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!
Stacey, Melbourne. 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. Isa. 41:13 NIV
Thank-you!!!
Needed this soooooo much.
Proverbs 31:12, “She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.”
Amplified
Cashion, OK
Joni Taylor – Covington, Washington
You will seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jer 29:13 (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:19
Fair Oaks, CA
Brenna from Frisco: I am using this one! today is my oldest nieces birthday (1.19) so its perfect 🙂 thanks, mama, for sharing this blog with me!
Today is recorded in the heavens and its pains are written with the wet of tears of God who “hurts with the hurt of my people.” (Jeremiah 8:21)
James 1:4
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 91:1 & 2 NIV
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12 NIV
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New Living Translation)
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Melissa, Black Creek, Georgia
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1Corinthians 10:31
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Eph. 3:20 NLT
Katie, Pensacola, Fl
beth, don’t know if you will get this. one of your sweet girls – one of the 7 moms who lost babies 3 years ago, was about 4 or 5 months pregnant and learned today that there is no heartbeat. emily cassity from kentucky. i just saw a picture of you with her on miller grace’s heaven birthday and thought about letting you know to pray for emily!
Lana, Champaign, IL – No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13 NRSV
Kerry, Waldorf.
“Search me, O 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
“Everything is permissible” — but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” — but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV Jan Albuquerque
Ann casey, il.
Psalms 62:1-2.
My soul finds rest in god alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (niv)
Deb , Pierre SD
1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV
However as it is written “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind had conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”
Romans 12:12 NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Roberta, Chapman
Psalm 46:10 Be Still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
NKJV
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.
Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Kimberly, McComb, MS. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your hearts. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Blair,Troy
Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
~Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT
Psalm 27: 13-14
I would have lost heart had I not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He will strengthen you heart. Again I say, wait on the Lord! NKJV
Murfreesboro, TN
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you. I Peter 5:6&7 NIV
Just found out I’m pregnant! bye bye anxiety 🙂
Jess, Columbia, MO Phil 2:3-4 “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.” NIV
Amy, St. Louis, MO
Romans 8:28 “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.” (NIV)
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2. NLT
“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.”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Tracy,
Fort Mill, SC
Sarah ~Nashville, TN
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. Jeremiah 29:11
And the peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 ESV
One of my all time favorite promises in scripture!
Cathy, San Bernardino
“Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
Numbers 13:30 b
I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the god of Israel, who call you by my name. Isaiah 45:3 ESV
Rachel, Harriman, TN
If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 NIV, 2010
Lisa N./Lake Forest, CA
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; [1]
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Kimberly. Hendersonville TN
1 Corinthians 10:13 NET
No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others God is faithful. He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bare but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you will be able to endure it.
Amanda,Meridian, ID – Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. 1st Thess. 5:16-17.
Stacia; Fresno. ” Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” Psalm 73:23-24. NIV
Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Sandy from Houston, TX
The Lord our God said to us at Horeb,”You have stayed long enough at this mountain.” Deut. 1:6
Sandi 108 Mile Ranch
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
Sarah – Plano, TX
1.And my GOD will meet ALL your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
2.Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. – Psalm 29:2 (ESV)
Meredith-Frisco, TX
“That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Cor. 2.5 ESV
kathy, bakersfield, CA
you will go out in joy and be led forth in peace. isaiah 55:12
Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (NIV)
Do not let the Book of the 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 successful and prosperous. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do no be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9
Michele: Lubbock “I have inherited Thy testimonies FOREVER, for they are the joy of my heart. NASB (late starter-verse 1)
Teresa C, San Antonio Hebrews 10:35
Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings to you! THE MESSAGE
Psalms 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.
Michele, Lubbock, TX NASB (verse 2) 🙂