Being Quiet
August 20, 2007

Being Quiet
By Zoë Elmore

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)

Devotion:
Our son came home from school and announced that he would not be attending the college he’d planned but would instead be attending a school in another state. There wasn’t anything we could say or do to change his mind. Wanting to thoroughly investigate this option, we invited the representative from the out-of-state school to our home in order to gather the information necessary to prayerfully advise our son.

With all the facts on the table my husband and I spent much of the next two days in prayer and concluded that it would be in our son’s best interest to return to the college plans already in progress. After a family discussion which consisted of my husband and me trying to put him back on track, Josh stormed out of the room and slammed his bedroom door behind him. For the next twelve months Josh barely looked in our direction and only grunted when he couldn’t answer us with a nod.

I cried out to the Lord for wisdom and guidance, and He whispered, Be quiet and trust me to work in your child’s heart.

I thought, Excuse me, Lord, I’m sure I misunderstood You. You can’t possibly expect me to keep silent on this important matter!?

So I decided to stop reigning down wisdom from the top of “Mom Mountain”. I spent the next twelve months praying through and studying today’s verses. I inserted Josh’s name in each verse and read them many times each day, sometimes to myself and other times out loud. During that year the Lord expanded and multiplied the truths and lessons contained in these verses. I experienced a deepening in my relationship with God while I witnessed a softening in our son’s heart.

Before we knew it, we were moving our son into his college dorm room. Despite the evidence of a softened heart, Josh was clearly still angry with us as we left him that day on the college campus. Months passed and we heard very little from our son. I continued to study and pray through these verses.

One afternoon our son unexpectedly came home and joined me on the back porch. He took my hands in his and with tears streaming down his face said, “Mom, I have to ask your forgiveness for my attitude and behavior this last year. While I’ve been at college, I’ve been part of a college ministry and the Lord has opened my eyes to the glorious relationship I can have with Him. Mom, I can’t thank you enough for praying me through these last few months without preaching to me. You allowed the Lord to show me Himself who He is. I’m so grateful that you and Dad continued to love me when I was so angry. I would have never met the godly people at my school if I had disobeyed you.”

Now that is a stand-in-your-chair-and-praise-God-moment if I’ve ever heard one, and I did just that! When I think about that year of quiet desperation, I’m reminded of the spiritual lessons I learned and how they remain an important step in my pursuit of a deepening relationship with my sweet Jesus. I learned to go to the throne instead of the phone for my peace and comfort.

If you find yourself in a desperate place, I hope you will choose to quiet yourself before the Lord in order to study and pray through His Word. In doing so you will receive knowledge of His will, wisdom and understanding for your spirit, and reassurance in place of your desperation.

Dear Lord, thank You for meeting me and teaching me in my quiet desperation. I praise Your name for the miraculous work You have done in my heart and in the life of my son. Only You can change a heart. You deserve all praise and glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer

God’s Purpose for Every Woman: a P31 Women’s Devotional by Editors Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen

Do You Know Him?

Application Steps:
Study your Bible on the topic of being alone with God.

Write your own prayer to God praising Him for His willingness to comfort and provide for us in our times of desperation.

Reflections:
If you are facing a desperate time in your life right now, what can you do in order to hear from God more clearly?

If the Lord asks you to be quiet in order to work in the life of a loved one, how quickly will you obey?

Power Verses:
Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (NIV)

Isaiah 50:4. “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” (NIV)


Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org


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Family photo






Here are the latest family photos.

Are these the most handsome men you've ever seen or what?
You can imagine how much the guys "loved" having a photo shoot.
Oh well... at least they all look great!!!!!















I am so excited, it's finally arrived!!!
"God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Woman's Devotional."
Written by over fifteen of our P31 writers and speakers, including me, these devotions were chosen to encourage and empower women to follow God with all of their hearts in their everyday lives.
Each author shares real life stories the life lessons and Godly principles they learned and how they applied each one. Every devotion ends with a prayer and application steps so that you can apply God's principles to your own life.
This devotional book was written not just to bless your life, but change it!

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Humorous Hijinks

Slather on that sunscreen girls.
There's nothing pretty about crispy unless it's part of my BLT!


Joining the ranks of the young and hip

I can't believe the day has finally arrived; but it has arrived indeed!! I've finally joined the ranks of the young and hip set and I now have my own blog. Being the oldest one on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team I often feel like I'm a day late, a dollar short and ten steps behind,

but not anymore (at least not for today anyway).


I'm thrilled to think that someone might read this and that someone might even respond. I can't wait to uplaod pictures of my family and to have this opportunity to encourage all who might stop by. It is my prayer that the Lord will use this bolg as one more tool at HIS disposal to enourage and lighten your heart.


Thanks for sharing your time with me and for allowing me an opportunity to

"share a bit of goodness" from the Lord.


About Me
Happily married to Tom Elmore, Zoe is the mother of two sons Joshua and Joseph. She makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she serves her church and community.

Zoe has six years of training with Bible Study Fellowship International where she served as a small group leader and assistant teaching leader for three years and served as the Area Director for Neighborhood Bible Studies for two years. The Lord is taking Zoe throughout the United States as she encourages women to be obedient to God’s call in their lives.

Zoe is also a certified instructor for the Christian finishing school and school of etiquette, A Touch of Elegance. She is an accomplished soloist and has recorded a CD entitled “Joyfully Zoe". While the Lord has removed her gift of singing, He has given Zoe a new theme song: a passion to encourage women, leading them to harmony with Christ.



What Others Are Saying:

"Zoe was so authentic when she spoke at our women’s conference! She told us that she was NOT a speaker; she was a woman called by God to speak. Zoe brings God’s message with an extra helping of energy, enthusiasm and encouragement. Her word pictures will be remembered for a long time, reminding us of God’s individual love for each of us. Zoë’s JOY is contagious!! If you are looking for someone passionate about obedience to God’s calling and equally passionate about encouraging women in their spiritual walk, Zoe is the speaker for your next event."
Pam Franklin – Director Women’s Ministry. New Sandy Creek Baptist Church – Henderson , NC

"My group at Idlewild, Mommies Ministry loved Zoe! She was beautiful and beaming with enthusiasm. We were laughing as she shared personal stories! She was very professional in planning and calling. I’m sure many of us were convicted about being too “busy”. Zoe’s message was on target with what she and I had planned. She stayed consistent from beginning to end, sharing ways to become “balanced”. And yes, she absolutely related to the audience!"
Melissa McPhail - Director for Mommies Ministry . Idlewild Baptist Church – Mint Hill , NC

"Zoe was phenomenal, kind, funny, biblical, applicable and real. The attendees’ loved her and my team loved her as well!!"
Donna Wolf – Director Women’s Ministry Grey Stone Baptist Church – Durh am , NC

"Zoe was really a blessing, as well as her joy and servants attitude. She has a real heart to minister to people and was willing to reach out and meet with and pray with women."
Dawn Nyberg – International Falls, MN


Contact Me
I would love to be a part of your upcoming event. Please contact Proverbs 31 by filling out a form here, or calling the office at 877-P31-HOME (877-731-4663).

If you have questions for me, please feel free to email me: ZoeElmore@gmail.com


My Schedule

2012 Event Schedule:


Saturday February 25, 2012
Roswel UMC
Roswel, GA

Saturday March 3, 2012
Women of Noble Character
Elloree, SC

Saturday April 21, 2012
Ridgeview Baptist Church
Cleveland, TN

Saturday May 5, 2012
Faith Baptist Church
Faith, NC

Saturday May 18, 2012
PENDING EVENT

Friday-Saturday October 5-6, 2012
Neel Road Baptist Church
Salisbury, NC

Saturday, October 20
Big Spring, Texas

Where I've Been:

Saturday March 2, 2007

Attitude and Accessories

Hillsborough United Methodist Church

Hillsborough , NC


Saturday May 13, 2007

Attitude and Accessories

Apex Baptist Church

Holly Springs , NC


Friday May 18, 2007

Attitude and Accessories

Christ Community Church

Greensboro , NC


Friday June 22 - Sunday June 24, 2007

She Speaks Speaker/Writer Conference

Charlotte, NC


Thursday August 9, 2007

Dare to be Dangerous

Eastway Baptist Church

Charlotte , NC


Friday - Saturday September 14-15, 2007

Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church

Asheville , NC


Friday October 26, 2007

Dare to be Dangerous

C-12 National Convention

Ballantyne Resort and Spa

Charlotte , NC


Wed. January 16, 2008
Beauty of Balance
St. Luke's Catholic Church MOPS
Mint Hill , NC

Friday - Saturday February 22 -23, 2008
Christ Independent Methodist Church
Palatka, Florida

Friday - Sunday February 29 - March 2, 2008
Dare to be Dangerous
Spring Branch Community Church
Williamsburg, VA

Saturday April 5, 2008

Sunset Missionary Baptist Church

Cole City, WV


Saturday April 12, 2008
Olive Branch Baptist Church
Blackridge, VA

Saturday April 19, 2008
Denver United Methodist Church
Denver, NC

Friday - Saturday April 26-27, 2008
Grace Baptist Church
Amish Door Inn
Brunswick, OH

Friday June 20 - Sunday June 22, 2008

She Speaks - Charlotte, NC

2009


Saturday March 14, 2009

Standing Springs Baptist Church

Greeneville, SC

Friday March 27-Sunday March 29, 2009

Gloucester County Community Church

Dare to be Dangerous

Lancaster, PA

Friday May 15-Sunday May 17, 2009

Brown County Lodge

Dare to be Dangerous

Nashville, Indiana

Friday July 30-Sunday August 2, 2009

She Speaks 2009

Charlotte, NC

Friday September 11-Sunday September 13

First Baptist Matthews

A Woman of Beauty

Spring Maid Resort, SC

Friday September 25-Sunday September 27, 2009

New Weslyan Church

Dare to be Dangerous

Lancaster, PA

Saturday October 24, 2009

Union Baptist Church

Monroe, NC

Saturday November 21, 2009

Keeping Christ in the Holidays

Liberty Church

Lawrenceville, VA,

2010 Event Schedule

Saturday April17, 2010
Cole City, WV

Saturday, May 1, 2010
Plantation Estates
Matthews, NC

Saturday May 8, 2010
West Cabarrus Church
Concord, NC

Friday – Sunday July 28-August 1, 2010
She Speaks
Concord, NC

Thursday – Friday December 2-3, 2010
Cornerstone Christian Church
New Jersey

Tuesday – Wednesday December 7-8, 2010
Ada Bible Church
Ada, MI



2011 Event Schedule
Friday-Saturday March 18-19, 2011
First Friends Church
Canton, Ohio


Saturday April 30, 2011
Evangelical Congregational Church
Reading, PA


Friday - Sunday July 22-24, 2011
She Speaks
Concord, NC

Tuesday September 20, 2011
Sun City
Indian Land, SC

Friday-Saturday November 11-12, 2011
Crossover Community Church
High Point, NC

Saturday December 3, 2011
First Presbyterian Church
Reading, PA

Thursday December 15, 2011
First Baptist Church
Indian Trail






Topics
A Woman of Beauty
Find the joy in answering God's call to be a woman of beauty, as Zoe shares lessons learned from God’s perspective and principles.

We will discover God’s S.E.C.R.E.T. to inner beauty as we challenge the world’s definition of beauty.

There are three distinct areas covered in this retreat:
  • Spiritual Beauty
  • Emotional Beauty
  • Physical Beauty
Also available as a retreat
Also available in a package with Shari Braendel

Attitude and Accessories: Living an Authentic Life
The world places unreasonable demands on every woman. Discover the joy of becoming the woman God created every woman to be and is calling her to become.
Through scripture and a good dose of humor Zoe shares lessons from the Attitude of Gratitude and the Accessories of Grace and Humility.

Dare to be Dangerous
From Discipline to Serving God, Zoe teaches the nine character traits of a dangerous woman. Zoe offers practical and inspirational techniques for turning cowards into conquerors and worriers into warriors. If you’re ready to take your spiritual life to the next level, invite Zoe to unearth the adventurous life of a dangerous woman!

There are three distinct areas covered in this retreat:
  • The Head of a dangerous Woman
  • The Heart of a Dangerous Woman
  • The Hands of a Dangerous Woman
Also available as a retreat.


More Topics:

A Confident Woman in Chaotic Times
If your life is punctuated by chaos, then you will want to invite Zoe to your next event! Zoe will encourage you to see chaos as an opportunity for instruction, as God molds us into His image. C.H.A.O.S. is a banner for Zoe’s life, let her teach you how to make it yours.

Fruit for Life
We will explore exactly what the fruit of God’s Sprit is and how the Lord gives the fruit to equip, enable and empower us to be conformed to the image of Christ so we can serve in His Body and glorify His name. With a creative presentation and her “Survival Kit”, Zoe helps women understand the nine parts that make up the whole fruit.
(Also available as a retreat)

I Will Change Your Name
Hear Zoe’s personal testimony of changing her name as she invited Christ to change her life. Through humor and poignant stories, you will be challenged as Zoe shares the joy that is made complete with a surrendered life to Christ. From a life of wounded ness to a life of joy and confidence, this message of hope and inspiration is touching to all who hear it.

Living with Open Hands
Abraham knew the true meaning of obedience and sacrifice and the blessing that followed. Holding onto things too tightly can lead to cramped fingers and broken possessions. Learn how to hold onto people and possessions with open hands as Zoe teaches you the freedom in living with open hands.

The Beauty of Balance
More than ever the women of today are expected to juggle the demands of life while wearing many different hats. God has designed a method that instructs women on balancing their lives while finding joy in the discipline of obedience. If you’re looking for inspirational instruction on balancing life invite Zoe to your next event.
(Also available as a retreat)

Surviving the Holidays
Zoe offers the audience a fresh perspective on surviving the holiday season with practical and inspirational ideas. Invite Zoe to share her “Holiday Survival Kit” with you – and experience a holiday to remember!

What fragrance are You Wearing?
Whether it’s light and sweet or strong and overpowering, every woman has a life fragrance. In this presentation, Zoe will encourage you to discover your own unique life fragrance and the lingering effect it has on your family and friends. You will leave energized and equipped to fill your life and your home with the fragrance God has created you to wear.


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Proverbs 31

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