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!
Indianapolis, IN Psalm 103:1 (HCSB) My soul, praise the Lord, and all that is within me, praise His holy name.”
Julie, Edmonds, WA
Hebrews 10:22,23 (I think. I’m using the Message translation)
So let’s do it_full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.
And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14
“So I say, live by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16 NIV
Ronda, Asheville: “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
Tammy, Kenosha, WI
‘Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.’ Psalm 98:1 NIV Study Bible
Tracie, Bristow, VA
Proverbs 31:10-11 (NIV)
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
Connie, Reidville, SC:
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
–Isaiah 26:8 NIV
Having just returned from out of town and away from my computer, this is late. I tried posting early, but apparently that is not allowed.
Diane, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.
I said, “you are my servant”; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So 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. Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13,14 NAS
Cara – Spring, Texas
James 4:2
“You do not have, because you do not ask God”.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV
Maureen, Oxford, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
Ray, Augusta, “Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 63:4 ESV
Amy
Kearney, NE
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 NIV
Heather, Harrisonburg, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV
Tina Thompson, New Knoxville OH
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Lynn Concord, NC
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
Philippians 4:11
Kristi, League City, TX. “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” NIV
Angie, Elizabethton, Be imitators of me as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB
J – Ohio
James 1:21, NIV
Therfore get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Merle Carlsbad,NM
Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalms: 119:34 KJV
Lorraine, Smithfield, NC – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8, NIV
But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. (NLT)
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9
Let me hear of your unfialing Love each morning, for I am trusdting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Ps. 143:8 NIV
Emilee
Greenville, SC
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Psalm 119:18 NIV
Sheila, Sevierville, TN. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Sharon, Henderson
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:14,15ESV
Michelle – Austin, TX : “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” Psalm 139:2 NIV
Deirdre Russell
Atlanta, GA
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”
Holly, New Port Richey. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James
Jacksonville, FL
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. lBut whenyou are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Paula, Olive Branch. 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 dessert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Way late, but I’m jumping in!! But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 NKJV
Lee Ann – Wewahitchka, FL
(Sorry it’s late! I heard I could still post? I’m new to this. I was ready Sat, but didn’t get online until Sun & then though it was too late to post. I decided to just go ahead even if it is super late now!)
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12
“And so dear brothers and sisters I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?”
Romans 12:1
Life Application Study Bible
Kathleen, NM
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
Heb. 1:3
Maria, Florida:
Matthew 10:16 NIV
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Penny, Grimes, IA
Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
2 Corinthians 2:7-9 NIV
Dorian – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV
Delaney – The fear of the Lord is teh beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Proverbs 1:7 NIV
Deighton – The Lord is slow to anger and rich in unfailing love.
Numbers 14:18
We’re so excited because Daddy joined us in our memory verse project, got his own spiral started and now the whole family is picking up the sword together!!!!!
Anna in Waco, TX
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Natalie in Waco, TX
“I would have lost heart if I did not believe that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NIV
Lisa S, Houston “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV
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
Breanna, San Antonio, TX
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -1 Thes. 5:16-18 (NLT)
Kerri~Chickasaw, AL
And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right had of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1:3
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”
1 Peter 2:9-12 (NKJV)
Christine, San Antonio, TX
Salmos 23:1-3
“El Señor es mi pastor nada me falta. Me have descansar en verdes pastos, me guia a arroyos de tranquilas aguas, me de nuevas fuerzas y me lleva por caminos rectos, haciendo honor a su nombre.
Sandy, Mount Vernon, John 14:12 NIV – I tell you the truth anyone has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.
Holly, Midland TX
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though it’s waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3