Special assignment for All Access, Pam and I, had the privilege this week to get to Dallas for a behind the scenes (literally, see photo below) view of Priscilla Shirer as she taped her top secret, much-anticipated, new Bible Study, 'One In a Million,' that will release this summer.
We felt like two gals in a million with big hair as we watched Priscilla teach her socks off with sassy outfits and really cute hair. She BROUGHT it about how God does some of His greatest miracles in our lives when we are in a wilderness season. So true. Her sweet 90-year-old Grandma was in the audience and Pam and I got to meet her. We are blessed. But we didn't wear our cheese heads.
We also got to squeeze the newest Shirer, Jude, and carry him around some while his Momma brought the Word! Maternity leave is over cause not only did she just tape a 6-week Bible study but next weekend, Feb, 6-7, Priscilla is going to launch her Going Beyond Events with LifeWay in Atlanta with a brand new message on Jonah. She'll hit the west coast after Atlanta with an event in San Jose, CA on February 21-22. Yes, maternity leave is officially OVER. AND she has lost the baby weight in three months. She is our hero. In spite of an inch or so of ice in Dallas and snow in Nashville, we made it home with little drama (other than the drama we bring by just being together) in our travels!
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I realize I never got back to y'all with my thoughts on Week 1 homework from "Esther", but I have been on two road trips in four days and have returned to a house that is in desperate need of a cleaning lady.
Sadly, I am the cleaning lady.
But I wanted to share a few thoughts I had on the week before it was next week. Does that sentence even make sense? Let's pretend it does.
On Day 2 of Week 1, Beth talks about the incredible party that King Xerxes has thrown to celebrate himself and his kingdom. It's definitely beyond the scope of any fancy event I've ever attended, mainly because in my world "fancy party" means there will be barbecued ribs and potato salad that isn't served out of a styrofoam container.
The Bible describes the scene this way, "For a full 180 days, he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty." Esther 1:4
Beth discusses how phrases like that are usually in reference to God, but King Xerxes was very taken with himself and his own greatness. All his hope and trust was in his earthly riches.
She contrasts v. 4 in Esther with Psalm 96: 4-6. The specific part of that passage that stood out to me was v. 5 which says "For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens".
It's kind of like the old saying "You can't take it with you when you're gone". All the material things that seem so important in our society are nothing compared to the incredible splendor and majesty of God.
And sometimes I need to be reminded of that.
I can get caught up in thinking some new clothes or granite countertops would make me happier than I am now. Our entire culture is built on the premise that more is better, but what I need is more of God.
Only in Him will I find the peace and contentment I am looking for. The best part is it's the kind that lasts. And as we soon see, King Xerxes with all his finery and 180 day party wasn't a content guy. In fact, he banishes his beautiful queen because she didn't play into building his ego.
The whole thing reminded me of some scripture I've been praying from Proverbs for the last several weeks.
"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have too much and disown you and say 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30: 8-9
The only splendor and glory I want in my life is the fullness of His presence and to know daily that He alone is my daily bread.
I'm sitting in a hotel room outside of Atlanta right now, and Travis Cottrell finished the live recording of his new worship CD (at First Baptist Church Woodstock) about an hour and a half ago. I'm still a little keyed up from the whole thing, but I thought I'd share a few thoughts before I try to settle down and go to bed.
1. The whole night was awesome.
2. No, really. It was seriously awesome.
3. I think there were about 6,000 people there.
4. And those 6,000 people were flat-out praising the Lord.
5. Travis and his praise team, band and the FBC Woodstock choir did a phenomenal job leading us in worship.
6. Look! Travis' shoes!
7. The shoes held up beautifully.
8. Beth Moore spoke about worship. And it was a mighty good word. SHOCKING, I know.
9. All in all it was just a really special time with sweet friends.
10. And if you weren't there, we totally missed you.
11. You'd better be there next time, I'M NOT KIDDING.
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris