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!
Rebecca, Arlington, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 ESV
Joyce Watson
Cyril, Oklahoma
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4
Pat, Olathe: “But you — keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.” 2 Timothy 4:5 (MSG)
Jennifer, Lansing, MI
“Quiet down before God, be prayerful before Him.” Psalm 37 vs. 7 The Message
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, LORD,that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
Ellen, Santa Maria, California
Bethaney, Frankfurt, Germany: “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” (Psalm 33:18-19, NIV).
Proverbs 3:5-6
Kathy from Grand Ledge, MI
Eph. 5:1,2 NIV
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Cyndi, Friendswood,TX: Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 NASB
Melinda, Independence, MO
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Maddie, Rockport, MA
We love him because he first loved us.
-1 John 4:19 (NKJV)
Aileen, Nashville. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4, NLT
Fiona, Brussels, Belgium.
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:12-13, NIV
Holly, Texarkana, For this is like the waters of Noah to Me; For as I have sworn that the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be angry with you nor rebuke you. Isaiah 54:9 NKJV
Jen, Portsmouth, VA: “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” ~Colossians 1:13 NIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade-kept in heaven for you 1Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
Susie- Whitehouse, TX
Saundra Altus, OK
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV
Jana, Brenham, TX
Psalms 121,
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
*Just feel God calling me to memorize in chunks!!
Cathy, La Grande Psalm 143:8 ESV “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
I’m copying your Psa.40:5 Thanks for reminding me of all of God’s past wonders and His future plans!
Rebecca, Greenwood, IN
1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2 NIV
Katherine Atlanta
Ephesians 6:16-18 NIV
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for the Lord’s people.
Cassie, Bells, TX “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3 NKJV
Lyn, Casey, IL:
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Tatia, Elkridge, MD:
“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)
Catherine, St Paul, MN
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16 NKJV
Annette in Mt Juliet, TN “I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” Psalm 104:33 NIV
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Becky, Fairfax, VA: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Hollie, Cumming,Ga: Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long(or wait) for Him. Isaiah 30:18 NASB
Karen, Centralia: He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6 NIV
Emma, Olathe, KS
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16 NIV
Allison, Eau Claire, “They who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” Psalms 126:5 NIV
Tracy, Elizabethton, TN “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18,19 NIV
Macey, Whidbey Island, Washington: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2Timothy 1:7 (New King James Version)
Kay, Arkansas, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 NASB
Sandi, Holt -“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
Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults.
Isaiah 51:7 NIV
Elise Newark
Hannah, Knoxville
Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21, NASB
Sandi
Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Psalm 139:5 NLV
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Bridget, Phoenix AZ 2 Corinthians 1:20 (2 versions of same verse this time)
NKJV: For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Amplified: For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes [answer] in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God.
Christy Willis, Cowpens, SC Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
Amber – Shrewsbury, UK
“Forget the things that happened in the past. Do not keep on thinking about them. I am about to do something new. It is beginning to happen even now. Don’t you see it coming? I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert. I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.” Isaiah 43:18-19 NIRV
Pam, Hubbard, OR.
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.
Jenifer B.
Frisco, TX
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19 NIV
Loyce, Deer Park. “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
Peggy, Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
Isaiah 61:1 (this 1st verse) and now add Isaiah 61:2(NIV)
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
Gina, Spring, TX “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jamye, Greenbrier, AR.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Alissa–Florence, SC
“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 NIV