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!
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,
Kim(mom) & Charis(daughter – 7yo), Signal Mountain, TN
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers” Psalm 1:1, NIV
I am so proud of you CHARIS for doing this.
Jennifer, Flowood, MS
“does not act unbecomingly: it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,” 1 Corinthians 13:5 NASB
Amy in Graham, WA. “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is the Lord of lords and the King of kings- and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”. Revelation 17:14 NIV
Kristina, Florence, SC You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in Your word. Psalm 119:114 HCSB
Leah, Houston
Psalm 147:7-12
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God upon the harp.
He covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth;
He makes grass to grow upon the mountains and green plants to serve mankind.
He provides food for flocks and herds and for the young ravens when they cry.
He is not impressed by the might of a horse; He has no pleasure in the strength of a man;
But the LORD has pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who await His gracious favor.
from the Psalter of the Book of Common Prayer (which uses an updated version Coverdale’s revision of the Psalter of the Great Bible of 1539).
Search me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV
I’m copying you Carissa from Chester, VA, great verse on renewing the mind! “Search me God and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24
Karen from AZ.
Scotti – Memphis, TN
Philippians 4:6, 7
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 your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Seeds of Faith (scripture memory music for kids) has a song for this that you will never forget! Go to YouTube and search for the verse. It will stick in your head like glue! 🙂 Happy memorizing 🙂
Karen, Papua New Guinea
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:7-8 (TNIV)
Carolina, Ft. Lauderdale Florida
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your 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
Mylinda, Bowling Green KY
Romans 8:5 NET
For those who live according to the flesh have their outlook shaped by the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their outlook shaped by the things of the Spirit.
Dalice, Corbin
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 show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Kim, Chester, Va
Romans 8:31-32 What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also along with him, graciously give us all things? (NIV)
Shirley Colorado Springs
When words are many,sin is not absent,
But (s)he who holds his (her) tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Jennifer. Cleveland, MS. 1 Thes. 5:24 (NLT)
“God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful.” 1 Thes. 5:24
🙂
Kristin, North Chelmsford, MA,
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. NASB
I sent this through the i-phone app earlier, but am not sure it worked, so I’m resending it, thus getting another chance to practice it:
“Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
‘Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
He will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
He will come to save you.'”
Isaiah 35:3-4, NIV
Susan, Canada
Anchorage
Colossians 3:1-3 NET
Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Kathy, Portland Or
Ps. 27:13-14
I am certain that I will see the LORD’S goodness in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be courageous and let you heart be strong.
Wait for the LORD.
Kristin/Oklahoma City/ 1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” NIV
Nancy, West Linn OR
Proverbs 16:3–NIV
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Joslin – Largo, FL
Hebrews 12:3
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Sheri, Austin, TX
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. I Thess 5:16-24 NASB
Then He said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23
Blessings and Peace to you Beth!
In His love,
Kim
Deb, Topeka, KS
2: Cor. 3:18: And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. NIV
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Melanie, Louisville, KY
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NKJV)
KaRetha, Denham Springs, LA Psalm 40:5 NIV
“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.”
Verna, Berea, 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
Missy, South Dakota
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24, New Living
The Lords loving kindnesses indeed never cease. They are new every morning; great if Your faithfulness. The Lord is my protion says my soul, therefore, I will have Hope in Him.
Lamentations 3:22-24 NASB
Christy
Fayetteville, AR
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14
The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul, therefore, I will have Hope in Him.
Lamentations 3:22-24 NASB
Jesica, Seattle, WA. “If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
“Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s perfect will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Cheri B, Fresno, CA. Hebrews 10:35-36 New Living Translation:
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurnce is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. The you will receive all that He has promised.
Julie—Livermore,CA
Proverbs 16:2-3 (NIV)
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Lauren, New Braunfels, TX: “Do not let this Book of 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, NIV
Monica: Lebanon, IN
Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward those who are ouside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Kim B from Center, TX
“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Proverbs 24:3-4
Therese from Georgetown,
“Love one another with brotherly affection, outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will councel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
Hollie, Burns, TN : Psalm 20:4-5
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
Knoxville, TN
My new verse
Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Monica: Lebanon, IN Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward those who are ouside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Ingrid from Columbus, Georgia:
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
23 ‘God understands the way to it,
and he knows its place.
24 For he looks to the ends of the earth,
and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he gave to the wind its weight,
and apportioned out the waters by measure;
26 when he made a decree for the rain,
and a way for the thunderbolt;
27 then he saw it and declared it;
he established it, and searched it out.
28 And he said to humankind,
“Truly, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
and to depart from evil is understanding.” ’
Job 28:28. NRSV
Lori, Fort Worth,
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
James 3:10 NKJV
Terena, Austin
Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” Joshua 3:5 NASB
Marybeth from Norcross:
Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. – Psalm 90:12 HCSB