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!
Nehemiah 1:5-6
Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!”
Romans 12:2 (NAS) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Jennifer, Garland, TX
2 Corinthians 5:20
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
I forgot: Holman Christian Standard
Joan, Hudson, FL
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind! Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2 NIV
Tina, White Salmon “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (KJV)
Pam, Sioux Falls, SD
“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed and established it – the LORD is his name: call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:2&3, NIV
Sacha Hasenyager, Huson, MT. Jeremaih 15:20 NIV I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and to rescue you, declares the LORD.
Grace S. Philadelphia, PA
Proverbs 10:19
19When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.
(NASB)
Janey – Bogalusa, LA
Ps. 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” KJV
Ashley Honea – San Angelo, TX
“God, the Master, The Holy One of Israel, has this solemn counsel: ‘Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me – The very thing you’re unwilling to do.'” Isaiah 30:15 The Message
Hague, Saskatchewan
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6, NIV
On track now! – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Marty ~ Mobile, AL
“For HE satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9
Hebrews 4:13-14 NIV
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Lindsey from Springfield
2 Tim 1:7 KJV
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
Isaiah 61:7 NIV
Jennifer~New Braunfels, TX
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Sally, Barrington, IL I Peter 3: 3-4 ESV Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains–
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1,2 NIV
Nina, Chicago IL
“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
Pat
Brookings, SD
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
Christina, Tuttle,
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.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
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
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:17 (NLT)
Galatians 6:1 NKJV
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Sarah in Houston, TX
Kim, San Juan Capistrano, CA: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (NIV Study Bible)
Oops! Galations 5:22-23 (NIVSB)
Wendy – Conway, Arkansas
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.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Elisa
Waco,Tx
Deuteronomy 32:1-3 NIV
1 Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;
hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
2 Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.
3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Galatians 6:1 NKJV
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Sarah in Houston, TX
Angela, Williamsport PA
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV
Sara from Knoxville, TN
Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (NIV)
I am sure of this that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6, HCSB
Ames, IA
Jennifer-Albany, GA
As for me, I am in Your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.
Jeremiah 26:14 (NIV)
Lisa, Ste. Genevieve, MO, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” NIV
Emily
Fort Mill, SC
“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
Proverbs 4:23-24
NIV
Ashley- Simpsonville, SC “And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character.” Ruth 3:11 NIV
Angela, Germantown: (I pray that you) may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18
Roxanne, Spring, TX.
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.
(Praying this for my son) 1 Peter 2:1-2
Geneva, Little Rock
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
Pat: Indianapolis
Romans 1: 16-17
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it, righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written “The just shall live by faith”. NKJV
Heledd – Bridgend, Wales.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11.6 NIV
Julie – El Paso, TX.
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.”-
Philippians 3:8 NIV
Michelle, St. Louis. “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 NASB
Jamie–Coweta, OK.
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Isaiah 43:19 The Message
Marie, White Pine,TN
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Christa, Cedar Falls: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Lisa~ Mesa, AZ
“I am the Alph and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end”
Revelation 22:13 NIV
Jodell, Frankfort. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV
Jill–Houston, TX
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8