Priscilla Shirer's Blog, page 76

Too Much

I enjoy jogging . . . But I'm not a serious jogger. I'd like to think that I am but I become very certain I am not when I pass people on the road who are. They are swift, lean and don't stop to walk (like I do) when there is an incline in the road. Unlike me, they don’t wear a huge gray sweatshirt or long, heavy sweat pants when its a little chilly outside. The serious runners have on light shoes, ankle socks, running shorts and a thin t-shirt. If there is any extra attire it’s only the sweat-band across their forehead to catch their perfect beads of sweat or the iPod-Nano attached to their distinctly chiseled arms.


Yup, serious runners aren’t bogged down with too much weight or too many gadgets. They know that the secret to their short-term success and long term endurance is to take as little as possible on the journey.
I often wonder if I'm carrying too much to run the Christian race effectively. Im certain there are some internal voices or external attachments that are weighing me down and slowing my pace. Im being prayerful about what those might be. And while i do want God's Spirit to reveal to me what i should shed in order to run well,  I'll admit that I'm a bit unsure of how I'll respond if the very thing He wants me to lay down is something I enjoy. 
The thing is - even good things can be hindrances sometimes.  Just because something is acceptable doesn't mean that it is profitable.
I'd like to think that I'll be swiftly obedient and courageously compliant to His instruction, but knowing me and my less than stellar track record, I'll balk, hesitate, question and then, hopefully sooner than later, submit. (Pray for me, friend :)

 

In any case, I know that whatever he asks me to release will make me quicker on my spiritual feet and better able to cover the ground He lays out before me.
That makes it worth it.

 

Is He asking you to lay down anything lately?

 

Priscilla

The Snake

I couldn't help but let you all in on the happenings at our office yesterday. As you know, there is never a dull moment around here. 

I was sitting at my desk tackling through my to-do list with Jerry yesterday morning when all of the sudden Annetta comes running into the office from outside in total dissarray. I couldn't tell if she was about to cry or be completely grossed out. I knew immediately there had to be some kind of large creature outside our little ole' barn. When you work out in "the country" like we do, you kind of learn expect these things.

Sure enough, Annetta's face was well deserved. Right outside our office in a garden bed was this guy . . . 

CAN YOU BELIEVE HOW HUGE THAT THING IS?? We have yet to exactly identify what this is. If you have any insight, please let us know. Actually, I'm not sure that we really want to know what kind of snake this is. 

What is also hilarious is that by the time I left the office for the evening, Jerry had some guys come and knock down all the bushes that are outside our office. We don't want to give those things any reason to be hanging out around these parts. 

[image error]

Oh, the whole thing was quite entertaining. I just wish all of you could've been around to see the excitement on Jerry's face once he killed the snake. The man was proud!

You guys have a great Wednesday. Stay away from the bushes today =)

Answered Prayer

For the past couple of months I have been really seeking the Lord about something that I desperately needed His guidance on.....a direction that I felt I needed to go in, but before making a move I wanted to receive the green light from the Lord. So, I’ve been praying and praying and asking Him to reveal to me His will for my life and if this “thing” was a part of His will. 

Well, recently I got my answer by finding out that the door I was trying to walk through has been completely shut. As I have shared with y’all in previous posts, I don’t always initially respond in the best spiritual way. My emotions tend to respond first and then the Lord has to graciously pull me back in and unfortunately, this time was no different. I’m a work in progress y’all:) 

Despite how consistently I had been seeking the Lord about this and asking Him specifically to close the door if this wasn’t a direction that He wanted me to take, I failed to recognize that His response was an answer to my prayer.  

You see, in my mind I had unknowingly set up a category titled Answered Prayer and underneath that category were responses from the Lord that consisted of, Yes, Move forward, Open door, and You have my blessing, and as we all know, those responses usually result in us being happy, excited and thankful! 

But what we also know is that the Lord doesn’t always respond that way. He sometimes says, No and Not Yet and Not Ever.....and those responses are sometimes characterized by a closed door!

The Lord has been teaching me that anytime He responds, despite the answer, I should respond with a heart of gratefulness and excitement because all He does is just and good (Psalm 111). So I am happy to report to y’all that my category titled Answered Prayer has been expanded and it now includes, YES and NO responses from the Lord!

So what about you...How do you respond when you receive a No or Not Yet from the Lord? Do you always view it as answered prayer? Do you find it challenging to respond positively when His answer doesn’t match your immediate want or desire? 

I look forward to reading your responses,

Antrenette

Going Beyond went...BEYOND!

Y'all!  Last week I was in Orlando with our team for my FIRST Going Beyond event.  WOW!!!!  Can I say, GOD SHOWED UP!  I could talk ALL DAY (and believe you me, our team is SICK of hearing me talk about it!) about all that we saw God do at the event of women (80,000 sisters!) coming together.  But, I'll spare you ALL the details and tell you my fav highlights...

1.  MEET-N-GREET:  We got to meet SO many of the people we talk to on a daily basis, whether it was someone in the crowd or a LifeWay person (shoutout to amazing navigator Michelle and host/woman-w-a-million-talents Paige!)

2.  PRAYER TIME:  The Prayer time on Saturday morning was POWERFUL.  I wholeheartedly believe lives and situations and hearts were shifted as we stormed the gates of heaven...1000s of women strong!

3.  BACKSTAGE:  Backstage was humbling and hilarity.  It was humbling as I was a part of these godly folks who were praying with all their hearts for God to move in the hearts of all the women outside the curtains.  It was obvious God was listening...

It was hilarity because, can you  just imagine a brother and sister, and all their creative friends?!?  'Nuf said.

4.  WORSHIP:  There was a moment during the 3rd session, right after that sweet video and Anthony was singing "Oh, How He loves us" and I just started weeping...how true!  He loves US!  Were you "there"?  Do you remember this moment?  Wow..so powerful...

5.  5+2=12:  Because I work for her, I sometimes forgot how powerfully God uses Priscilla.  Needless to say, my favorite parts of the weekend were the teaching parts of the sessions...I am going home FULL of gems that have already changed my life.  So very grateful for her authenticity and willingness for God to use her however He sees fit...

6.  PUERTO-RICAN-LOVE!:  Last, a ton of sweet friends came from Puerto Rico and they were AWESOME!  So much so that they wanted to "welcome" you to our blog. :)

(Click HERE)

 

SO.  Those were MY highlights.  Have YOU been to a GB event?  If so, what are some of your favorite highlights?  If you HAVEN'T been to a GB event, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!??  Check out our upcoming ones...and get yourself there!  YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!!!!

 

Grateful for the story Jesus is weaving today...

 

annetta

Left Behind

Spring has ushered life into the Texas countryside. The beauty is staggering and lush. The pastures seem to be bulging with life in every way - from the intense, colorful flowers to the squeaky chorus of newly hatched birds under their mother's wings.

Indeed, birds are everywhere.

In the last several weeks, I've taken note of quite a few nests either stocked with little eggs already or being intentionally constructed by a mother bird in anticipation of a new brood.

One is above the door still of the office, another right underneath the hood of our propane tank and a third one in the tray atop my sons' jogging stroller.

I took my son for a walk in this stroller on Monday. By Wednesday this nest was securely in place. That's fast work!

It's another nest that is in the flowerpot by the back door that's bothering me, though. Several weeks ago there were no less than 5 speckled eggs in this pot, freshly laid and nearly hidden by strategically placed twigs and branches. Once my husband and sons spotted them, they called me out for a peek. We marveled and tried not to touch them for fear the mother would catch our scent and abandon her chicks.

So, we left them alone and all but forgot about them. 

Until one day last week when I peeked in and moved a branch back just enough to get a glance inside the wooded haven.

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Where did the others go? Did the mother take her eggs away to another location? (Can they even do that?) Did they all hatch and mature enough to fly away already? Had this egg been left by it's mother or did it just not hatch because of some genetic mishap?

I've left the egg there for over a week now wondering and hoping if one day I'll return and see it surrounded by its family - safely connected and loved.

It doesn't look like it's going to happen, though.

Somehow, someway - he's been left behind.

 

I've been left behind before. You?

I've got a few memories involving rejection from the varsity cheerleading squad in middle school, the "in" crowd in high school and my boyfriend in college to name just a few. No matter how difficult it is for me to come by an explanation for why some of these instances happened, this I know for sure, it hurt and it hurt bad.

But somehow, I recovered . . . . and so will you . . . . because I was never left alone even when I was left behind.

 

I don't think the momma bird is coming back for this abandoned egg but I can say with all assurance that Someone is coming - has already come - for you.

You may be left behind but you'll never be left alone.

Never abandoned.

Never rejected.

. . . . never.

 

Priscilla

. . . . under His wings you may seek refuge . . . . - Psalm 91:4

Looking Ahead

Yesterday I went on a run for my lunch break (Yes, I have the incredible ability to do that with my job - Thank you Lord!). I must admit that my runs are not always my most brilliant thinking times like most "prefessional" runners. Many times running is a de-stressing mechanism for me and I just stare at the road, soaking in the sound of the wind blowing by and chirping birds in the trees.

But yesterday for some reason was different. As I was about half-way through my run I realized that I was staring down at the road right in front me. This has always been a habit of mine. I hardly ever look up when I run - instead my eyes gaze straight down onto the pavement, not paying attention to any of my surroundings or the things that are passing by my side. 

I started to wonder why it is that this is such a habit of mine. Am I the only one who does this? Why is it so comfortable for me and why wouldn't I want to see the scenery ahead of and around me?

As I start to move my gaze to about 50 feet ahead of me, I hear these words in my head: 

Linnae, this is how you are operating in life right now..You are so focused on all that is happening to you and all the changes that are taking place, that it is inhibiting you from seeing where it is that I am taking you.

Whoa! The beauty and life those few words have brought me these past few days in unexplainable. It's true - life has felt a bit uncertain and somewhat heavy these days - it's not been easy. It seems like every place I thought I was headed and all the things I was pouring into were suddently swiped out from under my feet. I've tried to deal with the circumstances that have come my way with as much grace and peace as I can. But I've definitely been focused on the here and now - and I definitely haven't done much to take my eyes off each situation.

As I finished the latter part of my run I made sure that I took in all the things that were passing to my left and to my right sides; I held my gaze way ahead of me, occasionally looking down to make sure I wasn't going to trip on any big holes or rocks. And guess what? I discovered things I've never even seen before. Horses, cows, ponds... you name it, I saw it (Remember, we work way out in the middle of nowhere =) ). It's odd to think that I've missed out on so much just because I wouldn't take the time to look around.

I realize how important this is for my life right now. I've got to take my eyes off the momentary troubles and I must gaze on the truth of who God has called me to be and the promises that He has for my life!

And you do too, my friend. Are you stuck in the momentary troubles of life, all the while losing focus of why we are here and what we are called to? Just because life looks hard or odd or not how you think it should, remember that we are not in control. God has a destiny and plan for your life! A plan to prosper you. 

So pull that chin up, hold that head up high and gaze into the sweet adventure that God has ahead for you. It's going to be worth it!

one of the beautiful fields I saw when I actually decided to look around yesterday =)

Prayer That Changes Things

I prayed with my sons last night right before bed. Most of what we cover during our "end of the day" prayer time is quite juvenile. We thank the Lord for the day, ask Him for a peaceful nights rest and then toss in some little requests that the boys have on their hearts and minds. 

"Lord, could you help me be chosen as the receiver on my football team?"

"Jesus, could you help me to do what that Bible verse said and give a kind word instead of a harsh one to my brother when I'm mad at him?"

"God, I need help sitting still in school. Can you help me with that?"

Sometimes I've chuckled at their prayers so chock full of passion and meaning about such trivial issues. But no matter how small the matter, these boys are serious about their requests. I have noted that the sincerity in their voices doesn't change when they ask to catch a frog or pass their spelling test from the times they are asking the Lord to bring one of their friends to salvation. I've marveled at their innocent prayer life teeming with the confidence that God is listening. They just seem to know that there is nothing too small or too insignificant for Him to take note and respond.

So we pray about anything and everything.

And we should.

You should.

 

Which is why I want to solicit your help. This past weekend at the Going Beyond simulcast, we received hundreds of prayer requests and spent time in prayer for them all. Afterwards, we challenged the women present to take 1 or 2 of them home and spend the next 7 days interceding on behalf of their sister in Christ - a woman who they may never meet but whose request, big or small, is important to their loving Father.

Women responded and requests were scooped up with passion.

However, many women decided to send in their request via text message and we assured them that their requests would not be lost in the shuffle. We've posted each one right here on our site.

Would you take a moment to help us cover them in prayer? Scroll down the list of requests and pick a handful of them to lift up to the Lord today. Ask Him to show up in a way that will bring glory to Himself in those situations.

Be bold and believe God for a miracle.

In the meantime, we would also love to pray for you. Please leave a request on the blog today and we'll be happy to lift you up to the Lord. 

Thank you for helping create a chain of passionate prayer to the Lord.

 

Bless you today,

Priscilla

A Moment of Laughter

Now that I have finished school (Woooohoooooo), I find myself spending waaay too much time on the internet! From Pinterest to Facebook to Twitter....you name it, I'm on it!

The other day I literally spent like an hour on YouTube y'all and you know what I was doing the entire time...creacking up laughing! Ha! There are some hilarious videos on YouTube and since it's Tuesday, I assumed that you all need a moment of laughter before you start your day, so I just had to shre some of my favorite videos with y'all!

Priscilla shared this one on Twitter the other day! This little boy simply makes my day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=4xCUF3jbn7I&feature=endscreen

This one is my absolute favorite!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBSYD0dQCAw&feature=related

So funny!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMuZdN84PJg&feature=related

Cruel... but hilarious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQpbzQ6gzs

I really hope that these videos have placed a smile on your face, as it did mine! Please share other funny YouTube videos that you have found and/or stories that you want to share!

Have a great day and see you next time,

Antrenette

 

 

Women Making Resolutions

My weekend was phenomenal! I had a wonderful time with about 80,000 women across the world who joined me for the Going Beyond simulcast. Together, we worshiped passionately and drank deeply from the rich fountain of God's Word. We prayed together so fervently, during an early morning prayer time, that the expectation of God's response is thrilling. The holy refreshment during the Going Beyond event was tangible. 

In a phrase: God was there!

Our weekend centered on four of the thirteen resolutions found in "The Resolution For Women". I challenged those in attendance to make firm decisions that would help to shape the women they would become in the future.

A Resolution To Be Content

A Resolution To Be Faithfully His

A resolution To Care

A Resolution To Live With Grace

 

Each of these struck a cord with those gathered. God graciously ministered through His Word to us in each of these areas and also gave us the privilege to put one of them into practice immediately as we got a chance to partner with The A21 Campaign and "resolve to care" about women who we may never see face to face on this side of eternity. Our goal is to build a shelter in Bulgaria to house women rescued from horrid enslavement.

I can joyfully announce that the response was abundant and I have no doubt that we are going to make it happen! As you know, the money you gathered is still being sent into A21 and calculated so it may be a week or so before we can begin to give you updates. But please continue to check back with us frequently for reports on how much money we've been able to raise TOGETHER! 

If you joined us for the event. . . THANK YOU! I'd love to hear from you today. Please tell me which resolution was most meaningful in your life and why? Please share any and everything that God did in your heart during our time together.

Looking so forward to hearing from you.

Priscilla

My Quiet Time

Having a consistent quiet time is something that I have always strived for.  I have tons of devotional books that I have plied through and several journals that I have filled up, but as of lately, I feel like my quiet time has been...well...lacking.  No matter what devotional book I do, or prayer journal that I work through, lately, when I'm done with having my quiet time, I feel like I haven't done enough.

I one of my previous posts I mentioned to y'all a devotional book that I really enjoyed (and still do), but I guess the challege that I'm having is, most devotionals are really short and it takes me only a few minutes to read through them.  Although a "few minutes" is sometimes all it takes, I find myself wanting more.  Wanting to dig deeper...wanting to spend more time...wanting to have more time to spend...I feel like I'm rambling.  I hope this is making sense to y'all.

So I went on this quest to find the perfect devotional and also come up with this jam-packed, highly-effective, worship-filled, Scripture-quoting quiet time that would leave me on FIRE for Jesus!!!!  I wish I was joking right now...but I am being so serious.

After searching high and low and after asking the Lord to direct my steps to the perfect tool, the Lord kindly said four words to me and since then, my quiet has not been the same.

Just.  Be.  With.  Me.

Just.  Be.  With.  Me.

Once again, I had made things so overly complicated.  I was going out of my way to come up with this elaborate quiet time and all the Lord wants from me is...my heart.  I think we can sometimes become so busy with trying to perform for the Lord, that we miss the beauty that comes from simply sitting at His feet.

So what about you...what challenges have you faced with your quiet time?  Do you find yourself needing to perform for the Lord sometimes?  What lessons has the Lord taught you lately?

Can's wait to hear from you all,

 

Antrenette