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WWD Rely and Apply

Regina Gibson - March 31, 2009 - Comments (0)

Wednesday Weekly Devotional - 04/01/09 from Kris Seidenkranz on Vimeo.

Me and My Girl

Melanie - - Comments (3)

This past Saturday, my daughter Caroline and I attended our very first Mother-Daughter event. Well, unless you count Fiesta day at her preschool and I'm not sure an event where peanut butter is served as the main course counts.

We arrived in Houston on Friday night and went to our hotel to check in. Caroline was beyond impressed with the hotel and, in fact, declared that it was a hotel for royalty. There also may have been some jumping on the beds involved.

Umm, if that happens to be against any official LifeWay rules will someone please remove this picture for me? It never happened.

We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and headed down to the hotel lobby to eat our complimentary breakfast. Caroline was totally impressed with array of jellies and bagels, which is another way of saying "we don't get out much".

After a hearty breakfast, we drove to Kingsland Baptist Church to attend Vicki Courtney's "You and Your Girl" event.

On a side note, when I asked Caroline if she wanted to go on this trip with me she asked, "Is your boss going to be there?"

"Who's my boss?"

"Beth Moore. She's always the boss at your meetings."

"No, this time the boss is Vicki Courtney."

"Oh. Okay."

As we walked into the church, I couldn't believe all the mothers and daughters who were there. They were all ages and filled up every bit of space in the large sanctuary.

Caroline chose seats for us that were in the highest part of the top balcony. I should have brought my binoculars.

But then the darling Lindsey Kane took the stage and I didn't need binoculars because I was totally mesmerized listening to her lead worship. I'd had the opportunity to hear Lindsey lead worship at another conference about a year ago, but she was even better than I remembered. She has an amazing heart for worship and just leads you right up to the throne of God, which isn't always easy to do when you're surrounded by some surly pre-teens with hormones running amuck.

I told a friend later that I bet every girl in that audience wished they could be like Lindsey. Funny, talented, sincere and just sold out for God. AMAZING. If you haven't heard her, you should seriously check out her newest CD.

After Lindsey led worship, Vicki got up and began to share about the struggles that come with raising a daughter. She talked about the culture we live in and how to have an ongoing conversation with our daughters from the time they're born until they leave for college. We need to be aware of what they are being exposed to and we need to be diligent about protecting them while teaching them to keep their eyes on Christ.

As a mother of a daughter, I just sat there and said, "Amen".

I'll tell you more later, but I've already written a novel. I'd love to hear if y'all have any specific questions about the event.

A bit of follow-up

Sophie - March 29, 2009 - Comments (3)

Last Thursday I posted about a poem that I'd found on Priscilla Shirer's website, and Leslie's comment made me curious. She mentioned a video that Igniter Media put together - based on a sermon by S.M. Lockridge - and I couldn't wait to check it out.

Once I started watching the video I realized that I'd seen it several years ago, and oh my word - it is powerful. It's a little different than the poem, but it echoes the same theme: He is EVERYTHING.

As my friend Elise always says, "If that doesn't light your fire, your wood's wet."

Amen.

Road trip!

Melanie - March 27, 2009 - Comments (1)

I'm getting all packed and ready to head to Katy, TX for VIcki Courtney's "You and Your Girl" event. Have I ever mentioned I hate packing?

Although I am thanking the Lord for small mercies because I am not flying anywhere and don't have to limit the amount of hair spray I can carry to 3 ounces. What good is 3 ounces of hairspray going to do? Not much for a Texas girl, I can tell you that.

Anyway, did I mention that I'm bringing my girl with me? That's right. She's hitting the road with me for this little road trip, which means I had to go in her room this morning to narrow down her selection of stuffed animal traveling companions to three.

I don't know that the trip will be the same without Big Blue Fuzzy Dog.

I better get going, but I'll check back in once we get there!

Listening to Lindsay!

Paige Greene - - Comments (1)

Hey Gals! I have to give a shout out for the new EP CD that is in my player right now. Miss Lindsay Kane, of Austin, Texas just finished one of the best songs for women and girls I've heard in a long time.

Oh my gosh, the song, Mercy, and You'll Be Whole, speak directly to where hurting females are. Check her out at www.lindsaykaneministries.org.  Lindsay is also the worship leader for You and Your Girl events with Vicki Courtney. Pray for Vicki and Lindsay and the LifeWay gals as they head to Katy, Texas today to minister to Mom's and girls tomorrow!

p.s. There is also a very cool rendition of 'It is Well With My Soul" on the album. I dig it!!!  Lindsay is also one of the funner gals to hang out with and she loves her some Jesus!

The First and The Last

Sophie - March 25, 2009 - Comments (7)

If you've ever sat under Priscilla Shirer's teaching, you've probably heard her recite a powerful poem about the character of God. I heard it for the first time at Deeper Still in Nashville, and I've often wondered if there was a written copy somewhere.

A few months ago we used Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David (which was filmed at Deeper Still Nashville) in our Bible study, and once the ladies in our group heard Priscilla recite that same poem, my sweet friend Mary Jo looked at me and said, "You HAVE to find a copy of that."

So, four months later, here it is. I am obviously VERY prompt and organized.

Regardless, I'm tickled to have a copy now. I found it on Priscilla Shirer's website, and the author is unknown.

As my pastor would say: it'll preach.

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was,
He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

WWD Personal Moment

Regina Gibson - - Comments (11)

Hey Y'all,

I hope you're having a wonderful day in the Lord! We will pick up next week with WWD and finish up talking about how we can make the most of God's Word. This week has been chalked full of meetings. In a good way I might add, but alas I found myself this Wednesday morning wondering whether or not to shoot the video or to just wait and take a personal moment to share with you. Obviously I chose the latter. Mostly because today I am utterly distracted, I have been looking forward to this day for weeks now. I thought it was high time I tell you about my good news! My husband, Chris, and I are expecting our first little one! We're having a BABY! And today, Lord willing, we hope to find out if it's a boy or a girl! Can you understand my distraction now? This morning when I met with the Lord one of the first things that came out of me was joy in reminding Him (like He didn't already know) that today is THE DAY. I hope the baby cooperates and is just as perfect as can be. I have reflected time and time again over the past months on Psalm 127:3 which reminds of us this truth: "Behold children are a gift from the Lord. The fruit of the womb a reward...." Chris and I have been married nearly 2 years now! He is by far one of the godliest husbands you could imagine, as evidenced last night by the fact that he scrubbed the toilets in our home while I got some Bible study prep work done. He is a servant for sure and a great teacher of God's Word as well. I just can't wait to see my man as dad! There is so much to look forward to! It is a delight to get to share this time in our lives with you in some small measure.

I hope you know that I count it a humble privilege to get to serve God's Word to you in some small way each week. I encourage you this day to seek HIM with all you've got! He is our reward!

Much love in Christ,

Regina Gibson-

You and Your Girl

Melanie - March 24, 2009 - Comments (0)

I am so excited because this Saturday I'll be in Houston (specifically Katy, Texas) to attend Vicki Courtney's You and Your Girl Event.

Even though I was a part of Vicki's "Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter" Bible study taping last fall, I haven't had the opportunity to hear her speak to a large group and I can't wait. If there's any topic I'm interested in, then raising your daughter well would be at the top of the list.

Especially on days when we've argued about various white sandals and why she no longer wants to wear them. Because on those days I get a little frightened thinking if this is what five looks like, what does thirteen hold in store?

Don't answer that. I'm frightened.

Anyway, if you're going to be anywhere near Katy this weekend and you have a daughter, you might want to check it out. The event will be at Kingsland Baptist Church this Saturday the 28th. And if you're going to be there, I'd love to meet you in person!

Also, if Katy is a little far for you, here is Vicki's schedule for the rest of the year.

April 18, 2009 Elizabethtown, KY
Severns Valley Baptist Church

September 12, 2009 Broken Arrow, OK
First Baptist Church Event

October 24, 2009 Las Vegas, NV
CornerStone Christian Fellowship

I'll be back with a full report next week!

He is loving

Sophie - March 23, 2009 - Comments (6)

Last week our little guy spent a few days with my parents in Mississippi, so I had a chance to catch up on some stuff. I caught up with friends, I caught up on TV and (hiding my face in my hands) I caught up on my Bible study.

What? You say that you've never fallen behind on your Bible study? Why, HELLO, ALIEN. WELCOME TO OUR PLANET.

Oh, I kid. Kinda.

Anyway, right now my Bible study group is working through Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God, and it is hitting me right between the eyes. I struggle a lot (A LOT) with feelings of condemnation and shame because of some Old Junk, and if I'm not careful I start to mistake the enemy's lies for truth. Even worse, I start to believe those lies, and before I know it I'm mired down in what I can only describe as spiritual paralysis. If you've ever dealt with something similar, you know it's not a whole lot of fun.

Friday afternoon, after a pretty intense time of talking and praying with a sweet friend, I asked God for some direction in dealing with these fearful / unworthy / waiting-for-the-other-shoe-to-drop feelings that keep popping up in my life. And please don't misunderstand - I wasn't asking the Lord to tell me that my hair looks cute or that He likes my sassy jeans so that I can feel better about myself. I just needed to be reminded of who I am IN HIM because that's the part of my faith that the enemy seems to go after more than anything else.

Not even 24 hours later, when I was catching up on my Bible study Saturday afternoon, I found myself reading these words in Discerning: "His goal is never to bring guilt and condemnation by continually reminding me of my past sins but rather to bring healing and obedience by turning my attention to my future with Him."

And then: "God has the right to condemn us, but He has chosen not to throw stones. He bestows grace and love despite what we have done, because His very nature is love."

And then: "The purpose of the voice of condemnation is to push you away from His presence - that which is the very source of your victory. The purpose of the voice of conviction is to press you into the face of Christ." - Bob Sorge

I just thought it was the sweetest thing in the world for God to give me that assurance. His voice is LOVING - and while yes, that loving voice may beckon every single one of us to uncomfortable places as we seek restoration and chase after holiness, it will never, ever condemn us. It will never accuse us. It will never mock us.

He is loving.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." - Psalm 62:5

First thing in the morning

Melanie - March 20, 2009 - Comments (3)

If there is anything that God has been consistently teaching me over the last year, it's the importance of spending some time with Him first thing in the morning. I've never been much of a morning person so it's always been a struggle for me to commit those first moments of the day to Him.

In "Esther" this week, Beth talks about how things can suddenly arise in our day that will require decisions or actions from us and "if we're not surrendered to God already that day with our hearts and minds guarded by Scripture, we'll more likely react by impulse than by the Holy Spirit."

Yes. I think I've been guilty of that a time or six hundred.

It just confirmed for me the importance of going to God first thing in the morning, giving Him that day, and asking Him to give me my daily bread.

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

Too much of a good thing?

Sophie - March 18, 2009 - Comments (14)

For the last several weeks I've been thinking a lot about this little online world that's become such a big part of so many of our lives. As much as I like to look at blogging and Twittering and Facebooking and call it all a hobby, the bottom line is that the online world has infiltrated and impacted my day-to-day life in ways I could have never imagined four or five years ago. And for the most part, it's been a very good thing.

But.

One of my biggest struggles as a blogger is to make sure that I'm not so busy writing about my life that I forget to live it. There are times when I very intentionally pull back from the web because I can get overwhelmed by it if I'm not careful. If I wanted to I could spend all day every day plugged in to other people's lives - I could read blogs and listen to podcasts and catch up on Twitter and comb through pictures on Facebook. And odds are that I would love every single stinkin' second. However, spending all that time wrapped up in other people's lives might mean that I miss out on my own life, on my own family - and that's no good at all.

So. How do y'all juggle it all? What's your biggest challenge in terms of balancing real life and web life (or have the two totally blended together for you)? Do you have to set boundaries for yourself so that you don't jump online at 9 and then suddenly realize that it's 1 and you haven't had lunch yet? Do you ever feel like online life overwhelms you?

Are we more connected than we need to be?

WWD

Kris S - - Comments (0)

Wednesday Weekly Devotional - 03/17/09 from Kris Seidenkranz on Vimeo.

The first step

Melanie - March 17, 2009 - Comments (6)

My church is in the middle of some big transitions right now and so there has been a lot of talk about hearing the voice of God. Specifically, hearing His voice and knowing when He's calling you to move.

The thing about moving is that it can be hard. It requires change. It requires sacrifice. It requires giving up some measure of comfort.

And if you don't think those things are true, then I'll assume you've never moved before.

Fifteen years ago, I had just graduated from college and started my first real job. And by real, I mean that it didn't involve baby-sitting any kids and I had to wear a suit. I moved to a city where I essentially knew no one because I knew it was where God was calling me to be.

I spent about four months being absolutely miserable at my lack of anything resembling friends and a social life, but I held on to the fact that I knew I was in the center of God's will for me.

About a month later, I was re-introduced to the man who became my husband and fifteen years later I am in that same city, surrounded by more family and friends than I could have dreamed of back in 1994.

I've been thinking a lot about that time lately because it marked my first tenuous steps to fully trusting God with my life. It was the first time I really took a leap of faith. And it all worked out.

It's good to remember His faithfulness, especially being in a season of life where I'm feeling called to take other steps. Steps out of my comfort zone, steps towards His plan for my life.

In the book of Joshua, we see the Israelites as they're about to cross over the Jordan. Joshua 3:13 says, "And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord - the Lord of all the earth - set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap."

Apart from God, that doesn't even make sense. The waters are going to stand up in a heap? Well, sure they are. That's a natural state for a liquid.

But it happened. As soon as the priests feet touched the water's edge, the water stopped flowing. The key was that first step of faith, the kind of faith that gets your toes wet knowing that God is going to take care of the rest.

So, if you're like me and feel like He's calling you to move, it may be time to get your feet wet.

Ministers' Wives slide show!

Paige Greene - March 16, 2009 - Comments (2)

Check it out. Pictures speak louder than words. What an incredibly sweet time. If you were there, see Sophie's post below and tell us what it meant to you!

A recap written by you

Sophie - - Comments (18)

I've heard from several different people that Living Proof Live for Ministers' Wives was absolutely incredible. And all morning long I've thought I would love to write about it. I would love to write about it. But the problem with writing about it is that I wasn't there. Which makes the writing about it somewhat problematic.

(Unless I just make up some stuff.)

(But something tells me that particular strategy probably wouldn't fly very well.)

So.

If you were at Living Proof Live for Ministers' Wives this past weekend, would you give us your reactions / feedback / recap in the comments? I'd love to read your thoughts (and if you've already put your thoughts in a post, just leave the link); I have a feeling that God gave the women there all sorts of wonderful encouragement this past weekend.

Can't wait to read what y'all have to say!

A recap written by you

Sophie - March 8, 2009 - Comments (1)

I've heard from several different people that Living Proof Live for Ministers' Wives was absolutely incredible. And all morning long I've thought I would love to write about it. I would love to write about it. But the problem with writing about it is that I wasn't there. Which makes the writing about it somewhat problematic.

(Unless I just make up some stuff.)

(But something tells me that particular strategy probably wouldn't fly very well.)

So.

If you were at Living Proof Live for Ministers' Wives this past weekend, would you give us your reactions / feedback / recap in the comments? I'd love to read your thoughts (and if you've already put your thoughts in a post, just leave the link); I have a feeling that God gave the women there all sorts of wonderful encouragement this past weekend.

Can't wait to read what y'all have to say!

Worrying about the how

Melanie - March 13, 2009 - Comments (4)

I spend a lot of time trying to figure things out. I develop plans in my head and write lists of things I need to accomplish. And then I worry about my lists and my plans and how they're all going to work out.

I have a little bit of control freak tendencies.

So I loved what Beth said in this week's session about Esther. Esther was called to be obedient, not to figure the situation out. We are responsible for "the what" in our lives, but God will take care of "the how".

When I think of all the hours I've spent worrying about "the how"...well, it's a lot of hours. What a relief to realize that God has it all in his hands and all I need to do is listen.

I'd love to hear what you learned from Esther this week.

Also, on a totally different note. Please pray for the ministers' wives conference this weekend in Nashville and, if you're anywhere nearby and the wife of a minister, it's not too late to be a part of it.

More winners for the Ministers' Wives Event!

Paige Greene - March 12, 2009 - Comments (1)

Gals!!

Its true, we have pulled a few more names out of the list of submissions from Pam's blog entry of 2/27 for a free ticket to the Living Proof Live event for Ministers' Wives this weekend!

Several ladies couldn't make it that had won AND our buddies over at B&H Publishing also purchased two complimentary tickets so we could bless two MORE Minister's Wives. Thanks to B&H buddy and Women's Aquisition Editor, Jennifer Lyell! So, here we go....the new winners are:

Krista

Shannon

Tonya

Heather M

Elizabeth Dzladne

Whoo hooo for you! We hope you can make it girls. Please let us know if you can and we will put your ticket at will call.

May the Lord greatly bless our Minister's Wives guests this weekend with a Word just from Him along with fun, fellowship and much needed encouragement! Our Living Proof Live event team along with Beth and Travis are HUGELY blessed to serve them!! It is gonna be a blast!

Paige

WWD

Regina Gibson - March 11, 2009 - Comments (0)

Wednesday Weekly Devotional - 03/11/09 from Kris Seidenkranz on Vimeo.

When the road looks rough

Melanie - March 10, 2009 - Comments (8)

A little over a week ago, the father of one of my dearest friends was hit by a car in the early morning hours as he walked their dog. He was immediately life-flighted to a nearby hospital where he continues to remain in critical condition with severe head trauma.

The whole situation has just broken my heart and I've spent so much time in prayer for them. It's just such a painful reminder of how life can turn on a dime. One day, everything seems fine, and then the next day, it all changes.

About two years ago, my husband and I found ourselves in a really unsure place. I'd just resigned from my job and we were facing some huge financial obstacles. I walked around feeling so scared and uncertain about what the future was going to look like.

During that time, God led me to this passage in Isaiah.

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

I emailed that verse to my friend yesterday hoping that it would give her some measure of comfort and peace. There are times in life when we will all feel blinded by what life throws at us and the path will seem unbearably rough and treacherous, but God turns that darkness into light. Only He can make the rough places smooth.

And if you think about, please keep my friend's father in your prayers. The next few days are very critical.

Living Proof Live for Minister's Wives Give-Away Winners

Kris S - March 9, 2009 - Comments (3)

Here are the final winners for the Minister's Wives drawing. The event is THIS Friday, so please send me an email today to let me know if you can come. As a reminder, winners receive a free ticket, however we are not able to provide travel to get to Nashville. Some of you entered yourselves (which is great!) and others nominated your pastor's wife. Either way, please let us know if you can accept the ticket. Here are the random winners:

Heather Nelson (She has contacted me that she cannot come) We are sad.
NancysLostandFound
whittakerwoman
Tanya Brand
Gabby
Kathy
Shane Cornutt
Sunny
Rachel Larkin
Dana Gilliam

Praying all of you will be able to find your way to Living Proof Live with Beth Moore as she speaks specifically to you!

Go Tell

Sophie - March 12, 2009 - Comments (1)

Look! A numbered list! It must be your lucky day!

1) Just a quick reminder that Living Proof Live for Ministers' Wives is this weekend (March 13 & 14) in Nashville. Oh, how I would love to be there. But alas, I am not a minister's wife. I thought about offering to sing a solo or something in exchange for the LifeWay people letting me slip in and sit on the back row, but then I remembered that I can't actually sing. So it wasn't exactly my strongest plan.

2) This article has some great, practical advice for leading a Bible study. And if you work in a church, the article would be a fab resource for your small group leaders.

3) Without boring you to tears with the details, I'll tell you that listening to the words of this song - which was written and recorded for the International Mission Board last year - left me very encouraged yesterday.

Hope it encourages y'all, too.

Go tell, girls.

As someone once said

Melanie - March 6, 2009 - Comments (5)

Okay, so there's no recap of Esther this week and there is a good reason for it. My Bible study group, specifically our kids, got struck down by the flu and other various ailments and we had to skip a week.

So, we're now a week behind.

I hope the flu is happy is with itself.

Anyway, I'm going to tell y'all about a book that I read years ago and loved. In fact, I still read parts of it again every now and then for encouragement and inspiration.

It's called The Bible.

I'm kidding. It's not the Bible.

It's "Abandoned to God" by David McCasland and it's a biography of Oswald Chambers, the author of "My Utmost for His Highest". I first read it about ten years ago and was so moved by his story and his struggles. It made him seem so real, as opposed to some flawless human who wrote incredibly beautiful devotions to God.

I was reading through parts of it again last week and came upon a quote from Oswald Chambers that I love. He says, "It is never 'do, do and you'll be' with the Lord, but 'be, be and I will do through you.' It is a case of 'hands up' and letting go, and then entire reliance on Him."

It's a good reminder to me that all I have to do is be me. The me that God intended me to be, flaws and all.

If you have any quotes that you love or that inspire you, I'd love to hear them. I may put them all together in some sort of Book of Thoughts. Or at least just read them.

Webby delightfulness

Sophie - March 4, 2009 - Comments (1)

When I first started blogging back in 2005, I looked high and low on the interweb for fun banners and buttons that I could put on the sidebar of my blog. I had all of four readers, I think (and two of those were spambots), but I wanted those other two real-live readers to be able to look at my sidebar and get a sense of who I was and what I believed.

However, at the time there just weren't a whole lot of free, good-looking banners and buttons to be found, so my sidebar pretty much consisted of the Blogger and Site Meter logos. I was clearly very high-tech.

But these days it's a whole new bloggy world, and there's all sorts of stuff you can put on your blog to give your readers a sense of who you are and what you believe. And tonight, when I was clicking around the LifeWay women's events page to make sure I had the right dates for a couple of upcoming conferences, I noticed the coolest little resource: WEB BANNERS.

OH YES MA'AM. My 2005 self would have been OVER THE MOON.

So if you're planning to attend a LifeWay women's event this year and want to spread the word (and, as an added bonus, the Word) to your readers, just click on the name of the events below and then scroll to the bottom of each page to find your sassy blog banners and buttons.

Priscilla Shirer's Going Beyond
Vicki Courtney's You and Your Girl
Beth Moore's Living Proof Live
Deeper Still

And if you need any help getting the banners to show up in your sidebar, just leave a comment. I'll do my best to help. Though you may need to pray that I'll be covered with a special technological anointing.

Have a great day, y'all!

WWD

Kris S - - Comments (0)

Wednesday Weekly Devotional - 03/04/09 from Kris Seidenkranz on Vimeo.

First Simulcast Beth Moore Study Winner!

Kris S - March 3, 2009 - Comments (5)

Congratulations to Amy Cogswell and Northland Christian Church in Topeka, KS for being the first winner of a Beth Moore kit of their choice. They chose Esther!

In case you didn't know, your church too can be entered to win a Beth Moore Bible study Kit and also enter the grand prize drawing of an expense paid trip for two to see Beth Moore live in Green Bay, WI on August 28-29! Here's how it works. Have your church register to HOST the Living Proof Live Simulcast at your local church. (Actually, no purchase necessary, click details from here - )

So, check it out, ya'll. See if your church has signed up yet, and if not, go talk to your church about it! This is a great way to bring the women of your local town, community and city together for a powerful experience.

Hoping the rest of your Tuesday is a happy one!
love and smiles! Kris

A different view

Sophie - March 1, 2009 - Comments (4)

Honestly, I've been a little tired of winter for the last month or so. All the gray has gotten to me; in fact, there was a three week stretch where it seemed like the sun didn't shine at all. So I've just been ready for some sunshine. Some blue. Some bright green. Something different than the gray.

But do you know what happened? This morning I woke up to the biggest expanse of gray I've seen in awhile, and it was glorious.

It's same tangled web of gray branches I've been looking at for the last two months, but this morning, thanks to a little snow, I saw them in a whole new way.

And I'm reminded that sometimes God gives us the tiniest shift in our circumstances to open up a completely new perspective.

Glorious.