Priscilla Shirer's Blog, page 77

Treasures From The Jewelry Box

 

I began writing the "Jewelry Box" articles many years ago. Looking back at my files saved in Microsoft Word recently has reminded me of the reality of how long it has actually been. For nearly 10 years, I've shared my thoughts on topics ranging from practical things like eating habits to spiritual matters like hypocrisy. I've enjoyed writing them . . . .even when no one was reading them =)

It has been my joy to share them with you.

I'll admit that my writing has grown through the years - morphing and developing as my chops have been cultivated by the tender scrutiny of editors and publishers. Yet, I've noticed that my themes have remained pretty consistent. I guess they are a record of my own relationship with the Lord and direction for our teaching ministry.

This month, I've written on a topic that I know for a fact I've given expression to before and yet its relevance in my own life is more startlingly poignant than ever before.

Wil you take a moment to read this month's Jewelry Box article by click here and then jump back over to the blog to voice your sentiments and let me know how this topic connects with what you are experiencing in your life right now?

I pray that you are refreshed and encouraged by what you read my friend.

Enjoy.

Priscilla

How I Love Thee, London!

This past weekend, I returned from a wonderful women’s
conference in London. It was a refreshing time with many friends in ministry
and a gathering of women from all over Europe. I met ladies from Sweden,
Denmark, Amsterdam, France, Italy and beyond (Dubai, India). Each face was a
representation of God’s Church in that part of the world, a stunning reminder
of His Work that is being accomplished on every corner of the globe.

I was honored to serve them in ministry.

My Aunt Ruth lives in London so it was a pleasure to see and
spend time with her. She sat front and center for the majority of the conference
and offered me the encouragement that only an aunt could. I loved every minute
of having her near.

I pray to God that this is exactly what
I look like when I am 66 years old. You go girl!

 

What’s a women’s conference in London without chocolate and
tea with conference host and Hillsong co-founder, the lovely Bobbie Houston!

 

This was the first time that I got to meet the incredible
Sheila Walsh – which is totally weird because she actually lives 30 minutes
from me here in Texas. We had to go all the way to London to finally lay eyes
on each other. With similar ministry schedules and lives as wives and mothers, our
paths hadn’t really crossed until this weekend.

 

caption: Here we are with Lisa Bevere

 

Hopefully you are joining me for the simulcast this weekend
during which I plan to introduce you to the A21 campaign that fights against
sex trafficking all over the world. The stories of injustice that the
organization deals with every day are unbelievable and horrific. I was so
honored to meet the team that live with the startling reality of the hundreds
of girls that they rescue in Greece, Bulgaria and other countries across
Europe.

These women have devoted their lives to freeing girls who
are enslaved and horribly abused every day. I applaud them and am thrilled to
partner with them.

 

I couldn’t help but to take a photo of this sweet young
lady below. She was one of the most interestingly, unique people I’ve ever seen in my
life. With her jet-black dreadlocks and lip piercing, she was a great
representation at the uniqueness of God’s women. I wish more than anything that
I could remember her name or exactly where she was from (Sweden I think) but in
meeting her and hearing her tender heart for the Lord, I was moved to remember
that none of us should make judgments or estimations about a person based on
what we see when we look at them. Their uniqueness is just that. . .unique and
while it might be completely different than what you see when you walk down the
street in your own community or when you look into the mirror every morning,
every single woman of God is a sister and fellow laborer on the journey.

This woman was beautiful in the most unique and
extraordinary way. Her spirit was distinctive and lovely just like her style
and I am honored to call her “sister”.

Lord, help us to see each other as you do.

 

 

These statements capture some of the over-arching themes of
Colour Conference this year. The worship was electric, the fellowship was
exciting and the Lord was exalted!

[image error]

 

Would you like to see a little of that worship? These are my
friends letting their hair down during the last song of the event. So fun!

 

(Or click HERE)

 

This last photo might move you more than any of the others. .
. . .because this is dessert. Believe it or not, these are little, individual
size portions of tiramisu. Potted in a regular flowerpot and then adorned with
a mint leaf, these little culinary creations captured my heart and my taste
buds.

So ingenious!

[image error]

I’m so grateful to Hillsong London for including me and for
their stunning hospitality!

Thank you. Going Beyond Ministries loves you dearly.

Priscilla

<!--EndFragment-->

Resolutions and Simulcasts

I can’t believe it’s Tuesday.

I also can’t believe that it is the month of May.

For the record, I have nothing against Tuesdays or Mays. I
am simply stunned that this late spring month is already upon us (where did the
first half of 2012 go?)  and that this
week is already well underway.

It’s been a full year since I’ve been thinking and praying
about what will happen this weekend at the Going Beyond Simulcast.

I certainly hope that I’ll get to “see” you!

If you are still not quite sure what I’m talking about or
what in the world a “simulcast” actually is, please rest easy. I understand.
Before we hosted our first one last year, I was a bit overwhelmed and unsure
about the whole idea.

Here’s the bottom line – you can register for the event and
“come” via your own laptop computer privately or a church that is hosting it
near your own home. Whether you choose to be a part of it all by yourself, with
a small group in your home (I’ve heard about some slumber parties that are
happening) or with a company of other women at a local church in your area, a
simulcast allows us all to be together no matter where we are. There are
churches from all over the USA and abroad that will be gathering and you will
certainly be missed if you aren’t there J

It’s a fascinating and exciting plan that the Lord has
thought up to gather the women of His global Church together, huh?

And, just in case you are wondering, there is nothing
impersonal about it. Somehow, as you lean in to worship and open your own Bible
on your lap while the Word is being taught, you’ll feel like you are right
there, up close and personal. The Going Beyond event becomes YOUR Going Beyond
Event!

I hope you are coming.

I most certainly am and at this moment I am thrilled and so
grateful about what the Lord is laying on my heart to share with you.

Not only will I be introducing you to the A21 campaign, a ministry that I know you’ll want to be a part of, the messages that
the Lord is laying on my heart for you are going to center around “The
Resolution For Women”. It will be my pleasure not only to encourage you
on the importance of being a woman of resolve but also to challenge you in some
specific areas that we all need to do business with the Lord on.

So here’s just a little food for your thought until we meet
on Friday, ok? One of our lessons will center around this line of Scripture . .
.

Then He said to them. “You give them something to eat!”

 

Jesus spoke these words to a frustrated band of men who were
equipped to feed a massive group of people . . . .and didn’t know it. To them,
the 5 loaves and 2 fish in their hands seemed insufficient but Jesus saw a
banquet feast waiting to be realized and then given.

It seems that from the beginning of time, humanity has had
the same problem that you and I still seem to contend with on a daily basis.

Contentment.

Rarely do we think we have
enough and seldom do we believe without hesitation that we are enough to succeed at all the things
the Lord has placed before us to do. . .

. . .in our marriage

. . . in our parenting

. . .in our ministries

. . . on our jobs

. . .in our churches

. . . in our communities

This week the Lord has been working overtime on me in this
area. He has been reassuring me of my divine equipping to be who God has called
me to be and I’m so grateful for His encouragement and care of my insecure and
often discontented soul that I am brimming over to share it with you.

It’s going to be a wonderful weekend. I sure do hope you’ll
join me. Can we do a little roll call today? Post your name and city or state.
Then fill me in on how you are
planning to participate: with a hosting church or on your own?

Can’t wait to hear from you and “see” you on Friday!

Priscilla

PS. . . will you please join me in prayer for the event?
Every day, let’s lift each other up and ask the Lord to prepare our hearts for
an encounter with Him that we won’t soon forget.

*To register for the Simulcast, click here

Lil' Mutts & Sleepwalkers

It was Monday.  I had a MEAN case of the reds.  After all, I was still SINGLE.  32 and single.  Make that almost 33.  Make that almost ANCIENT (Some of you need to quit laughing and be a little more sympathetic).  I kept looking at everyone's facebook status's and tweets and thinking what an idyllic life they lead compared to mine.  I got ready for work...alone.  I got home...alone.  And this is where my married/with-children friends step in and scream, "YOU KNOW WHAT I WOULD GIVE FOR A WHOLE MINUTE ALONE?!  Let ALONE an HOUR or a DAY or a WEEK!"  But I wasn't thinking about their screams.  I was being Eeyore all by myself.  And then...2 things happened...

1.  Scottie came to visit.  Last week, my dog (who-my-parents-adopted-when-I-lived-overseas) came to stay with me...it was a trial period of sorts to see how he did in apartment living.  This sweet fella (pictured below) would curl up next to me at night, greet me at the door with abounding, overflowing, make-his-cute-lil-butt-wag joy and cuddle up to me while I read at night.  But he also, whined to be let out, moped around the house when I was gone all day and basically wore this mother's heart out worrying over how he was doing all by himself.  After all, he's used to daily hikes with Dad, playing with his brother all day, and a pretty busy suburban house with my parents.  At the end of the week I realized, where I am right now (in LIFE) doesn't work to have a little social creature like Scotty hanging around.  I could not give him what he needed.  I can't miss a church meeting or day of work to hang out with him, no matter the precious puppy-dog face he can give (and he can give the CUTEST faces!!)  Needless to say, I started to appreciate more the days of freedom that singleness affords...I am not a fit dog-mom in this season of life.  No matter his cuteness.

2.  The Great Awakening came in.  A few months ago, Priscilla taught a few lessons to her hometown girls on "The Great Awakening:  Secrets for Sleepwalkers."  We JUST got the DVDs/CDs back in the office and I've been listening/watching them on repeat.  I had fallen asleep in my discontent and complacency.  The "grass is always greener elsewhere" mentality had embedded itself in this single mind...instead of LOVING and seeing where I am in life as a gift, I'd grown asleep...and on bad days, struck that mean-case-of-the-reds nerve.  But when I heard Priscilla talk about God being present RIGHT NOW, actively working to do things in my life, I started to awake....  

 

And I realized, I'm good.  In fact, I'm GREAT.  He has me where He has me because there are things He is still doing WHERE I AM RIGHT NOW.  I love how Priscilla talks about God's Presence being somewhere and we are UNAWARE of it.  Well, because of her teachings and a lil mutt, I'm awake this week.  And loving where I am.  

No matter WHERE you are right now, no matter WHAT roles you play, God has put you here for "such a time as this."  I praying all of us are awake today...awake to His Presence...His movement...His tenderness...His kindness.  

I'm including a lil' clip of The Great Awakening: Secrets for Sleepwalkers" so you can join me here..

 

(Or Click HERE: https://vimeo.com/41165361)

You are LOVED!!

 

annetta 

Summer Reading List and WINNER

One of my roommates and I were on our way back to Dallas after such a fun time visiting with the family in Waco this weekend and she asked me for some good recommendations for fiction reading. I quickly responded with a few suggestions and realized that it had been quite some time since I've picked up a fiction book.

This sparked a whole conversation about fiction books and the must-reads for this summer, and we realized that neither of us knew of the good books that are out as of late.

So, I'm curious to know if you've got your summer reading list together already? I certainly don't have mine and need some suggestions. Hopefully we can give each other some good reading lists for the next few months!

Do tell!

And, just in case you're wondering, here are some best-seller lists in religion:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Books-Religion-Spirituality/zgbs/books/22

New York Times (you'll have to sort through some of these as they only have an "Advice" section rather than religion): http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/paperback-advice/list.html

Linnae

**Anna Marie, you are the winner for Rachel Anne's giveaway**. Congratulations!! Please email us at info@goingbeyond.com with your print of choice and mailing address

Bieber Fever

I've been thinking alot about Justin Bieber over the last few days.

I know, right?

He sure is a cutie with his little spikey hair cut and "Baby, Baby, Baby, OHHHH. . ." melodies that everyone - including my three year old - can't seem to stop singing.

I'm in London at the moment and apparently so is Justin because hundreds of teenage girls are standing outside of the hotel day and night looking for him. Poor things have braved the cold and rain for hours upon end in hopes of catching a sight of this guy. It's unbelievable really.

 

 

I can hear them screaming downstairs right this very minute and the funny thing is. . .they've been doing alot of screaming even when "The Bieb" is absolutely no where in sight. Yesterday, when my friend and I arrived in a black car with tinted windows, they automatically went into a frenzy that exploded into full blown tears for some of them. Oddly enough, when we emerged from the car and it was clear that we were not Justin but instead two women old enough to be his mother, they just kept right on screaming. I guess they were just enamored by the fact that we were staying in the same hotel as he is. Floored by anyone that is in the vicinity of JB.

So, we walked into the revolving doors of the hotel and into the lobby to escape the cold. Once inside, we turned around to look out of the windows and take a picture of the girls.

My friend waved at them.

All the girls screamed and waved back.

We wondered if Justin was behind us because they were so frantically emotional. . .over us. Indeed he was not. It was clear that they were just in the screaming mood 'cause it was just us regular girls and still they were excited.

Leave it to the Holy Spirit to begin to transform a "Beiber" Fever experience into something spiritual in my heart. Because I got to thinking about all the times that we claim we want to see Jesus but then just become enamored and feverish over activities and experiences about Him even though He is no where in sight. Lured in by the emotionalism, we often become overwhelmingly frantic about people who might indeed be in the vicinity of Jesus but ARE NOT HIM.

Goodness gracious. . .it's ashamed to be so worked up over folks who aren't the Real celebrity you are looking for.

Lord help us keep our worship for YOU. You are the only one who deserves it!

Priscilla

Beiber Fever

I've been thinking alot about Justin Beiber over the last few days.

I know, right?

He sure is a cutie with his little spikey hair cut and "Baby, Baby, Baby, OHHHH. . ." melodies that everyone - including my three year old - can't seem to stop singing.

I'm in London at the moment and apparently so is Justin because hundreds of teenage girls are standing outside of the hotel day and night looking for him. Poor things have braved the cold and rain for hours upon end in hopes of catching a sighte of this guy. It's unbelievable really.

 

 

I can hear them screaming downstairs right this very minute and the funny thing is. . .they've been doing alot of screaming even when "The Beib" is absolutely no where in sight. Yesterday, when my friend and I arrived in a black car with tinted windows, they automatically went into a frenzy that exploded into full blown tears for some of them. Oddly enough, when we emerged from the car and it was clear that we were not Justin but instead two women old enough to be his mother, they just kept right on screaming. I guess they were just enamored by the fact that we were staying in the same hotel as he is. Floored by anyone that is in the vicinity of JB.

So, we walked into the revolving doors of the hotel and into the lobby to escape the cold. Once inside, we turned around to look out of the windows and take a picture of the girls.

My friend waved at them.

All the girls screamed and waved back.

We wondered if Justin was behind us because they were so frantically emotional. . .over us. Indeed he was not. It was clear that they were just in the screaming mood 'cause it was just us regular girls and still they were excited.

Leave it to the Holy Spirit to begin to transform a "Beiber" Fever experience into something spiritual in my heart. Because I got to thinking about all the times that we claim we want to see Jesus but then just become enamored and feverish over activities and experiences about Him even though He is no where in sight. Lured in by the emotionalism, we often become overwhelmingly frantic about people who might indeed be in the vicinity of Jesus but ARE NOT HIM.

Goodness gracious. . .it's ashamed to be so worked up over folks who aren't the Real celebrity you are looking for.

Lord help us keep our worship for YOU. You are the only one who deserves it!

Priscilla

Rachel Anne Ridge

Hey there, Going
Beyonders! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted here - I missed ya’ll! For those
of you who don’t know me, my name is Rachel Ridge and I was here at Priscilla’s
blog every week for the first couple of years, sharing my life and faith with
you...I loved being with you every day.

 

Well, today, I want to
give something to you! I recently opened up an online shop (http://rachelanneridge.com) for my
inspired art prints..and you’ll have a chance to win a print of your choice for
yourself. Like maybe one of these.....

 

 

 

BUT FIRST. Can I just
share one tiny thing with you? It’s this:

 

God wants to use your
hidden gifts. Maybe the ones you don’t even know you have.  

 

I can say that because
that’s what He is doing with the tiny little creative gift I didn’t even know I
had - painting and designing. You see, I didn’t pick up a paintbrush until I
was in my 30’s, and yet when I did, I discovered a love for color and pattern
and design that I never knew existed. And over time, my little hobby became a
way for God to provide for my family like I never expected. And I also
discovered something else: I love ART AND SCRIPTURE....together!

 

 

Caption:
This piece hangs at the GB office

 

I’m soooo excited to
finally be able to offer my prints online! I’ve got plenty of scripture art in
my store, http://rachelanneridge.com,
as well as other decorative pieces that communicate my joy and faith. Stop in
and shop around any time you are looking for that “something special” for your
home or looking for a gift for a friend. I’d love for you to find the perfect
print!

 

Here is how you can
enter for a chance to win a free print of your choice (11x14 or 14x14 size).
Simply do TWO of the following:

 

1. Tweet the new store
with a link : http://bit.ly/IlxPQd

 

2. “Pin” at least one
item to Pinterest (Pin It buttons are next to each item when you click on them)

 

3. “Like” at least one
item on Facebook (Like buttons are next to each item too)

 

BONUS:  To DOUBLE your chance to win, mention the
store in a blog post.

 

Of course, you’ll need to
come back here to let Linnae and the girls know you’ve shared by leaving a
comment. The winner will be announced on Friday. I know you’ll find something
you’ll like AND maybe you’ll be our winner!!!

 

So let me ask you:
What hidden gifts and talents do you have? How can you begin to cultivate them
for His glory? I’ll tell you,
there is nothing like seeing our incredible God go to work when you offer your
gifts (no matter how small you think they may be) to Him. The creator of the
universe delights and taking our “little”....and making His “MUCH.” And He’ll
do the same for you.

Lessons From Gideon (Part 2)

Hey friend!

I've been thinking about you and the conversation that we started having last Thursday. Many of you posted comments or tweeted your thoughts about "Gideon's gifts". I loved sharing my thoughts with you on this story from Judges 6 and what the Lord has been teaching me through it.  Frankly, it's been on my mind all weekend. . .even when I was at my son's baseball game this Saturday.

I watched my 7 year old son - proud of his crisp uniform and worn leather mitt - take the field for his favorite weekend pass time. Win or lose, this boy just wants to play. The baseball diamond is where he wants to be.

My other two sons love the game too but one is not old enough to play yet and the other  . . . .well, the other is just as happy watching from the side lines for this season.
Jackson is my oldest son and has the body of an athlete prodigy. He can play every sport there is with ease. His legs and arms are muscular and lean and his sprint is as fast as his batting arm is strong. Come to one of our weekend games and you'll find Jackson there too, but he won't be on the field. 
You'll find him in the dug out.
He's happy there - at least for this season. He watches every detail of the game with a sharp eagle eye and is the first to congratulate wounded players fresh from a strike out on home base. When the team comes in for water and rest, he pats them on the back and encourages them with a steady chorus of "Good job team!". 

We still aren't sure why he didn't want to be on the team this season but one thing is for sure, he loves this position and doesn't feel any less important just because the clothes he is wearing aren't team issued. He isn't swayed by everyone who sees his athletic build and asks him why he's not out on the field with his brother.  Because, at least for now, this is what he feels comfortable doing.
So, he just does it.
Comfortable in his own skin. Smile on his face.

I felt especially proud of him this weekend.. . . cause there aren't many people who can be this confident on the sidelines.

God started my mind turning while I was right there on the silver bleachers behind home plate. I watched my boys - one on first base and one on the bench - and wondered about my answers to the questions that I want to ask you today:

Are you able to be content even if you're in the dug out for this season?
Are you willing to be an encourager to those that are on the field?

Do you feel comfortable enough in your own skin to stay in the dug out - even when other people think you are built for something else or should be doing "so much more" -until God releases you?
Do you genuinely believe that your roll is just as important as those whose positions are more visible.

Well. . what do you think. The balls in your court.
Priscilla

Need

Gosh, life is just crazy hard sometimes, isn't it?  Chances are, you're reading this on a Monday morning, after a busy weekend.  Sitting at your computer at work, or reading on your phone in the carpool line, you're tired and dreading the week of

duties

and appointments

and phone calls

and errands

and people just plain NEEDING things FROM you.  

 And when you see the tabloid pictures of movie stars taking caribbean vacations, it's so far-removed from your world that you are just plain drawn into the article.  You hear stories of hurt in the news and see wars and families being torn apart.  You hear the latest on our economy and the neighbor or husband without a job.  You have no immediate prospects that will make your life beautiful.  And you just think, "where's the breakthrough Father?  Have You left me?"

And then...You're tired.  I mean, life has some good parts.  There are people who love you.  There is a roof over your head.  But there is just such a gap between what you HAVE and what you NEED.  And you just have this deep, deep longing for your REAL Home.

Then, there is a whisper....  His love never quits you.  His love never fails.  He is present.  In your deepest darkest, He is present.  Just when you think all is lost, KEEP PRESSING IN.  HE IS PRESENT.  HE IS MOVING.  He will never leave.  Jesus.  The Stunning Christ.  The-Brother-Who-Speaks-On-Our-Behalf-To-The-Father.  HE.  HE is the One who is Present.  And He is making a way.  

We are told all the time to seek His Face and not His Hand...to want to KNOW Him and not just seek out what He can do for us.  But sometimes we are in such a place of pure neediness that to rise above ourselves and seek His Presence more than His breakthrough sounds like an impossibility.  It IS an impossibility.  But in this moment, of impossibility, this is where God likes to step in, to steal the show, to show off a little bit, to capture our hearts to Him once again.  So come to Him...tell Him...He's not scared of your honesty.  In fact, He already knows

For, The-One-Who-Outshines-The-Dark,  He has taken all the deepest and darkest parts of you and swallowed them with His righteous life...He.  HE is the One who: Will.  Never.  Leave.  You.

 

You are stunning my love, 

 

annetta

P.S. If you want a bit of homework today, I've been sitting in Psalm 42 for a few weeks now...beautiful.  Simply beautiful.

 

Dear Jesus, Oh Brother of mine heart!  How I ache to see You move today!  Are You sitting even now next to our Father?  Are you speaking to Him of me? Holy Spirit, are YOU interceeding for me?  YES.  I KNOW You are.  Your Word says so..and I believe Your Word more than I believe I have breath in my lungs.  So You are there.  Talking with our Pappa.  He is a GOOD Daddy.  Can I ask a special request today?  It's not a big thing for YOU....You are The One Who Outshines the Dark....You are The One who created all...in a breath.  So to THIS Great God, I ask You:  would You meet all the needs of these who are reading this today?  Would You save their family members?  Would You provide financial abundance?  Would You give them a future and a hope?  YES.  Yes You will...You PROMISED.  And THAT, I bank my life on that.  Would You draw them to yourself?  Would You make a miracle in their hearts?  Would You help them to want You more than what You can do?  And even now, I pray God, please...meet these needy hearts...these lovely daughters whose lives are yours...meet them?  BE the greatest desire of their hearts and show them Yourself today?  Show us!  Father!  We are so hungry for YOU!  We love You...in the Precious Name of Your Son, my Brother, The Christ - Jesus, amen