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!
Michelle, Lewisville, TX Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. NIV Isaiah 12:5
Barb, Evansville, In
Romans 14:12-13 ESV
So then each of must give an account of himself to God, therefore, let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
Casey Shostak – LaGrange, Ga
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NLT
Karen- Conway, AR
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Karen, Cottonwood: “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
Cathy, Gallatin, TN, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstance; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 The Message
Carol – Grove City, PA
“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” – Luke 1:50 (NIV)
Ephesians 4:1 & 2
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Mandy – Grove City, PA
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)
“Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does.” I Corinthians 14:1 The Message
Beverly
Jackson, MS
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord;” apart from you I have no good thing. Psalm 16:2 (NIV)
Amy, Los Angeles
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11, ESV
Jessica, Leavenworth,IN
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NIV
For though I live in the world, I do not wage war as the world does. The weapons I fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of GOD, and I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And I will be ready to punish every act of disobedience once your obedience is complete.
Michelle: Loveland, CO. Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” (1 John 4:12 NLT)
Amanda, Corydon, IN
1 John 4:4 NIV
You, dear children, are from GOD and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater then the one who is in the world.
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Eph 3:14 & 15
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rise to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18
Jessica, Meriden, CT
“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. Psalm 65:11 NLT
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 NIV
Sarah, Oklahoma
“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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
Holly, Boulder,
“and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching”. Hebrews 10:24-25
Sharon, San Antonio
Are you foolish? After beginning with the Spirit are now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Galatians 3:3 NIV
Judy, Spokane, WA
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 NLT
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
psalm 84:11
hope its not too late!!
Emily
Virginia Beach
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Laurel, Augusta, Georgia: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:18 NIV
Angela, Hampton, VA
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26 NIV
Lisa, North Carolina: Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30:5 NKJV
Betty, Washington
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph 5:15-17 ESV
Brenda Longmont, CO
“Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth. Grant me purity of heart so that I may honor you.” Psalms 86:11
The temptations in your life are no different than what others experience. And God is faithful. He will hnhot allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Cor. 10:13 NLT
Faith, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Barbara, New Orleans
A soft answer turns away wrath; but harsh words stir up strife. Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
Paige–Heber City, UT
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Letha, Mountain Home, Arkansas. Proverbs 25:3-4 “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II TIMOTHY 3: 16 -17 NIV
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
Amy, Washington D.C.; “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV
1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. KJV
Alpharetta, GA
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:25-26
Lisa, Centerville, OH:
“Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you.
I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
Erika, San Antonio, TX
“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ”
(Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
James 2:1 The NET Bible
Barbara
Midland,Texas
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
Mary Ann, Ringgold, Georgia: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Ginny, Wilson, Colossians 3:8 ~ But now you must rid yourself of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
NIV – Oops!
God is our refuge & strength. A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NKJV
Nanette R. in Nashville
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” James 1:22, New Living Translation
Mary, North Scituate, RI
The Lord is my rock, my deliverer, my God in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Pslam 18:2
Pam
Arvada CO
Luke 8:15 HCSB
But the seed in the good ground–these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring bear fruit.