Hey, Sweet Things!
You guys are so much fun. Thanks for getting excited with us about the app. I’m just thinking about how this whole technology thing was in the mind of God centuries ago when He inscribed His words on the sacred page through the pens of men. Too much to wrap our minds around, isn’t it? He is the One who knows “the end from the beginning,” and “from ancient times, what is still to come.” He says, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isaiah 46:10)
At the moment I’m typing up this post, we have a whopping 9250 entries under Verse 1. Never in my wildest imagination did I picture this. I was pretty blown away by our strong and steady couple of thousand in 2009. Keep in mind that the 9250 is not an exact reflection of participants because there are some replies under comments, like, “I’m copying yours!” and “I’ve never even heard that verse!” I’m not going put a restriction on that because community in Christ is what makes Siestaville work. We do know, however, that way over 8000 are participating because that many women ordered spirals or downloaded the artwork. Others who are participating grabbed their own spirals the easier way from the store. I also want you to picture the many preadolescent girls we have on our team. Don’t you remember loving stickers and pens and school supplies when you were that age? I should have known they’d take to the spirals. Just close your eyes and imagine them reciting some of the verses dearest to your heart. Many of us have lived long enough to know by life experience what they are reciting by faith. It’s such a precious thought to me. They will find Jesus faithful just as we have. Yep, we have junior Siestas but we also have plenty of senior Siestas which delights me just as much. Our joy in standing shoulder-to-shoulder with this mighty band of women is indescribable. I wonder how many football fields we would stretch across. Whew. For just a split second I saw us all in my bright red college drill team uniforms. Scratch that thought.
OK, before I call for your second verses, many of you asked for the exact date of the SSMT celebration next January. I double-checked the weekend with Sabrina and it’s January 20-21, 2012 from Friday evening until Saturday noon. Of course, we’ll get you the proper information starting early next Fall but, if you think you might want to come, put it down on your calendar, start saving your expense money, and plan to memorize your darling little head off. The event itself is our gift to you and your ticket in is your well-used spiral (of either kind).
Are you ready for SSMT Verse 2? I’m giving you a heads-up that I plan to target a lot of James verses this year so, while I’m still going to tell you mine each time, I’ll also suggest a good alternative for those of you who could use an additional idea. Remember! Limit your comments to Name, City, Verse, and Translation. Here’s mine:
Beth, Houston. “My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” James 2:1 The NET Bible
Here’s an alternative I really love and memorized a couple of years ago. My dear coworker, Diane, is memorizing it right now so it’s washing back over my mind:
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to You; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5 NIV
And that, O Lord, is the gospel truth.
OK, Sisters! Bring on Verse 2!
I pray that Christ is so pleased. I feel in my soul that He is.
Have a great weekend!
Debby, Ellicott City, MD
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
Sandi-St.Paul, MN
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Phil 4:8 (TNIV)
continuing Psalm 119 . . .
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in His paths.
You have charged us
to keep Your commandments carefully.
Psalm 119:3-4, NLT
Katie, Atlanta: “She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family.” Proverbs 31:15 NIV
Sr. Rebecca, Clyde
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. 2Tim1:7 AMP
Renee, Calgary, Canada
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Carrie, Adairsville, GA
Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.
The flames will not set you ablaze.
“Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Jeannie, Vero Beach, Florida
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2
NIV
Mary, North Richland Hills, TX: Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7 (NIV)
Cindy from Ferndale:
NKJV
1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.
Carissa, E.Northport, New York. Jeremiah 29:11-12- “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.”
Kim – Bergen County, New Jersey
Genesis 21:22 (NIV)
“God is with you in everything you do”.
Lori, Tulsa, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31 (NIV)
Laurie, Tyler, Texas “Look to the Lord and His strenght, seek His face always” I Chronicles 16:11 NIV
K, Metro Detroit
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called Children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1 (ESV)
Aimee, North Aurora IL
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Nicole, Seattle. “We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:1a-3 NIV
Lu, Raleigh, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”, 2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV
Gwen, Kennesaw, GA. “Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal – don’t quit on me now.” Psalm 138:8 The Message
Cindy, Spokane WA
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Phillipians 2:13 ESV
Suzannah from Nashville: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on yout own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 NKJV
Linda in Dallas – “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Susan (Clever MO)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Somer (Brandon, MS)
I’m copying this one!
Cassandra, Marienville, PA (but I’m in Hickory for my Senior year of college)
Romans 5:5 (NIV) “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Lindsay, Dallas, TX
The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17, NKJ
Rebecca, Columbia, MO
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 ESV
Ashley, Ponca city, Oklahoma
“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”
-Colossians 1:10 (niv)
Rachel Alpharetta, GA
“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Robin, Indialantic, Fl. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”. Proverbs 31:25
Telisa, Arkansas City. “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NIV
holly, layton :: she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. proverbs 31:26 NIV ::
Beth, Emmalena, KY
“Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)
Jeannie-Nashville
“I lift You high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless Your name into eternity.” Psalm 145:1 Message
Candice
Evanston, IL
Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done…
Romans 15:17-18 (NIV)
Christi, Katy,TX – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 20-21 KJV
Melissa, Hampton Roads, VA: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'” Lamentations 3: 22(again)-24 NIV
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Donna
Spring, TX
Lynn, Chesterfield MO – Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jer. 29:7 NIV
Wow. I’ve never seen that verse…love it.
Earlene, Trego, “May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in Your word.” Psalm 119:74 NLT
Sarah, Dallas (TX):
“God’s love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titantic, and His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost. Not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks. How exquisite your love, O God! How eager we are to run under your wings…you’re a fountain of cascading light and you open our eyes to light.”–Psalm 36:5-7,9 The Message
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Leigh, Houston, TX:
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 NKJV
The Lord has great plans for me this year:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Ashley, Huddleston, VA: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV
Love this one, Ashley! I’m working on themes for the year. Humility, patience, and gentleness are three of them! This will DEFINITELY be one of my verses! Great work, Ashley!
Kristina, Frisco, TX.
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground” Psalm 144:10
Michelle, Waukesha, WI “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” NIV
Dustalyn, Murdock, NE , “Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to Your Name be the glory because of Your love and faithfulness” Psalm 115:1 (NIV)
Jaime, Chesapeake, VA: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.” Psalm 28:7, NIV
Julie
Marion, IA
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:5
New Living Translation