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!
Stephanie Chambers <
Kings Mountain NC
James 1:19 "So then, my beloved brethren, let man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
NKJV
Sorry, I forgot. Family health issues! “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.” Philippians 4:6 NAS
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; see his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he pronounced. 1 Chron 16:10-12
Glad to be joining this challenge!
Jessica (Dallas, TX)
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. Romans 12:2 New Living Translation
Brenda–Flemington, NJ
I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Matt. 9:3 (NIV)
Lucy~ Albuquerque, NM
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
(Colossians 3:13) NIV
Jessica, Alabama; 1 Corinthians 13:6-8(NIV) Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails.
Becky ~ Richmond, KY
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Lyn Jones
Kingwood, Texas
Jennifer- Mansfield, Tx
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”
Galations 5:22-23 (NLT)
Aidy, Sherwood Park
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. Psalm. 56
Leeanne, Dallas, TX
John 9:31
“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does his will, God listens to him.” ESV
Yvonne, Sevierville This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13
Kelly – St. Paul, MN
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.
Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)
Hi Kelly,
Your St. Paul address caught my eye. I am also in St. Paul. Just a note to say Hi!
Jodi
Debbie, Cheyenne – “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” 2 Cor. 4:7 (NASB)
Jennifer, Urbandale. “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)
Sarah, Euharlee, Ga
Psalm 18:1-2 NIV
I love you , O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Sabrina
Lincoln, Nebraska
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
19 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.
Austin, Texas
Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. Isaiah 50:10B NIV
Pam VA
Remember the former things those of long ago; I am God and there is no other, I am God and there is none like me.I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: my purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Is. 46: 9-10 NIV
Mackenzi, Elgin
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.
NKJV
Linda, Delray Beach: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will fine; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV
Lisa – Oklahoma City, OK – 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
Emily, Charlotte
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Mindy, Broadview Heights, “He will respond to the prayers of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” Psalm 102:17-18, NIV
Stephanie, Tulsa. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Susan – Grapevine, TX
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12
Sheila, Beckley, WV
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
Patty from West Branch, MI
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
For you are God my Savior
and my hope is in you
all day long
Psalm 25:5 (NIV)
Sarah Birmingham,Lambertville MI
2Corinthians4:17
For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.
HCSB
Donita – Tucson, AZ
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Gal 6:9 ESV
Peggy – San Antonio, Tx
Jeremiah 32:27 (NCV)
“I am the Lord, the God of every person on earth. Nothing is impossible for me.”
Jodi – Paradise, CA
Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.
Isaiah 6:8
8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for iUs?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”
deirdre
windermere
nkjv
Jenn- Frederick, MD
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
Jennifer, Sealy, TX
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Jennifer – Phoenix, AZ
I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
(Isaiah 41:9-10) NIV
Stacey, Sarah, and Mary; Memphis
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NAS (with a touch of KJV from my childhood)
Dear Beth, I have been doing your studies since the nineties. My husband has been calling himself a “closet Beth Moore guy” for years! We both thank you for Breaking Free that years ago taught us that generational sin and patterns could forever be changed. We have grown children that are all serving Christ as missionary surgeons in Africa, Young Life Directors, and Christian Mental Health therapists. We have also been leading international missions trips for years. In our fifties now, with 6 grandkids, we can humbly say with confidence that our Legacy has been preserved and restored because we were knocked face down years ago. We have never gotten up from that position and never want to. You had a lot to do with where we are today. This week my husband and I will be teaching your study on Revelation to a mixed group of men and women in our church. The first to sign up were the men. Shocking and delightful because it was intended for the women! Pray for us! It is a first for us … my husband is coming raising his “Beth Moore ” studies in the air for all to see! Hilarious! He is a teacher in his own right and thrilled with doing your study with guys. I am also leading a group doing “When Godly People do Ungodly Things” at the same time so you are on our minds a lot around here! We will continue to pray for you and your family and ministry. The ripples are all over this world. When we were in Kenya during the conflicts we gathered as women in a missionary’s home and studied “Esther”. Can’t get away from you no matter where I go, Sister! So after many years I thought I would finally let you know. Blessings to you, Dear One. I hear you say that so often that I had to give it back at ya! In the deepest gratitude, Eternally Grateful, Patti Margaron
Kate-Knoxville-Acts 5:38-39-NKJV
“And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men-it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it-lest you be found to fight against God.”
Julie
Granbury, TX
“I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:7-8 (NIV)
Kristine “Mouse”, Janesville WI
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
Proverbs 31:16-18 NIV
Sarah, Eagan MN
If you want to know what God wants you to do, as Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him; He will not resent it.
James 1:5
Lauren,Austin TX
Yet, those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired
They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31(NAS)
Katherine- Helena, AL
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Phil 4:6 The Message Bible
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Delora, Granite City, John 15:7 NLT But if you remain in me and my words remain in you,you may ask for anyting you want, and it wlll be granted.
Launa, Crowley Lake: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Ann H. ~ Austin, TX
“Yes, God often does these things for man – brings back his soul from the pit, so that he may live in the light of the living.”
Job 33:29-30 (The Children’s Living Bible)