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!
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV
Mariel
Wake forest, NC
Jennifer, Fairfax VA For my 9yr old “because the pilgrims memorized this one, Mom.”
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5 KJV
Susan Fisher San Angelo,Tx. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31
BYRAM, MISSISSIPPI
ROMANS 12:2 NKJV
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Amber- Vienna, WV
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV
Jean, Carlisle PA
“Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way. For if your brother is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. By what you eat, do not destroy that one for whom Christ died.”
Romans 14:13,15 Holman Christian Standard Bible
Hi Jean! I used to live in Newville, PA. Nice to meet you 🙂
Stacy, Big Lake, MN:
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.
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Lyn
Littleton NH
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
They consolations delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19 NASB
Brandy East Bend , NC “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
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 1Peter 3:9 NIV
Cathy from Gastonia, NC: “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way I should walk, For I lift upmy soul to You.” Psalm 143:8 NKJV
Friendswood,TX
Exodus 14:14 NIV
14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Natasha, Frisco, TX
“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.”
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Karen, Deer Trail, CO
“Hear me, you who know what is right, you peopld who have my law in your hearts; Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults.” Isaiah 51;7 NIV
Leslie, Beijing, China: “This is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'” I Corinthians 2:9 NLT
Amber, Fort Collins, CO: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
Lily,Bronx,New York:
PSALMS 6:9 NIV
The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
The Lord accepts my prayer.
Karen, Lutz, FL
“The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17 NASB
Jamie, Jackson, MS
He has made my mouth sharp like a sword; In the shadow of His hand He concealed me; and He has also made me a select arrow; He has hidden me in His quiver.
Isaiah 49:2 NASB
Psalm 119:103 NIV
How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Joy from Pella,IA “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 presence of the Holy Spirit.” Rom.15:13
Lisa
Charlotte, NC
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
James 5:16b
Jer. 29:11 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.
NIV
Diane from West Virginia
Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV)
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
“What a glorious Lord! He Who daily bears our burdens also gives us our salvation.” Psalm 68:19 (TLB)
Vivian
Birmingham
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
Wait for the Lord
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:14 NIV
Marilyn, Bradenton, Phil. 4:6,7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Susan, Hoover, AL
“For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.'”
Acts 17:28 New King James
Sherry, Scottville, MI; Psalm 63:8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. NIV
Pam
Valrico, Florida
There has not failed one word of all His good promise.
1 Kings 8:56
NKJV
Angie – Burlington, IN
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:9 KJV
Amber, Alexandria VA
“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
Amy – Houston, TX
“Teach me to do what pleases You, for You are my God. May Your kind presence lead me into a level land.” (Psalm 143:10 ASV)
1Cor 10:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
James 1: 19 – 20 (niv) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Alissa, Spring, TX
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
Kaiva, Victoria, Minnesota: “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 31; NLT
Just found out about this, PRAISE GOD!…catching up:
Verse 1:
Romans 12:2 (NIV, ©2010)
2 “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.”
Verse 2:
Philippians 1:6 (NIV, ©2010)
6 “…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Paula, Iowa, “Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23,24 NLT
Deborah, Broken Arrow,OK,
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 KJV
Gretchen, Madison; “Always giving thanks to God the Father in everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:20 NIV
One thing God has spoken,
Two things have I heard:
that you, O God, are strong
and that you, O God, are loving
Psalm 62:11-12
Deuteronomy 31:8 (New International Version,)
8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Rebecca
ON, Canada
Leigh Ann ~ Macon, Ga.
“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.”
Isaiah 41:13 NIV
“So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Tim 3:17
Linda,Westport
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 for Him
Isaiah 30:18 (NASB)
Carol, Glendale,AZ
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry
James 1:19 NIV
Shannon
North Webster, IN
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
Karen Russellville, AR
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. NIV 1984