all teach and do an amazing job with their writing and DVD driven Bible studies...but there is just something incredible about seeing and hearing them face-to-face at an event.
Although attending a live event may appear intimidating at first, once you get there it is not as difficult or frightening as you once thought. I know many of you attending the Deeper Still in Las Vegas may have never attended a live Christian women's event or heard any of the these Bible teachers live. Seriously, Las Vegas is known for its lights, shows and entertainment, but not the number of Bible teachers or evangelists who come through town!
During the next few weeks before Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas, take some time and get to know the Bible teachers a little better. Check out their websites and information on the ministries they lead in their respective areas of the country.
Click here to learn more about Kay Arthur and Precept Ministries.
Click here to find out more about Living Proof Ministries or Beth Moore, especially read Beth's LPM blog.
Click here to learn more about Priscilla Shirer and Going Beyond Ministries.
And let's not forget Travis Cottrell and the Praise Team! You really need to read his blog and find out more about his music and worship ministry.
More than meeting these fantastic Bible teachers let me encourage you to spend time with the greatest Teacher of all, Jesus. The only way we are truly going to go deeper still is when we spend time and are in daily relationship with Him. So, let's encourage one another as we go deeper still...what is Jesus teaching you these days? How are you personally growing closer to Him? How do you meet the Teacher daily face-to-face?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Olympic Roll Call!
How many of you watched the Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Olympics on Friday night? It is always amazing to me to see the parade of athletes waving their flags and dressed in traditional costumes or colors representing their nation! I can't help but envision an incredible worship service to come described in Revelation 5:9...
And they sang a new song:
You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals; because You were slaughtered, and You redeemed people for God by Your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Can't you just see the celebration of Olympic-sized proportions?!
As we continue to countdown to Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas, we need to have another roll call. In addition to those who will be attending the Las Vegas event, I would love for all of you to respond and just share something you love about your church, your city, your state, or country!
Let's have an Olympic-sized roll call so we can get a taste of Revelation 5:9 and celebrate the redeemed Christian women of every tribe and language and people and nation who love Jesus and are going deeper still in relationship with Him today!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
3 Things to Win the Gold
It is time to confess. The first step in recognizing a problem and dealing with it is admitting the problem. The problem for me: I am addicted to the Olympic Games. Yes, I know everyone is watching the Olympics right now, but seriously, I found myself glued to the TV last weekend watching fencing or sabers or whatever they call it. I didn't even know it was an Olympic sport and suddenly I spend an hour watching it. (And honestly I didn't have a clue what they were doing!) But now that I've admitted the problem and confessed it to you, let me tell you why!
One of my favorite things is watching the short bios on the athletes. They basically sum up in about five minutes how the athlete has trained and lived for the last four years. Five minutes seems so short! How can you sum up four years in five minutes? Then I watched the bio on Michael Phelps. WOW! So far this guy is the winningest Olympic athlete ever! He now has five world records in five events at the Beijing Games! And to date he has 11 gold medals, which means he has won more golds than any athlete in history! Michael Phelps is set to swim a few more races and may win even more gold and set more records before the 2008 Olympic Games are over!
What makes him so great? What is the secret of the last four years that helps him achieve such greatness in the Olympics? Three things. Yep, that is it, only three. In the bio he said, "I swim, I sleep, I eat." And it showed him doing those three things...yes, even the sleeping part! Well, you know that bio on Michael Phelps just got me thinking about going deeper still with God. What are the three things that keep me going deeper still? If I had to narrow my time down to three things what would they be?
Group Bible Study? Personal Bible Study? Scripture Memorization? Focused Prayer? Christian Music? Service in my church? Worship? Quiet Time? Missions? Ministry? Community with other Christians? Christian conferences and events? Christian concerts? The list could go on and on and on....
And then if you stick with your top three things for four years like an Olympic athlete, how does one's faith grow? What is the impact upon your relationship with Jesus? How does that level of commitment to God impact your community and the world for Christ?
I don't know about you, but I really want a "medal worthy" faith. And if I'm going to take up my cross daily following Jesus (Luke 9:23-24) why not go for the gold! As the Olympic Games for 2008 continue this week, I am thinking about how to focus and train for an Olympic-sized faith. What spiritual disciplines do I need to strengthen in order to go deeper still with God? What about you? What spiritual muscles need a workout?
Las Vegas Deeper Still gals...how are you preparing for God in the coming weeks before September 5-6? Atlanta or Nashville Deeper Still gals...how are you continuing your focus upon God and going deeper still in relationship with Him?
Thinking of you today my sweet sisters in Christ and praying that we are all reaching forward to God's goal and making every effort to take hold of it...Philippians 3:12-14.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Fabulous Friday
We are finishing the first week of school at my house and all week I've heard about "Fabulous Friday." Everyone in my daughter's second grade class has an opportunity to enjoy "Fabulous Friday" if they get a smiley face sticker each day. What exactly is "Fabulous Friday?" From my understanding it means you get a Popsicle and get to play a game at some point on Fabulous Friday as a reward for good behavior all week.
As I've thought about Fabulous Friday, I think one of the best parts is the anticipation for the big day. Each day as my little second grader thinks and talks about what is to come on Friday, the excitement and momentum builds. Friday turns into something more than the end of the school week. It is more than simply popsicles and an extra game to play during one portion of the day. Friday becomes different from any other day of the week. Friday becomes, well...fabulous!
As we build up to our "Fabulous Friday" on September 5 when we all enter the Thomas and Mack Event Center in Las Vegas for Deeper Still: The Event, I thought I would put up some photos from our guy Rich to help you anticipate the experience at this Christian women's event. I am looking forward to the next three weeks as the excitement and momentum builds for Deeper Still: The Event Las Vegas!
Enjoy this Fabulous Friday and anticipate what is to come in only three weeks!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Don't Forget the Deeper Still Prayer Line
We wanted to remind everyone about the Deeper Still Prayer Line! Even if you only have five or ten minutes to spare at the designated times in the evening, join us for prayer and intercession!
Here is the phone number and directions. 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 Las Vegas
And don't forget to comment on the blog and let us know your experience on the prayer line!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Deep Roots
When we moved into our home in January 2002 everything outside in the yard was dormant or dead. As spring unleashed its beauty, we were thankful we had moved into a home previously owned by a couple from the UK who really knew their gardening. We had all kinds of flowers and plants...an English garden! Just what I always wanted! It didn't matter that we didn't know what anything was or how to tend it--we were just happy to enjoy the beauty!
One of the best surprises was an apple tree planted right next to the deck. It was beautiful in the spring with its blossoms and incredible during the late summer as we enjoyed, picked, and ate fresh apples for months! I remember having so many apples that first year. We gave bag after bag of apples away to neighbors and friends. Seriously, how many apples can a family of five eat...especially when the tree produces several HUNDRED apples...I'm not kidding!
We enjoyed our harvest for another year and then a tornado came through our city. If you can imagine it...in the high winds the tree was totally blown on its side, but the roots were still in the ground. So, my husband, Mr. Save Everything or Mr. Pack Rat (which ever title applies), used a truck and rope to pull the apple tree back up into its standing position. He braced the tree with some sturdy two-by-fours; he watered it, fertilized it, pruned it and took extra care of this tree. That August there were no apples on the tree...zero. I guess the trauma from the tornado had done its damage. My husband continued to baby the tree hoping for a better harvest the following year. The next year the once flourishing apple tree produced about a dozen apples. This went on for another year and another. At one point we just wondered if the trauma was too much...should we just chop it down.
But how could we give up after all these years? We waited and waited...and now we have more apples than ever before. This year the apple blossoms were more than we could count. We actually didn't have this many apples the first year we moved into the house!
I wonder how many of us have deep roots like this apple tree except we are clinging to God. When the tornados of life hit and we are totally blown down those roots hold fast to the Only One who can resurrect the dead. It may take years, but slowly He provides all that we need to produce beauty and fruit in life again.
How many of you just experience devasting loss in your life and wonder if you will ever "be alive" again?
How many of you have gone through trauma over the last several years and are just now beginning to bear fruit again?
Praying and trusting God to bring you through the lean and difficult years. Know that the LifeWay Women's Event Team wants Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas to be the turning point...when you flourish in God's Word and worship...and begin to bear fruit again for Christ.
Can't wait to see you at Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas as we dig deeper into God's Word, strengthen our roots in Christ as our Savior and Lord, and go deeper still with God in worship and in life...
Monday, August 25, 2008
Counting Down to Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas!
That's right! It is less than two weeks until we meet together in Las Vegas for Deeper Still: The Event with Bible teachers Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur! And if you can believe it...there are still tickets available!
If you are already planning to go and have your ticket, you may want to share this ticket information with other women in your Bible study group or church...or even invite a friend who does not have a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ! You may have some friends who are turned off and are now tuned out from God by bad church experiences. What a great opportunity to let an unbeliever see real, authentic Christians in action worshiping God and studying His word! Let them see it is not about a religion but a relationship with a real and personal God!
Here is how you can get your ticket or an extra ticket for a friend to Deeper Still: The Event Las Vegas.
Click here to register online for Deeper Still: The Event Las Vegas or call LifeWay Events Registration at 800-254-2022.
It is going to be a fantastic weekend as we go deeper still with God. Until we all meet in Las Vegas, don't forget to join us on the Deeper Still Las Vegas Prayer Line open nightly. Click here to find out more about this Prayer Line and how you can join in!
Can't wait to see you live in Las Vegas on September 5th! Who has her ticket and is ready to GO?!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
10 Things
Miley Cyrus may sing about "7 Things" but we have 10 Things to talk about on the 10th day as we countdown to Deeper Still: The Event Las Vegas! Yes, can you believe it! Only 10 more days!
Here is a quick "Top Ten" list of things to do or what you may want to pack for Deeper Still: The Event.
1. Bible, pen and/or highlighter. In all the packing and repacking, our Bible is sometimes what we forget! You will receive a Deeper Still Listening Guide when you come through the doors on Friday night. It has plenty of space to take notes.
2. Cell phone AND charger. Unless you have a great phone, you will probably need to charge your phone on Friday night. You will want you phone working on Saturday for an all day event. Before the event begins, exchange phone numbers with several in your group and program the numbers into your phone.
3. Any medicines you may need. On Saturday have them with you in case you don't go back to your room or your car. You never know how your plans might change especially if you are with a group.
4. Cash! Make sure you have a little cash on hand for any tips with luggage handlers at airports and hotels. Also, cash is sometimes easier for the concessions at the arena or street vendors in downtown areas. You also need cash for vending machines in the hotels for those late night snacks!
5. Any directions and/or confirmation numbers for hotels, the Thomas and Mack Event Center in Las Vegas, or anywhere else you may travel. Take time in the next 10 days to review your travel plan and maps.
6. A light sweater or jacket just in case the arena is cool.
7. Comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs. Depending upon where you are staying you may walk to and from the arena.
8. Comfy pajamas and your clothes needed for two days as you cram as much as possible into those two days!
9. The wristband which serves as your ticket for both days of Deeper Still: The Event Las Vegas. This wristband came with your confirmation letter from LifeWay Events Registration Department.
10. An open heart and mind ready to hear God speak a word of truth for your life!
We only named 10 things. What other things have you thought of to bring to Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Your Story Becomes HIS Story
Aren't we always looking for something new? Something that will give us a fresh look...new clothes, new shoes, new hairstyle, or maybe a new attitude! The same is true for Deeper Still: The Event! We want a fresh perspective--we want to see your story become HIS Story!
We want God to bring a fresh word through Beth, Kay, and Priscilla. And we want your worship experience as Travis and the Praise team lead us to be fresh and alive in Christ. So, you need to know we have some new things planned for Deeper Still in Las Vegas!
One BIG thing you need to look for when you arrive Friday evening are four HUGE boards set in different places on the concourse. Remember when you were growing up and got in trouble if you wrote or colored on the walls? Well, throw out those rules! WE WANT YOU TO WRITE ON THESE FOUR BOARDS! Does that sound fun or what!
"What am I supposed to write on these boards?" you may be asking. Well, ask yourself these questions:
What do I hope God will do in my life through this Christian women's event?
What are my dreams as I go deeper still with God?
What is one thing I need to release to God this weekend?
We want these "story" boards to reflect and record a small portion of your story and how you hope and pray your story becomes HIS Story at Deeper Still: The Event.
So, as you reflect on the questions above, what will you write? What is something you hope turns from your story to HIS Story at Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Submit YOUR Questions!
That's right...YOU GET TO ASK THE QUESTIONS for the Deeper Still Las Vegas Panel Discussion! Even if you will not be attending the event in Las Vegas you can submit your questions here on the blog!
I have to admit it is probably my favorite session of the entire weekend. It is like watching a great talk show with three of your favorite people! There are incredible words of wisdom and biblical truth, but also LOTS of laughs.
As I looked back at some of the questions from Nashville and Atlanta Deeper Still Events...and thought about the answers our three wonderful sisters gave...I laughed all over again! Kay, Beth, and Priscilla covered everything from "What is your favorite lipstick color?" to "How do you balance life and ministry?" Their answers are honest and sometimes hilarious!
Click here to link back and read some of the Nashville Panel Discussion questions and answers on the blog!
Click here to read questions that were submitted for the Atlanta Deeper Still Panel Discussion.
I'm sure you Deeper Still bloggers can come up with even more great questions to make the Las Vegas Panel Discussion one we will never forget!!!
So, start submitting your questions NOW! I love this and can't wait to see what you come up with--this is going to be soooo fun!
Friday, August 29, 2008
ONLY ONE WEEK!
In one week we will see the big sign that says...
Do you sense the excitement and anticipation building as we prepare for Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas?
We can't wait to see you there! Here are few reminders as we head into Labor Day weekend and this last week before Deeper Still: The Event.
If you still need tickets or know someone who needs to purchase a ticket, click here to connect to the Deeper Still women's page and LifeWay's Events Registration where you can buy a ticket online or call 800-254-2022.
Click here to review items you may need or may want to pack for Deeper Still: The Event.
And don't forget to spend time this weekend submitting your questions for the live panel discussion with Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer on Saturday afternoon at Deeper Still!
More than anything else...please join us in prayer for Deeper Still: The Event in Las Vegas. The prayer line is still open nightly. Click here to find out how you can connect with others across the country as we join together to prayer for Deeper Still: The Event and what God is going to do September 5-6 in Las Vegas.
One week and counting down! Can't wait to see you in Fabulous Las Vegas!