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!
Terri: Mechanicsville, VA
For you have been my hope O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. Psalm 71:5
LaShon Indianapolis, In
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Michelle Humbert Chattanooga TN
proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no on is persuing but the righteous are as BOLD as a lion (NASB!)
Oh wow! I LOVE this translation! Chase the Lion sweet sister!
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
2 Corinthians 12:9
Sarah, Tyler, TX ” 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
Allison, Ruston
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Eph. 1:16-17 “I … do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,”
Heidi~Lindale, Texas
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
1 Cor. 13:2 NIV Bible
Bridget – Buford, GA
Psalm 138:8 NIV – “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.”
Everything you do must be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:14
Suzie, LaGrange, Ga
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
LS from NC. . .
‘you know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. so don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. let it do its work so that you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.’
-james 1:3-4 MSG
Kaitlyn – Laurel, MS
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35 NIV
Jess, Cleburne, TX
Because of the Lord’s love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Kimberly- Prosper, TX
Romans 10:9-11 (NIV)
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in the Lord will never be put to shame.”
Sadee, Celebration, Florida
“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Colossians 1:18, ESV
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 NIV
Joanne
St. Petersburg, FL
LaShon Indianapolis “But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 The Message
Colleen, Spanaway, WA
For we know that if the earthly tent which is our home is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2 Corinthians 5:1 )NASB
Verse #2 Patti, Missouri, Serve wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord, and not men (NIV) Ephesians 6:7
Kori, Independence, KY: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. SEEK his will in all you do, and he will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Bridgett – Laurel, MS
Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. I Chronicles 16:8 KJV
Amy, Harleysville, PA
Proverbs 14:30 (NIV) A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Georgia, Greenville, NC: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 NIV
Kathie, Satsuma, Alabama. Teach me to do Your will, For you are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. NKJV Psalm 143:10
Rebecca, Chattanooga, TN
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
Hannah, La Grange. “The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14 NIV
Kathy – Fargo “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph 4:2 NIV
Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesiams 3:20-21 KJV
Melanie, Blacksburg, VA
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Ps. 51:17 NIV
Crystal, Livonia, Michigan
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3 KJV
stacey- new orleans
proverbs 16:3 nlv
Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed.
Theresa – Brandon, MS: “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’y you see it?” -The Message
Deanna, Frisco, TX: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 15:16 NIV
Kelly in Birmingham, AL
“And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Laurie, Syracuse
Col 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,”
Titus 3:4 NASB
Debra, Many, La
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers. Revelation 17:14 (NIV)
(Doing the Bible Study “Here and Now There and Then”)
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and [when you pass] through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.” Isaiah 43:1b-2 HCSB
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.
Houston, TX
My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
James 2:1 NET
Jeanni, Westland,MI
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any inquity have dominion over me.
Psalm 119:133 KJV
So do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Is. 41:10
In the Messiah, in Christ,
God leads us from place to place
in one perpetual victory parade. 2 Cor.2:14
Dawn from Lafayette, LA
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon 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.
Angela- Corbin, KY
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
Cynthia, Russellville
“For the Lord is good and His loves endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5 NIV
Rosyline Bethea, Selma, Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. NIV
Jamie – Corbin,Ky.
Let be and be still,and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)!
Psalm 46:10 and 11 Amplified Bible
Deb, Lexington, TX
Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.