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!
Merrie Katy, Tx
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV
Sheri, Ayden NC
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7 KJV
Monica, Fort Worth. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 NKJV
Philippians 4:8 NIV – “Finally, [Siestas], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Chaeli, Houston
“After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision:
‘Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield,
your very great reward.”
Hannah, Chicago, IL
Hebrews 11:6~ NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Carolyn, Houston:
You shall Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and
with all your strength…
You shall love your neighbor as yourself..
There is no other commandment greater than these. NRsV
Charlotte, Grapevine, TX:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Shannon, Charleston SC, The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my victory, Psalm 118:14, New Living Translation
Beverly, Des Moines – Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phil 4:6 NLT
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
NASB
Cheryl from Hattiesburg, MS
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. ESV
Isaiah 30:18 NIV
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!
Dana, Clarksville, TN
“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.” II Cor. 2:14-NIV
I have hidden your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11, NIV
Suzy; Atlanta:
If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked one you shall surely die’, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.
Ezekial 33:8, ESV
Gabi/Dallas – and I am complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power. Col 2:10
Sonjia from Raleigh, MS: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you…” James 4:7-8a NIV
Belinda, Neely, MS- A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. Pro. 15:1 NLT
Abi, Tulsa: John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” NIV
Bettie, Wendell, NC “Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, Pplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Tashi, Houston. “For I am the LORD your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar – the LORD Almighty is his name. I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand – I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.'” Isaiah 51:15-16, NIV
Hi…my friend just told me about this, so I’m submitting 2 verses to catch up.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6 (Holman)
“Casting the whole of your care (all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all) on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” 1 Peter 5:7 (Amp)
Love the Amplified version of I Peter 5:7. So much richer in meaning than the NIV which is how I memorized it for my alphabet scriptures.
Darlene, Mt. Airy
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 NASB
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jerimiah 29:13, NIV
Amy, Moncks Corner, SC
Teresa, Semmes, Alabama
Ps. 107:9 For HE satisfies the longing soul and fills the hugry soul with goodness.
Judy
Roodhouse, Ill
esv
1Timothy 5:6
She who is self indulgent is dead while she lives.1Timothy5:6.
Karen, Kelso, TN
“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.” Psalm 119:133 (NIV)
Psalm 13:5 ESV
But I have trusted in your steadfast love;my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Ashley, Shawboro. “And we know that all things work for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Beth – Rotterdam, Netherlands
Eph 4:31-32 NIV
Get rid of all bitterness , rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Janet, Auburn, Behind BUT catching up!!!
Psalm 16:5-6 NIV
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup. You have made my LOT SECURE. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, Surely, I have a delightful inheritance.
Georgia, “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the Salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:26
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evil doers; do not let me eat their delicacies.
Psalm 141:3-4 NIV
Laurice, Alanta, Im copying Diane’s verse:
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
Carrollton, Georgia
” Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. ” Deut. 4:9 NIV
Sarah, St. Paul, MN
” But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peace-makers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:17-18 NIV
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a sheild for all who look to him for protection. 2 Samuel 22:31 NLT
Barbara, Glendale, AZ
Proverbs 3:21-22 NIV
My son preserve sound judgement and discernment,
do not let them out of your sight.
They are life to you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Brooke, Chelsea MI, Isaiah 51:1-2 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek he LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him he was but one, and I blessed him and made him many.”
Barbara Glendale AZ
Verse 2
Proverbs 3:23-24
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17
“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
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
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 18:2 (NIV)
“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.”
Jane
Boone NC
Mollie, AR
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Isaiah 58:12(NIV)
Beth, Troy. “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
Springdale, Arkansas
Psalm 105:4-5 KJV
Seek the Lord, and HIS strength: seek HIS face evermore.
REMEMBER His marvelous works that He has done:
His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth.
Ocala, Fl
Philippians 3:10 NKJV
That I may know Him and the power of His reserrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death.