We Converged!

I want to take a minute and thank all of you who were with us for Converge last Thursday night at the Berry Center. We're so glad you were there! In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, we were joined by special guests CeCe Winans and Travis Cottrell and his praise team for a night of worship and the Word. It was a wonderful evening and we were so blessed by you! Curtis was our emcee and at one point he asked the people who had never been to an LPM event (like Tuesday night Bible study) to raise their hands. We were thrilled by how many there were. It looked like half to me, but I could be wrong. What a great joy to be able to serve all of you in Jesus' name!

I've had so many sweet friends share with me what the Lord spoke to them that night through Beth's message. Ladies, isn't it awesome that we have a God who is active in our lives? Not just when we get to heaven, but NOW? We're believing Him to work in every person's life who attended and we're already praising Him for those testimonies.

A lot of my friends mentioned how neat the stage, lighting and video production were. We contracted some friends from Beth's Living Proof Live Events (which are done through LifeWay) to help us out with that. They do such an excellent job! It occurred to me that a lot of our girls in Houston have never attended a Living Proof Live event, and that's totally understandable because we get to study the Word together all the time here at home. But if you really enjoyed the energy and the quality of production of the event - not to mention Travis Cottrell and his awesome praise team - you should look into coming to a Living Proof Live conference in 2009. The conferences are like three sessions of what we did at Converge. Here is a link to the schedule. Our Houston girls will be closest to the El Paso and New Orleans events.

I'd also like our Houston girls to know that a new song from Travis' Christmas CD has just been added to KSBJ's Christmas rotation. The song is "Ring the Bells." It's one of my favorites. So if you call in and request it, they'll be able to play it now. If you hear it and love it (which you will!), stop by Travis' blog and let him know!

We hope many of you will join us this Spring for our Inheritance Bible Study at Houston's First Baptist Church. We get started on Tuesday, January 13. For more information, visit our Houston Connection page. See you then!

P.S. We're considering producing a product from the Converge event, but if we decide to do that it will be several months before it will be available for purchase. Thanks so much for your patience!

Prayer Request for Bible Study

Hi ladies! I wanted to let you all know what a big night this is for your LPM siestas so you can be praying. We are kicking off "LIT," which is our fall Bible study series. (Registration is closed.) My mom and Melissa are co-teaching a class of about 150 18-25-year-old ladies and it will begin tonight. Next Tuesday Curtis will kick off his ungraded class for men and women. We are so excited! Please pray for Beth and Melissa as they begin their class tonight. Please also pray for the young ladies who will join us this fall. Our Bible study coordinator is Jennifer Hamm, in case you want to lift her up by name. She is awesome and works so hard! Okay, gotta run. I have to leave the house in 15 minutes and I'm not even close to being ready! Story of my life. Thanks, sisters!

A Little Leader Love

Two weeks ago we wrapped up our Breaking Free Bible study in Houston and we got a chance to share a little bit about it on the blog. Now we would love to hear from all you Bible-study-leading, blogging siestas. How did your semester go? Chime in whether or not it was a Beth Moore study. We just want people in the Word!

Breaking Free

Tuesday was the last night of our Breaking Free Bible study. We went out with a bang! The Lord was with us and, in my unbiased opinion, Beth taught a mighty fine lesson. The praise team sang Kirk Franklin's "Stomp" and CeCe Winans' "King of Kings/He's a Wonder." It was awesome! I heard that some of our sisters had sore feet from stomping in their heels. Bethie was wearing her most stilt-like shoes that night and I think she's very lucky that she didn't roll an ankle. She would have hated teaching from a chair.

We wanted to document the last night well because HFBC's sanctuary is getting completely renovated. In fact, the work crew started that very night after everyone was gone. The next time we meet there it will look completely different! I was only able to make it for the last session, but I was told that our stage set up had to be bare bones for the last night so that it would be extra easy to take down.

After Bible study we had a party with our amazing volunteers. We celebrated over fajitas from Pappasito's and cupcakes from The Cookie Jar. Very, very yummy. The faces you see belong to our praise team, prayer team, greeters, resource table workers, and sound crew. It definitely takes a village. We are very grateful for the godly people the Lord has allowed us to partner with. Thanks to everyone who came, who served, and who prayed!

Wedding Week - Installment 2

Awhirl in tulle!

Busy as bees!

Had to work both Monday and Tuesday because of Tuesday night Bible study. (Melissa even worked Monday) My Pastor has been so gracious to wait until the day after we finish our series to begin the much-needed remodeling process on our sanctuary. Knowing we have an immovable deadline to finish up, there simply was not a week we could cancel class. It was so hard to concentrate and to get notes and handout ready in the midst of many other items on our wedding checklist but God graced us with His Presence last night in spite of divided loves and loyalties. I awakened with overwhelming gratitude in my heart to Him this morning and felt a huge release to do absolutely nothing but wedding. So here's a report since installment #1. Melissa's list is too long to even recount but I'll tell you what we've been up to:

*Monday evening: Made one of the funnest and funniest memories of our lives at dance class. As long as I live, I will never forget our male instructor slow dancing with Keith to sharpen his technique. I made sure Yancy (our able and enthusiastic teacher) knew that Keith and I may not know how to fox trot and rumba, but make no mistake, we shone like the sun under the light of a disco ball.

*Tuesday afternoon: Lis and I met before Bible study at the photographer's studio and picked out portrait. Incredible memory. With one hand I held proofs of a regal young woman in a white ball gown and with the other, I hugged a darling little girl in a t-shirt and jeans and almost no make-up who looked about 15 years old. The contrast blessed me so.

*Headed to Bible study via the Starbucks. Barely made it in time to get ready. Praise God, He was already there and fully prepared. Even before I walked on the platform, my mind was totally distracted and confounded. I couldn't even think how to start the lesson but when I hit my knees before that Houston group I love so much, God brought instant - I do mean INSTANT - clarity to my thoughts and I was more caught up in the lesson than anyone. I probably needed it most. Oh, the mercies of Him who loves us so!

*Late last night: Melissa headed to the airport to pick up her groom. Remember, he's been in Atlanta throughout the engagement. They've only seen each other a handful of times in the last month and a half. Someone else was supposed to go get him because her hands were so full with a jillion things but she couldn't stand not to be the one. They were ecstatic to be together. In love if anyone ever has been.

*Today: Got up early for prayer time then did my Breaking Free homework. Then me, Beanie, and Sunny met Melissa and Colin at the county courthouse at 8:00 AM with her birth certificate and her passport so they could get their marrige license. Got the documents out of my safety deposit box a few days ago but her apartment is turned upside down with boxes as she prepares to move and I was afraid they could get lost in the inevitable turmoil. As I drove there this morning, I was also worried there might be a long line of couples because of all the weddings on Valentine's Day but, alas, Lis and Colin called me thirty minutes later with the glee of four year-olds and told me they had their license. I enthusiastically assured them that did not mean they were married yet. Heehee. Having to watch them close. They are ready to get married.

I'm back home now and about to throw some rollers in this hair, gather up Melissa's gown and veil and head back to the seamstress so she can put final touches on it and steam and press it for Saturday. Melissa's heading to her hair appointment to get a few fresh highlights. That should have gone without saying.

The remainder of the day is packed with one task after another. So much to do that Lis has to go one direction and I have to go another but we will talk every five minutes like we've been doing for twenty-five years. It's a beautiful crisp cold day in Houston so I'll enjoy being out and about. My friend, Priscilla Shirer, sent me a new worship CD and I can't wait to bask in it through my comings and goings. God deserves praise today.

Amanda and our almost-two-year old darling grandboy get into town early evening and we can't wait to get them here. I'll leave you today with something Amanda said yesterday that has made Lis and me laugh ever since. I was telling her that I'd seen a mock-up of the programs and that Melissa honored Jackson as "Honorary Ring Bearer." Amanda said, "But she really doesn't mean for him to actually do it, does she? Because, Mom, we'll have to throw a ball down the church aisle so he'll chase it down to the front. That's the only way we'll get him up there." I keep picturing it. No, he's not really doing it. But he IS putting on a fancy suit and playing in the church halls with his Nana (Curtis's mom) during the wedding then coming to the reception! Then again, if while they're playing in the halls, a ball should get away from Nana, who knows who might be running down that aisle???

Fun days. Thanks for sharing it! The Moores love you and cherish your love for us! Christ in you, the hope of Glory!

No time to spell or grammer check! Shoot fire. Just realized I don't know what I'm wearing to rehearsal dinner. Wear something I already have? Don't make me do that! Please don't make me do that! OK, well, I may do that. Depends on how the day goes. May have to work in a quick stop by the Steinmart today.

Part Two of the Bfree Inquisition

*Comments now closed*

(My Dearest Siestas, I have hopped back on this entry after 411 comments to tell you that it is everything I can do to stay in my chair today. I have never wanted to do a day-long thank You dance to Jesus so much in all my life. I wish I had 2000+ Siestas to do it with: Those who have broken free and those who, by the promises of God's Word and the testimonies of hundreds of lives, KNOW THEY CAN!! I can practically feel the blood pumping through my veins. THESE COMMENTS ARE MUST-READS!)

OK, Siestas, I'm about to invite you to share in Part Two of our inquisition for Breaking Free. First, a recap: In the last post I asked you for insight regarding the areas of bondage that most threaten you. All the comments moved us and some were nearly excruciating to read, especially considering how we've come to care for one another. I think we have an all-new perspective on the kind of suffering and (often secret) captivity that exists out there...and among many people who really want to do this life-thing right. (And CAN, praise God, with the power of His Spirit. We'll talk more about that in future posts.)

Some of us may have nearly despaired and wondered, "Is anybody really living in victory out there? Is anyone really free?" The answer to that question is YES. But no one got there easily OR accidentally. We can be threatened by an area of bondage for years without ever being defeated by it then one day, to the great glory of God, we realize it doesn't tempt us anymore. Without question, nobody's got it completely together and those who think they do are on the brink of dropping it. But, whatever you do, don't get cynical and give up the fight. Plenty of believers are living in titanic daily victory over old areas of bondage and have sustained it in the power of Christ for years. In Breaking Free, living victoriously is not living sinlessly. It's living successfully. It's the fleshed-out reality of an effective, abundant Spirit-empowered life. Now, it's time to hear some testimonies of victory. I only have one question for you this time and, again, all answers need to be ANONYMOUS. No others can be posted on this entry. Please make your answers somewhere in length between one sentence and a brief paragraph so that we can read every single one of them.

Question: From what area of past bondage has Christ set you free? Be specific so that our sisters can see that nothing is beyond His reach. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

I love you so.

Lending Your Priceless Insight

Hey, You Darling Siestas! (*Precious Ones, comments now closed on this entry because the number got so great that I would have more than I could read. I am profoundly moved and prayerful over what has been shared and will write back to you soon about it. You have given me tremendous insight and I pray the gracious and powerful ministry of Christ Jesus all over you. I have been where many of you are. Our God reigns, Dear Sisters! Do not lose heart because you cannot lose Jesus. This is what He came for. Isaiah 61:1-4)

Before I tell you what this post is about, I want to tell you something that tendered my heart then brag on you and encourage you. I so enjoyed the Titus post and all your comments! AJ and I had talked about what a fun post it could be and it was! She and I, like many of you, also had a sharp pain go through our hearts that some of our single siestas either felt left out of it or, or worse yet, like losers because of it. When I posted their comments (AJ was on a roadtrip so I moderated many of them), I kept a very careful eye on the communication that unfolded. I watched you respond to one another and minister to one another. I saw the Body of Christ at work. I was so thankful.

You know, Siestas, we don't always know how to say the right thing and sometimes our comments may even seem thoughtless or inconsiderate, but I am convinced that our hearts in this blog community truly are to love one another and encourage each other. We want and need the diversity and have so much to learn from one another. Now, I'm grabbing my megaphone and yelling this part really loudly: WE WANT YOU SINGLE SIESTAS IN THIS COMMUNITY! FIGHT FOR YOUR SPOT! KEEP YOUR COMMENTS COMING! KEEP REMINDING YOUR MARRIED SISTERS THAT YOU ARE THERE! WE ARE THE BETTER FOR YOUR INFLUENCE! WE NEED YOU!

Sometimes the blog posts will be blatantly family-oriented because it's sponsored by a mother and daughter team. It's just a way we share the personal side of our lives with you and that's what makes the blog stream unique to everything else we do here at Living Proof Ministries. This blog is the friend, mom, and sister side of what we could offer, God willing. It's partially meant to be a big fat celebration of Girl World. Nothing could be more appropriate in a world system so demeaning to women than to rejoice in the dignity Christ won for us. Sometimes we just want to make you laugh because we love to laugh. Other times we want to share with you what made us cry. Blatantly above all and through all, however, our highest and hottest passion is to encourage fellow sojourners of all kinds to live fully and freely the life Jesus Christ offers...and to offer a little practical help with implementing His explosive power. We love you so much and we're so honored to be your servant. Your friend. Your sister. Your mom. Even your Mama Beth. Don't mind a bit. As my grandmother used to say, I could mother a fence post. Love it.

NOW, on to what I'm requesting from some of you. Your input was priceless to me in the Esther series and I'm betting you could really lend some insight now. As you know, I am now working on revising the series "Breaking Free" and will be attending to it for months to come. Here are my two questions and I'd like those who feel compelled to respond to answer them ANONYMOUSLY and by including the numbers "1)" and "2)" so they'll be easier for me to read (you don't need to include the questions):

Please note: ALL COMMENTS NEED TO BE ANONYMOUS THIS TIME IF THEY'RE IN RESPONSE TO THESE QUESTIONS. PLEASE DO NOT ATTACH YOUR BLOGGER NAME OR PERSONAL NAME. PLEASE ALSO KEEP IN MIND THAT YOUR WILLINGNESS TO COMMENT IS ALSO YOUR PERMISSION FOR ME TO QUOTE FROM IT IF IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL IN THE STUDY. KEEPING THEM ANONYMOUS IS CRUCIAL TO THAT FREEDOM. PLEASE KEEP YOUR ANSWERS SUCCINCT. NO LONGER THAN TWO EASY TO READ BRIEF PARAGRAPHS SO THAT I CAN READ THEM. THANK YOU!
1) What one thing threatens you most with bondage? Try to be specific. If your answer is intimate in nature, then use code language. I'll get what you're trying to say.

2) What is your biggest obstacle to living freely and fully in Christ? (Please don't give the answer you think you're supposed to give. Really share what you think holds you back.)

Thank you for your help, Siestas! Please don't feel like you have to comment. Only comment if you really have something to share about bondage and your biggest obstacle to freedom. You'll know if it's not that big a deal to you or you really have to think about it that you'll want to leave the room to another Siesta this time. I AM CRAZY ABOUT EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!

PS. No time to proofread this time! Sorry for inevitable mistakes!

The Wild World of Bible Study

Hey, Siestas! Y'all are just the most fun ever. I so enjoyed all your reactions to the "goods." I was also very tendered by our siesta who reminded us to pray for our single sisters who are fighting a few gray hairs (you can color those stinkin' thangs!) and frequent bouts of loneliness. I know a number of single women who wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, are serving God like crazy in all sorts of unhindered ways, and they'd about beat us to death with their handbags if we prayed them up a husband. But, we want to be faithful friends and prayer warriors for ANY of our siestas who are lonely. Including those who are married. Nothing makes you feel more alone than a bad marriage. I know because I've had one. And I don't have one now. Keith and I like to say that we've each been married to ten different people and they all look suspiciously similar.

On a very encouraging note, I was glad to also hear from the sister who has been burned by tons of girlfriends but is getting her feet wet again in Siestaville. I pray she'll find this a safe and fun enough place to venture back out into some great Godly friendships that last a lifetime. This is no replacement for that but it's a great encouragement to stay wildly connected to people and to be reminded why you want to. BigMama, I'm so sorry you've been under the weather! I feel like we live so close together I should bring you a pound cake.

OK, now this is the main thing that prompted me to hop online: I'm so pumped that such a number of you are starting "Stepping Up"! I loved that journey! Only one in the Psalms I've ever done. It's based on an analogy drawn from the pilgrimage the Israelites took to Jerusalem three times a year. I was so intrigued by the whole concept. I'd honestly never paid attention to the caption "A Song of Ascent" above certain psalms nor had I ever heard a lesson on it. The study is really different from the others - and on purpose. God's Word is so alive and fresh that there's no excuse for cookie cutter studies. I hope so much God uses it to take you to the next level with Him. I'm so honored that you'd allow me to step on those stairs with you.

While on the subject of Bible studies, dear Siesta who got the regular book version of Breaking Free rather than the workbook, if you really have some major stuff to deal with (and who doesn't?), please consider getting the workbook instead and perhaps giving the book to someone who isn't as likely to do an in-depth study. Those are my favorite candidates for what's called the "trade book" version of Breaking Free. For everyone else, the workbook is the way to take the journey. I'm a huge believer in the actual process of Bible study (i.e. turning to this Scripture and that, spending the time in tandem with God alone, writing down your responses, etc.) and never more so than in that particular journey. In Breaking Free, the process of poring over the Scriptures is itself a crucial part of the healing. Psalm 107:20 says "He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave." Boy, have I lived that reality.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. No one loves regular books more than me. I have at least two going at any given time. I've been greatly challenged and changed by book after book and even added to the shelves by writing more of them than anybody wanted to read. When it comes to deepest, lifelong healing, freedom from bondage, and equipping for anointed ministry, however, I am convinced that the in-depth, life-style study of God's Word is where it happens. I love plunging into it on my own but I also love a guidebook or map of sorts to steer my journey and that's what discipleship materials are all about. (I have done stacks of other people's studies. You might be a little amused that I'm doing the Breaking Free homework right now. It's the first time I've ever actually gone back and done the homework as a participant. It's been almost ten years since I wrote it so it's hitting me like crazy.) I love any sound study of God's Word. Digging into the depths of Scripture and having your mind deliberately and consistently renewed by God is what freedom is all about. Otherwise, we've got too many people to get mad at and never forgive as long as we live - and too many people to offend and never lay eyes on again. You and me - We need to be in SCRIPTURE!

Well, that's what I got on here to say. I guess you can tell Keith isn't home or I wouldn't have had the time to rattle on. I was just so excited about "Stepping Up" that I got on a Bible study roll. I'll go take an Advil now. I've worn myself out.

So Here Are The Goods

Hey, Darling Siestas!

I'm going to give you some of the goods on the wedding but first I must thank you so much for your prayers yesterday as we launched the revised version of Breaking Free here in Houston. WE FELT THE INTERCESSION! God brought us the most incredible group. They were a little timid but, actually, that's a good sign. It means a lot of them really are new to the environment and that's what we want! They should warm up in no time. I was so happy to see tons of new faces. A good number of older teenagers and college age girls, too. I want so much to see young women deal with their stuff with Jesus before they make huge life-altering decisions - like who they want to marry. I'm asking God to go ahead and weed out (and send to another Bible study) the (precious and dearly loved) ones that are just coming to come and leave us with the ones serious about BREAKING FREE even as early as next week. (That process usually takes about three weeks but I'm asking God to nail down our group quickly this time so we can begin to gel as a group and get that freedom train moving.)

If you have much familiarity with the studies, you probably know this is the one dearest to me because it is my life message and I had to fight the enemy and my past so ferociously to write it. It is the dearest and most personal thing that God has ever entrusted to me and a testimony of our journey together out of my grotesque bondage. It represents the deepest pain and highest joy of my life. Although Believing God (really Breaking Free, Part 2) is my favorite of the studies because it was the most fun for me (Esther, close 2nd!), Breaking Free is the one that is closest to my heart. As God brings us to mind, please continue to pray for Him to work miracle after miracle among the women in our group and to set captives free so thoroughly that they will never return to bondage. Thank you so much for caring for our home girls. They mean the world to me.

NOW, I do believe you and I have bigger fish to fry! WEDDING DETAILS! OK, let me tell you a little about how things transpired. Melissa and Colin knew each other (or more accurately - about each other) in high school. He was a year older but they passed each other in the halls and had a few mutual friends. Years passed. He went to school in New York State where he did his undergrad and grad work while she did the same in Chicago. A little over a year ago, their paths crossed again. I have never seen her more intrigued by anyone. She waited a while before she started bringing him around Keith and I so that she could keep us uninvolved until she knew if it was worth getting our radars up. (We're a VERY close family. Grin. And we don't keep our opinions to ourselves (even Curtis). So, in our family, if you don't want it openly discussed, you'd better keep it to yourself. And even then, we're probably going to be onto it. Because we can tell when someone looks guilty. Nothing but God is sacred at our house. And privacy? What the heck is that?????)

Quit getting me side tracked. Anyway, he's a businessman but his love-of-a-hobby is music and he writes, sings, and plays the guitar. The blend of business and art in him was just more than Melissa could resist. She also said something I found so hilarious that I laughed and slapped my knee for fifteen minutes. When I began to see that she was really falling for him (and we still had barely gotten to meet him), I said, "Honey, what is it you like so much about him?" (Translation: How can you like anyone that much that your parents don't even know? I thought we were closer than this.) She said, "Mom, he is the kindest person I've ever known." Then she paused a second, looked me straight in the eye, and blurted, "And he thinks TULIP is a flower." (TULIP is the acrostic for the five points of Calvinism. Melissa dearly loves the academic side of Bible study and, in the right setting, enjoys a good, healthy doctrinal debate but she adamantly did not want to marry it.) In other words, she found him completely refreshing. He's fairly new to this whole wild world of serious theology and is, in countless ways, a tremendous breath of fresh air to us.

And he liked her, too. She's such a (Godly) wildcat, she kinda gets under your skin.

Little by little, particularly since Melissa lived in Chicago, we got to know Colin and fell totally in love with him like she did. He looks you dead-on in the eyes when he talks to you and I like that in a person. He smiles easy and is fun to get tickled. He also didn't need our family to be perfect which was a relief. Colin has one of the sweetest servant-hearts I've ever seen in anyone. And Beanie liked him. We always do the Beanie test. She has very good taste. (You might think I'm overlooking Sunny but you need to know that Sunny doesn't like anyone but immediate family...and some of those more than others. Visitors are just extra baggage for her to have to guard. She finds their company exhausting and annoying and prefers to wait outside and bark until they're gone.) Importantly, Colin also liked Beanie and, had he not, that would have been the end of the family favor.

Oh, man! I'm running out of time! Just about to have a staff meeting! So I'll make the rest quick. Last October Colin took his life into his own hands and approached Keith to ask for Melissa's hand. This is the truest test of intent. Keith is - how shall I say? - terrifying. Very protective of his girls. But he likes Colin. Just can't help himself. So he relented and gave his blessing. Soon after that, Colin quietly and privately proposed to Melissa. That's his way and we're good with that. We'd rather him be more dramatic with his commitment than his proposal. We want a big love that lasts a lifetime. Not a big show that lasts thirty minutes.

We waited to announce it to you until the invitations went in the mail. We wanted you to be surprised (thanks for being so much fun about it! We read every comment!) and feel VERY invited to the wedding through your prayers. Melissa has chosen to have a smaller, more intimate church wedding than Amanda's (still called the Cinderella Ball at our house) because she wanted to serve a sit-down dinner to her guests at the reception. So, that's exactly what we're going to do and we are thrilled.

Does that satisfy a little curiosity? I'm tickled you wanted to know. I'm like that, too. I'm a hopeless romantic if you'll ever find one. You know what, Siestas? Amanda, Melissa, and I love you so much. We really, really do. One by one, you've stolen each of our hearts. You're such a blast to do life with. I may not have met you in person but I know so many of your "names" and even a little about you from your comments and, at this point, would even recognize many of your faces from your blogger pictures. I'd call that real. Have a blast with Jesus today! He's so worthy of your highest romance!

Breaking Free

My mom will be back soon for more wedding talk, but in the meantime I am bursting to tell you all that today is the first day of Bible study for 2008! Beth is incredibly excited and encouraged to meet our group. We will be studying Breaking Free. The core message of this study is simply freedom for the captives. I think it's fair to say that many, perhaps even most of us siestas have been involved in this study before. I know that everyone who has been changed by Christ's message of freedom will share in our joy as we set out to proclaim that wonderful message for the next 10 weeks.

We are excited to get to tell you that Breaking Free is being revised, much like the Tabernacle study (A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place) was. Some of the messages will stay exactly the same and others will change completely. The updated sessions, which will mirror those taught this semester, will be taped in the fall. We could not think of a better location for the filming than Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, where the study was originally filmed ten years ago! (Having to add in a little note here with information we didn't originally have so that we can help prevent calls to their church. The taping is a special occasion between Beth and their church and not open to the public. Thanks so much for your understanding!)

Siestas, may we incite your intercession yet again? (I was going to say "one more time," but I know as long as there is a Living Proof Ministries, we will be asking for your prayers!) The enemy loves to see God's people in bondage, and because of that we know he will come against us and against those who will participate in this study. Even so, while we want to be alert and aware, we march into this semester of Bible study with a spirit of victory and not of fear! Amen? Nothing could be dearer to God's heart than ministering freedom and victory to captives, so we will do it with confidence, fearing no evil.

We claim 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." (The Amplified Bible) And we wholeheartedly believe 1 John 4:4, which tells us, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (NIV)

Our primary prayer request this semester is for the captives not to grow discouraged. Please pray that they will indeed be set free! Pray that each one will finish and make freedom in Christ a reality in her life. I am getting excited just typing these words! I am filled with faith that God is going to do a huge work in each life.

Other things to pray for include anointing for Beth to teach, anointing for our praise team to lead worship, wisdom and endurance for our Bible study coordinator (Jennifer) and other staff members, peace and calm over the parking lot and in the sanctuary as the women arrive, that many will come early, that the parking lot will accommodate every car, and for there not to be even one distraction while Beth is teaching tonight. The list could go on and on! Thank you in advance for your prayers. May God's glorious name be praised!

The Big Day!

I had to call my mom the minute I woke up this morning. Well, not quite that minute because I had a little one to tend to. But my first free minute (while I was pouring my tea and making toast from some rather stale bread). I knew she would answer with a smile on her face and with loads of energy because TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF BIBLE STUDY! And THIS IS WHAT WE DO! As a group, we are most fulfilled when we're serving a group of ladies on Tuesday nights who have trekked over to Houston's First Baptist Church to worship the Lord and learn His Word. LPM exists for this.

So if the Lord brings it to mind, please lift up Beth and our whole staff as we prepare for Bible study tonight. It is always a very exciting and busy day. Pray for Beth to have concentration, to hear from the Lord, to be filled with His power, and to teach in such a way that the body of Christ is built up. Please also remember Jennifer Hamm, our amazing Bible study coordinator. She will be a very busy girl today. Ask God to give her His energy, peace, wisdom, joy, insight, and endurance.
I hope to have a great report for you tomorrow!

The Wise Thing To Do

We're facing some icy conditions here in Texas at the moment. Extreme heat we can deal with, but ice is not our forte. Our spring semester of Bible study on the Book of Proverbs was to begin tomorrow, but we feel the wisest thing to do is to postpone it until next week. Beth will spend the week finishing the last four days of Psalms of Ascent. For our Houston girls, here's the email we sent out just in case it didn't get to you:

My Beloved Bible Study Sisters,

Because your lives and your safety are so valuable to us, we are convinced the only wise thing we can do with the weather forecast for Tuesday night is postpone the beginning of our January series one week. We will now launch our new series Wising Up, a topical study of the Book of Proverbs, on Tuesday evening, January 23rd. I was so looking forward to seeing you and studying God’s Word with you but I will have to wait one more week. The forecast shows a high probability of precipitation and a high temperature of only 32 degrees on Tuesday. Almost all of you reach the church via various freeway overpasses. I just can’t take the chance with your safety. Even if the weather lets up, the decision has to be irreversible because of all the personnel that must know in advance. Thank you for your understanding. I hope to see many of you on the 23rd! I’m really excited about this series! God’s Word is life and power, Sweet Sisters. Let’s keep our knees on the ground and our face in that Book. I’m crazy about you and so thankful to serve you.

In the everything Name of Jesus Christ,

Beth Moore

One last thing...Mom and I want so much for this blog to be a blessing and not become a source of frustration for those who are seeking specific answers to questions. We have a much better avenue through the Living Proof Web site's contact page. Thank you so much! Have a happy and blessed Monday!