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!
Emily, Tulsa, OK
“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.” – Isaiah 26:12, NIV
Natalie, Omaha, NE
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Karen K, Illinois
“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”
Genesis 4:7 NIV
Jeni, Prescott. “Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!” Isaiah 44:8 NIV
Lahna in Burkburnett–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. NKJ
“You were taught with regard to your former way of life to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph.. 4: 22, 23, 24 NIV
Pam in San Diego
Cindy
Early
And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Luke 24:45 NKJV
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” Romans 10: 14-15 (NIV)
Brianna, San Antonio: “Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
Amanda, Colorado Springs
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the let.
Isaiah 30:21 ESV
Sharon Clinton, ny Philippians 3:14
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Kelley, Russellville
And thou shalt love the lord they God, will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, this is the first commandment. Mark 12:30 KJV.
Andrea, Illinois: The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:25
Heidi, Litchfield Park, AZ. “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4, NIV
Marcia, Portland, OR Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Jana, Crystal Springs MS
“Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Dawn – Clever, MO
“Be still,and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
christy, springfield, missouri Genesis 18:3 He said, “If i found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.” {NIV}
Kimberly, Denton TX
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. And the life I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Galatians 2:20-21 ESV
Sue-Troy, Michigan
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
Natalie – Jacksonville, Florida
Psalms 145:18 (NIV) The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Faith in Washington State
4 Attention, Israel!
God, our God! God the one and only!
5 Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (The Message)
Lisa, Little Elm, Texas:
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet will I rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19, NIV
Beth, Johnstown, OH:
“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 41:10 NIV
Sherry in Marietta GA
” But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.”
Psalms 33:18-19 NIV
Hubby still out of work!
Be joyful in hope, patient I’m affliction and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (niv)
Leeann
Knoxville, TN
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
Katrina from Tulare, CA. “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish to work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17 NIV
“His delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it’s fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Ps. 1: 2-3 NIV
Katie, Knoxville, TN. “The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.” Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB
Kristy, Alpharetta, GA:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? Psalm 27:1
Cathy, Loxahatchee,Florida
1 Cor 9:27 NLT
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
I want to live this more than anything….Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1Corinthians 13:1-7
Susan–C-Town, OK
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may INHERIT a blessing. I Peter 3:9 NIV
Psalms 92:1-2 Living Bible
Rachel, Evansville, IN:
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalm 119:37 (NIV)
Fayetteville, AR
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Psalm 27:1 – NIV
The Lord is my light & my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4
Michelle, Fallston, MD
Psalm 91:2
“I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in him will I trust.”
Judith West Columbia, TX
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight”.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Sabra, Muncie: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24. NIV.
Amy, Whiteman AFB, MO: Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV
Tria, Somerdale NJ
“Teach me Your way O Lord and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name.”
Psalm 86:11 NIV
“I will say to the Lord, my Refuge, my Fortress, my God, in Whom I trust!” Ps. 91:2 NASB
Jess, KS
Bless those that persecute you; bless, not curse. Romans 12:14
Beth, Prescott:
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” ESV
Judi, Orillia, Canada
Isaiah 41:9b-10 (NIV)
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.
Cathy, Lincoln, NE
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105 NIV