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!
Diana Locust Grove GA
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or left;
keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:25-27 (NIV)
Kristen, Indianapolis, IN
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and couragegous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9 NIV
Brenda, Sagamore Hills: Your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands, as at this time. 1 Kings 8:61 NIV
Tricia from Allen, TX
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6
Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Renfrew, Canada
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,because he trusts in You.
Cary-Forney, TX
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2
Laura
Jack, AL
New King James Version
Lisa, Fredericktown
The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.
Psalm 145:13 NIV
from Janine, Oklahoma City. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9 (NASB)
Amy-Huntsville, AL
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captive and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the acceptable year of our Lord to comfort all who mourn. To give them beauty for ashes, oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness That they might be called trees of righteousness that HE may be glorified.
Is. 61:13
Jeannie
Indialantic FL
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray with me, and I will hear you.
Jeremiah 29:11-12
Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” NIV
Whitney, Louisville, KY: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” -Eph. 4:31-32 ESV
Sharon, Oyen Eph:2,8,9 For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God:Not of works lest any man should boast. kj
Greenacres, FL
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. NKJV
Jodi, Iowa Falls, IA:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 15:33 NIV
Nikki Brungard
Richmond, VA
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil. 2:13 (NIV)
Tustin, CA ~ I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. Psalm 26:4 NIV
Jess~Rye, NH
“For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.”
Galatians 5:17
Kathleen, Marietta,GA
“but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and now grow weary; they will walk and not faint”
Isaiah 30:31 HCSB
This passage came to me on a very large blue banner after I had brain surgery and had taken a turn for the worse. I thought I was going to die and felt all alone.
Beth and crew, I submitted my first time on 1-15 @ 10:15. I can’t find it so I am re-submitting it. I hope it’s not too late. Much love to ya all!
MISTAKE This passage is Isaiah 40:31
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
Romans 12:21 (NLT)
Jeannette
Land O Lakes, FL
Katie- Sherrill, NY
Phillipians 4:6 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done.
Carrie Beth, Frankfort, NKJV, Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
Because the LORD has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Mary, Florida
“But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and aides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 NASB
Cathie ~ Jacksonville, Florida
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Heidi Syverson
CLearbrook,MN
Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted”
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Roman 12:2 (NLT) New Living Translation
Lois A.
Crystal Springs, MS
Karman, Little Rock, AR
“It is my pleasure to tellyou about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.” Daniel 4:2 (NIV)
Karie, Glen Allen, VA;
Give me understanding that I may keep thy law and observe it with my whole heart.
Psalm 119:34 (ESV)
for Jan 1: Behold God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for the Lord God is my strength, and my song, and he has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)
Janell, Denver CO NIV
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14
Jody – Mount Berry, GA
The Lord God is my strength. He makes me like a deer that does not stumble so I can walk on the steep mountains. Habbakuk 3:19 NCV
I’m laughing because your from Berry and you have deer in your verse. ;o)
NIcole/Dallas, TX/“You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14–16) NIV
Bethany: Waco, TX
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive and inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Shawna – Boise, Idaho – Colossians 3:12-13 TNIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any for you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Chris, Kenosha, WI
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
Lynsie, Jackson, MS: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1 (NIV)
And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10
Oh and I’m from Ft. Worth TX
Lisa, Richmond, VA ~ “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (NIV)
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
Michelle Ontario, Canada
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Rebecca- Boise, Idaho- Colossians 3: 12-13 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert and streams in the
wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19
TJ Weeden, Myrtle Beach, SC
‘I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.’ Psalm 40:1-3 NIV
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (KJV)
Amber (&Sam)
Tampa, FL
Deut. 6:5-11 NIV
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.
My husband and I are joining a few weeks late, but are excited for the journey!
Christy, Ohio, Phillipians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever I lovely, whatever is admirable-If anything is excellent or praiseworthy-fix your thoughts on these things. NIV
Dana ~ Lake Villa, IL
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38 NIV
Jill, Middleton, WI: Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) For I am the LORD your God
who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
“You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:4 (NLT)