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!
Beth – Columbus, OH
“For whoever does the will of my Father is my brother and sister and mother”
Matthew 12:50 ESV
Vicki J., Orlando,
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Tonya, Searcy, AR
Proverbs 16:3–NIV2010
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Tessa – Dallas, Oregon
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
-Titus 3:1-2- (NIV)
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Emily, St. Paul, MN
Debora, Lakewood
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
Linda- Dallas, Oregon
The wise women builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
-Proverbs 14:1- (NIV)
My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Ps. 73:26. NIV
Kathy Dow, IL
Jennifer, Otisville: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Prverbs 3:5-6, NIV
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jonah 2:8
Diane, Alaska
Set a guard,ADONAI, over my mouth;Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Don’t let my heart turn to anything evil or allow me to act wickedly with men who are evildoers; keep me from eating theie delicacies. Psalms 141:3-4
Complete Jewish Bible.
I’ve never read this verse in this translation before. I like the wording of this! Thank you for sharing.
Jeanette from Mundelein, IL
Psalm 100:3
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Laura McGrew, Manlius, New York
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.(NASB)
Julie
Absarokee, Montana
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
PS 34:18
NASB
This is the verse I choose as well. Definitely my favorite. 🙂
Oops-forgot the Scripture reference:
Sandra, Kayleigh and Bethany, Waco: For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosn you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. Deuteronomy 7:6 NIV
Anna
Houston, TX
My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Ps. 73:26. NIV
Kristi, Hillsboro Oregon
Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Lyndsy Jade
Absarokee Montana
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
PS 62:6
Carrie, Burnsville, MN
“I lift my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1&2
Molly, Ashland, Ky “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 TImothy 3:16-17
Macy Quinn
Absarokee Montana
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
PS 62:6
Flo,Wetumpka,AL. Blessed is the man who listens to me; watching daily at my doors,waiting at my doorway. Proverbs
8:34 NIV
Katy, Round Rock, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us.” Psalm 67:1 NIV
Runia, Silsbee TX “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. 1 Th 5:16-18, NIV
Amy, Ontario (Canada)
Psalm 37:7 (NIV)
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Laura, Sask,Canada:
My SSMT spiral just arrived~Yay! My first 2 verses:
“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 (NIV)
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1&2 (NIV)
Arcadia, WI
Isaiah 41:10, NIV
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.
3Jo 1:2 NKJV Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Tracie – Naperville, IL
Isaiah 43:18-19
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.
Shannon, Denton
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
Sarah- Sydney.AU.
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.”
Psalm 33:18-19.(NIV)
Caitlin- McKinney, TX
We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 MSG
Angie
Lino Lakes, MN
Psalm 20:1,2 (AMP)
1)May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you upon high [and defend you]; 2) Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh and strengthen you from Zion;
Kelli TEXAS
1 Peter 3:4 ESV
“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.”
Marjie Scheib
Genoa City, Wisconsin
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Cor. 10:13 NIV
Marjie- You have a siesta/neighbor in Delavan. Hello!
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Stacey,Magnolia, Romans 8:26, NIV
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for,, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
Angie, Ormond Beach, FL
Colossians 1:3-4
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
Because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.
(working on Ann Voskamp’s Colossians plan…a little behind already!)
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Julie
Broken Arrow, OK
Anna Hockley, TX
John 3:30 He must become greater and I must become less.
John 3:30 NASB
Katie – Hockley, TEXAS
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, becasue when he has stood the test, he will recieve the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12 nasb
Sara Powell
Bakersville, NC
If we live by the Holy Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.
Galations 5:25 (amp)
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. God is near! Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:4-7
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22, NIV
Tenille, Raleigh, NC
Mary, Wasilla, AK
Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings. Mal 3:8, NKJV
Kyndra, Houston, TX
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 that listen. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Gail-Papua New Guinea
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweigh them all. 2 Cor 4:17
Faith, Arp, Texas
“Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one else can see.”
Hebrews 11:27b (New Century Version)
And whatsover ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13
Amber, Castle Rock, CO
The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
Psalm 145:14
Cindy, Oklahoma City, You are my hiding place, you will protect me from troble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalms 32:7 NIV