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!
Karen, New Port Richey, FL:
Psalm 37: 23, 24 (NIV)
If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Galations 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Sheila, West Monroe IF the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm, though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:24
Matia
Fort Worth, TX
“and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”
Luke 2:37 NKJV
Casey Springer
Kenctucky
James 1: 2-3 The Message
God has made this come alive for me!!!
Consider it a sheer gift friends when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.
Carla from Lufkin, TX
“The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.” Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
Diana Yarborough, Gallatin, TN
He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.
Revelations 14:7 NIV
Allie, Memphis: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart.
Jeremiah 1:5
NIV
Brea Birmingham, AL. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 NIV
Chelsea, MI
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
NIV
Richmond Hill, GA
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 TNIV
Do not merely look out for your own interests, but for the interests of others Phil. 2:4
Do not merely look our for your own interest, but for the interests of others. Phil 2:4
Heather from Crystal Springs, MS
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive them their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV
After approx 10 years of working desk duty, I will be back out on patrol (police officer). Pray for me!
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Roman 8:38-39
Lillian,Celina,Texas
March 1st 2011 6:58p.m.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5 NIV.
Vicki Eufaula AL
January 15, 2011 NIV Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Joanna Howard – Williamsburg, VA
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45 (ESV)
Kaylee, West Texas
“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.” Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV)
Sarah, Melbourne Fl
James 1:26-27 NIV
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Carol
Chelsea, MI
Romans 12:12, NIV
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Zephaniah 3:17, NIV
The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Col 4:6 NIV
Commit to the Lord whatever your do and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3
Psalm 103:1,2 NASV
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget non of His benefits;
Carol
Chelsea, MI
Kim from Franklinton, Louisiana: (copied because I love this!) 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
Psalm 118:24 ESV
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Evangeline, Loveland
Crystal Springs, MS- Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16, NIV
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Learning about the Holy Spirit and finding it so powerful!!!
Laura Kathryne
Auburn, AL
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs hi down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25
I John 1:2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it. We proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us. NIV
Lillian,Celina, Texas March 15,2011 9:16 p.m.
Blessed are they whose trandgressions ar forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.
Romans 4:7,8 NIV
“You are my witnesses”, declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
Karen, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Lacey, Olympia,WA-“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Romans 12:10
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version, ©2011)
19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Sallie, Gatesville
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Susan, Oklahoma City, OK
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
Matthew 6:31 NIV
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. John 17:22 NIV
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105
Is. 55:6 – Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Shanelle from Phoenix, AZ
“Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 NIV
Raleigh from Austin,Tx
“When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh,
When my enimies and my foes attack me,
They will stumble and fall.” -Psalm 27:2 NIV
Crystal springs, ms- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3, NIV
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” Isaiah 40:11 (NLT)
Lillian, Celina, Texas
April 2, 2011 5:18 p.m.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. Psalm 23:1-2 NIV
Lauren, Topeka
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1st Peter 5:8 NIV
I rejoice in following your statutes,
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways. Psalms 119:14-15