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!
Tracey, Raleigh, NC: “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.” (NIV)
Connie,Tyler,TX.
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
Amy from Norman, Oklahoma: “But I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they are going. I’ll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch. These are the things I’ll be doing for them — sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.” Isaiah 42:16 The Message (this verse is perfect as I walk through Awake21 seeking God on specific issues!)
This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT
Shelley, Springfield, MO
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)
Jennifer, San Antonio
“Come to me, all you who are weary & carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble & gentle and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
Denise, Grovetown, “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” Proverbs 31:10 NIV
Katy, Davenport.
Psalm 45:10-11 “Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house, and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your Lord, bow to him.”
Karen, Orem, UT
Colossians 3:12-14
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you, tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. NLT/Message
Shirleen,Greenville,SC…”He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 (NIV)
Shannon, Tuscaloosa, AL
1 Thess 1:5
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you also know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
NASB
Jenell, Springfield, MO ~ “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV
Linda, Bartelso, IL. But the Lord is faithful; He will strenghen and guard you from the evil one. 2Thessalonians 3:3 HCSB
Deb, San Antonio, Texas I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV)
Trina, Mansfield, TX. “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” Psalm 71:20
Brandi, Auburn, GA:
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are exellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
Jana, Georgetown,TX. Starting late so I’ve got two verses.
“(14)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.
(15)For we are to God the aroma of Christ
among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV1984 (Sings nicely to the tune Joy to the World)
Elizabeth, Rochester NH.
Hebrews 10:16 (NIV) ~ This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.
Michelle, Columbus, OH:
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4(NIV)
Cherise ~ Odessa, TX. “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
Angela
Garner, NC
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. Matthew 6:34a (MSG)
Jane W, Charlotte NC
I Corinthians 8: 2 & 3 NIV
The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.
Tina, Nashville, TN
Phil. 4:6-7 “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” The Message
Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth. Hosea 6:3 NIV
Lauren, Kansas City
(adding verse 12 this week but including verse 11 here for context and practice!)
(11) “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. (12) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12, NIV
Rachel, Flagstaff, AZ, NIV:
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” ~Daniel 3:17-18
Marian
Blackshear, GA
I will sing to the Lord for He has been good to me.
Psalm 13:6 (NIV)
Leslie
Utah
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119: 35-37
NIV
Twila, Fayetteville, Ga.
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.”
Heather, Wilmington. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3, NIV
Nicole, Owasso
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” ~ Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
Heather, Indiana: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”
(NIV 2 Peter 1:3)
Linda, Cypress
Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5&6 NIV
Tricia PA:
Exodous 14:13-15
BUT Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!” THEN the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell those people to get moving!” Ex. 14: 13-15 (NLT)
Susan\Maple Grove, MN
“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NAB)
Angela, Hixson, TN
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, My rock and my redeemer.
~Psalm 19:14
Gal 4:6-7
Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, The Spirit who calls out “Abba” Father. So- you are no longer a slave but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
“so that your proud confidence in me may about in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Phil 1:26 NASB
Becky in Indy
Carol, San Antonio, TX. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Jennifer, Clarksville,TN: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Jennifer,Huntsville: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
– Hebrews 12:28, NIV
Hollie, Mount Vernon
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Kathleen, Marietta, GA
‘but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
HISB
This passage came to me on a large blue banner when I really thought I was all alone and dying after my brain surgery.
Psalm 103:1-2 (ESV) – Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits.
Kate, Hoyleton, IL
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114 NIV
Karen, Shelby, NC: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV)
Donna Benjamin,
Tuscaloosa, AL
Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 NLT
Erika, Lafayette “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NKJV
Kelli, Dayton
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Rebecca, Louisa, VA: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ~ Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)