Priscilla Shirer's Blog, page 79

Prayer Requests on Good Friday?

 

I just finished reading Priscilla's post from yesterday, The Fire, and my heart is responding in two completely different ways. Hearing about someone that had such a huge loss caused my heart to sink. I don't even know the people referenced in the post, but I mourned with them, and as much as I could, I felt their pain. But when I passed through the devastating pictures and arrived at 4 words that came from the person who experienced the devastation, I just began to cry.......

"God is faithful, girl!" 

Wow. How encouraging to hear someone sing the praises of God, not after overcoming such a huge devastation, but right smack dab in the middle of it! I don't know about you, but that really causes me to look at some things going on in my life right now through a different lens. 

This post also helped me to realize that there are a lot of people right now that are in need. I regularly come across so many people that are hurting and sometimes I feel so helpless, but the Lord always whispers a simple, but oh so powerful word in my ear as I look for ways to help them. And that word is.....

PRAY. 

Prayer is so powerful and the Lord has really been challenging me to consistently present all thing to Him in prayer concerning myself and others. 

So today I am asking you, how can I be praying for you? What are you in need of? What are you seeking God about? Leave your comment below and know that they all will be laid at the foot of the Lord during prayer. 

Enjoy your Easter! Romans 8:32

Until next time,

Antrenette 

The Fire

The storm was thunderous that night. 
Torrential rains cascaded from the sky like run-a-way bullets shot from a massive gun, pounding tree limbs and roof tops as they fell. The darkened sky only grew more black as the hours passed until the sky gave way to night and a carpet of shadowy clouds were all that remained.
Thunder blasted and lightening lit up the sky with an intensity that made sleeping children and adults alike sit up straight in bed.

It was about 4am when my friends felt their home shake like a loud explosion had been set off in one of their upstairs rooms.  Stunned by the sudden jolt, they got their bearings and slid out of bed to check on their surroundings. Each room they laid eyes on seemed to be in tact, unaffected by whatever they'd heard and felt.
All seemed well.
And then, out of a window, in the middle of this eerie, early morning downpour they saw the figure of a neighbor running across the street towards their house and when she got there, her announcement was grave.
Fire.
Their home, near the back, was on fire. Set ablaze by a renegade lightening bolt that had flashed out of the sky into their rooftop.

They only had moments to put on some clothes and grab a few important pieces of memorabilia before their whole home seemed to be caught up in the blaze. They stood and watched as the fire claimed their house. 
Their possessions. 
Their photos. 
Their memories.
What the fire didn't devour, the smoke engulfed and the water from the truck engines destroyed.
Most everything was gone. And after having raised 7 children and having settled into retired living, there was alot that the fire took with it.

This past Sunday, I drove over to look for myself and I gasped when I saw their gorgeous surroundings demolished and devastated by such unbelievable circumstances.

[image error]

[image error]

[image error]

I've been in contact with my friends. Hoping to possibly offer a bit of encouragement while they walk through circumstances that are not only emotionally draining but also physically exhausting. How do you even begin to fill voids that insurance may help cover but can never fully recreate? Some things are just priceless.
Yes . . .these folks are worn. Tired. Hurt. Shocked. Stunned.
The list could go on.

Which is why I was overwhelmed to see this message texted from them to me:

God is faithful, girl!

Yup. That's exactly how the message was sent to me. Punctuated with an exclamation point for emphasis, they spouted the faithfulness of God despite the fire. 
Hear that again: The faithfulness of God is worth exalting even when you are in the fire.

Are you in the fire right now? Is your life suffering underneath some heated situation that seems too hot to handle? Is the smoke so thick that you wonder if you'll ever get a full breath of fresh air ever again?
Maybe so, my friend. 
But still . . there is something to praise God for.
If for no other reason than this: you've been through it and have lived to tell the story.

So, start right now. Whether you comment on this blog or text a friend, take a moment to think of one thing that deserves an exclamation point to emphasize your gratefulness to the Lord for all that He has done.

Thank you Lord.
Priscilla

Keepin' Up With The Times...

About 8 years ago this little social networking site started called Facebook...Have you heard of it?  Well, while YOU have been writing on walls and gathering friends, we've been blogging and emailing and tweeting.  In short, we're catchin' up with you and all YOUR friends by joining the "fb" world!  Whoot!  Be so very proud!  

Since we're brand-new in this realm, we actually need a little bit of YOUR help...Do you have Facebook?  Take a peek at our page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Going-B...

Fun eh?  Priscilla and our team are loving hearing more from YOU in real-time!  So take a sec and "like" the page and pass it along to your friends...we promise to keep it loaded with the latest and greatest from our headquarters.  

 

Hope to see you on our wall soon....

 

The GB Team

 

P.s. TWO Easter Eggs posted today...if you have NO idea what we're talking about, play catchup HERE! Also, we've gotten a ton of emails with just one of the hints...IN ORDER TO WIN:  be the FIRST to email us 6 of the 8 hints...in ONE email!  So, list them (with the key word)!  Whoot!  Game ON!!

Latest Project!

Last week Priscilla took a few minutes after teaching at ARC Conference to tell us about her latest project!

  (Or click HERE to watch: vimeo.com/39419222)

I first read Discerning the Voice of God several years ago, right after it was first published.  I remembered being blown away by her frank wisdom and unique insight.  The book helped me, a fellow preacher's kid, to make sense of all the things I'd heard about hearing God's Voice.  I was given tools to really hear His Voice.  So imagine my skepticism when I was handed this revised copy.  I thought I'd heard everything Priscilla had to say on the subject.  Boy was I wrong!  This new edition has more life stories and lessons that bring even more color and clarity to this crazy important topic:  hearing our Creator speak!  I highly recommend scooping up a copy and getting a first, second or tenth read of this book.  I learned something new and life-altering every time.  It's our prayer that you will too.

 

You are loved!  

 

The GB Team

Keep up with Priscilla on Twitter:  @PriscillaShirer

Or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Going-Beyond-with-Priscilla-Shirer  

April's Jewelry Box

What a better way to start a Monday than a new word of encouragement from Priscilla? Hope on over to read April's Jewelry Box devotional.

Then come back and tell us what you think are "treasures" that the Lord has given you that you need to recognize, take access of, and use this month? 

They are there sweet friends. Let us be quick to see how God is moving and working in our lives and use them for the good of others. 

Linnae

I'm a bridesmaid!

I have had such a crazy, awesome journey living with 3 of the most beautiful women in Dallas these past 6 months. I believe I actually blogged about our house that we moved into back in September and introduced you to them all. We live in the cutest little house right in the heart of Dallas. Actually, it's not all that small. God gave us an amazing deal on a 4 bedroom house and it's absolutely perfect for all of us and has PLENTY of space. If only we had the resources to decorate the place rather than all of our random furniture that doesn't go together =) 

Jenny, Dara and Kristin. It's really rather crazy to think about all of the transitions that ALL of us have been through these past 6 months. While I think that each of us would say that it's not been the easiest of times, this past month has been one of the most transformational, deep loving times of my life. In some ways I totally loathe this season. Not because of my roommates, but because the life experiences that have happened while we have been in our house. I honestly hope to never go through some of these things again. 

HOWEVER, while there has been much pain and much loss that we have experienced together, there has been a plethora of JOY and LIFE that has come in replace of it. 

One of the beautiful things that has happened as of late is that my sweet Dara is getting MARRIED! Yes and amen! The time has come. You actually may have seen Dara on the "contentment" webcast that we did for the Resolution for Women book club. 

Well, this gal is getting hitched. July 7, 2012 in Denver, Colorado to a lucky guy named Tim. One of the most beautiful couples I know. Dara and I went to dinner the other night and she asked in the most thoughtful, fun and creative way for me to be a BRIDESMAID. She gave me this ridiculous amazing card that she and Tim put together. I read it, and then I looked at her and just cried. Embarassing, but true. I'm just so honored to be a part of this couples lives. Not just their wedding... their lives. Their journey. Their story. 

Life is such an adventure, isn't it? You never know what is around the corner. You never know what God is going to do next. But you know His character. He is Faithful, He is Kind, He is God. 

Joy in the midst of pain.... I like the way that sounds. For some reason it resonates deep within my soul right now. 

Are you in a hard season? Peace to you, my friend. An adventure is around the corner.

Hang tight.... the JOY is coming!

Aprils

How Do You Measure Up?

A trip to the zoo isn't supposed to render deep theological ponderings. I'm just supposed to go . . .and leave my brain at home, aren't I?

So why, when I approached the penguin habitat with my little Jude and his twin cousins Olivia and Camryn at the Dallas Zoo a few days ago, was I spiritually accosted by the little sign by the measuring stick?

"How do you measure up?", it read.

Simple yet possibly staggering in it's implication . . ..only if you take it out of the context of comparing the height of your toddler with that of a mature penguin, though.
The zoo keepers didn't mean to bring to mind societal pressures when they created this cute little hands-on activity but my mind went there. I think it had a lot to do with those two sweet girls standing by that sign. I not only saw how their height compared with that of the penguin but how their mindset was sure to be affected by that question, thrown at them from all sorts of people and paradigms, as they blossomed through adolescence.

I've been affected? Have you?

I can remember thumbing through magazines, innocently scanning the images inside and quietly measuring myself by the girls pictured on those decorated pages. And, it wasn't just my body that I began to mentally place side-by-side with what I was seeing, it was my idea of what romance, success and home life were supposed to look and feel like. Measuring up wasn't just about the make-up I was (or wasn't) wearing, it was also about the guy that I dated, the college I chose and career path I set for myself.

I didn't know this was happening. It's all so subtle - this lure into the world of comparison with the impossible standard set by "them" but, it's clear, we are losing so many of our girls to it, aren't we. 
Far too many. . .

And, by the way, it's not just a girls issue. Rearing three boys has made that startlingly clear. I've been shocked by how aware and concerned they are about their appearance and what type of electronic gadget is in (or is not in) their backpack when they go to school.

Who knew "penguins" were such culturally astute mammals.
Priscilla  

Heart of Mine Heart

Yesterday I was in this wonderful church, full of wonderful people.  Laughter and smiles and fun conversations ABOUNDED in this little world.  But in the midst of the hilarity, I kept hearing this small Voice..tugging at my heart...wooing me.  So when I finally excused myself and headed home, I slipped into the front seat of my car and just started weeping.  I had been laying requests at Jesus feet...but I just plain MISSED sitting in my Daddy's lap.  I felt so homesick for my Father, even as I drove in my home-state.  So sitting in my car, I just sat and wept and rejoiced and listened.  My heart was nestled in HOME once more.

I am reminded today that we are not meant for this place.  We are meant for another world...

          A better place.  

          His place.  

  Our place.  

If you feel like you don't fit in your own life today, take heart:  He is preparing your place.  If you feel like all is well and there is still something missing, take heart:  He has gone ahead and has your room ready.  However you FEEL today, CHOOSE to believe like Thomas, that our Good Daddy is getting our place ready.  He is here.  He is bringing Himself increasingly here.  I'm living in heaven today as I sit in my Poppa's lap.  Praying that you too find a few moments of Selah to sit with Him and just BE.  Gosh, He's crazy about me! And He has won my heart.  

xx annetta

"O Heart of mine heart, would You draw this woman to Yourself this day?  Would You speak in a way that she HEARs You and KNOWs she is loved?  Would You remind her of Yourself?  Your Character?  Your Love?  Your Grace?  Would You love her as only You know how.  I love You so...my heart is won by the lover of my soul..and I am overwhelmed with gratefulness that You would see me, through and through, and call me Your Own. In Your Precious Son's Name, Amen"

Unexpected Blossoms

[image error]

After a longer-than-usual stay away from home, my family and I returned this past Sunday and I was awed as our car neared the house. The quiet two-lane road laid out before me seemed to be bursting at the seems; lined with all sorts of extravagant and lush vegetation. Obviously the sunlight and rain had been pulling double duty since I'd left and their long hours and hard work had made an obvious difference.
Trees that had been barren from the harsh realities of winter are now in full bloom - their limbs hanging, weighed down from their flourishing foliage, and creating a natural arbor over the road. Indigenous flowers are sprouting everywhere creating carpets of blue, as the "bonnets" take their place, dotted with pops of yellow from the daffodils.

Yes indeed, my breath was taken away at how gorgeously green everything was and gratefully, my house hadn't been missed. 

 

These Knock-Out Roses make an appearance a few times a year and every time they do, I'm eternally grateful. Honestly, my gratitude lies not only in their timeless beauty but in their low maintenance lifestyle. Shoot, these babies don't need me at all. They just sit there all year (some months looking a bit lonelier than others) and await the appointed time to spring their colors. They don't need me to water them or give them a second glance all year long. And frankly, that's the kind of relationship I like to have with vegetation.
Awww. . . good ol' roses! I just love them. The sight of them put a smile on my jet- lagged face.

But nothing made me more excited than these little sweeties; not because they are more dazzling than the roses, but just because it's taken an eternity for them to show signs of any life.

 

These are coral honeysuckles. I've got several of these bushes planted around my house and this is the first time I've ever seen any of them bloom. The guy that planted them told me that they would be very low maintenance (a requirement for me and my "wanna-be" green thumb). When he first put them in, he mentioned that I only needed to water them via the sprinkler twice a day in the heat of summer and once during normal weather just for the first few months until they took root. 
It didn't seem like a tall order when I first got them . . . OVER A YEAR AGO. 
You heard me right!
This "diva" plant has been watered and tended and gazed upon for nearly a year and half now and not once have they ever sprouted anything remotely resembling a honeysuckle - coral or any other color I might add. I've waited and waited, asked question after question and even playfully charged the yard guy flat-out with giving me duds.
But when I drove up to our house and saw these luscious blossoms, all I could do was point, stare and giggle. These plants weren't duds after all. It just took them a little longer to get situated is all.

Glad I didn't stop watering from the disappointment.

I've decided that, for me, this is going to be a lesson in living during the rest of the year.  I should expect "unexpected blossoms" to pop up in the places that I've been investing faithfully and have begun not to expect any benefit from that investment and I should keep on watering when I'm tempted not to anymore.
In a difficult relationship I've been investing alot of emotional energy
In a task I've been pushing hard to complete
In a decision made long ago I've been awaiting the outcome for.

The rose blossoms of your life and mine are gorgeous but sometimes those can't fully be appreciated because they didn't require much of an investment. Nothing wrong with that but they will never "wow" us like the ones that have required our sweat and tears and have possibly disappointed us a bit until now. It's those unexpected blossoms - the ones you've actually stopped anticipating to yield anything worthwhile -  that I think we should really lean forward, chin-in-hand, to catch a glimpse of now.
I have a feeling that all your watering and tending is going to pay off any day now.
It just might be the right season for the most gorgeous bloom of your life.

Any "unexpected blossoms" come your way recently?
Priscilla