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!
“My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.” -Galatians 5:13, Contemporary English Version
Anne B, Rome GA
Kathy, Elyria, Ohio The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him..Lamentations 3:25 NIV
Marilyn…Langley, Washington
Psalm 105:1-3 NLT
“O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and (I will) WAIT EXPECTANTLY.”
Alisha Milford, DE
Isaiah 46:10 NIV
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
See to it, brothers,(Siestas) that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it it called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:12-13. NIV
Lily, Warrenton – Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 KJV
Alyson, Tallahassee
Joshua 24:15 NIV – But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Dawn,Owensboro. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live
in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave Himself for me. Galations 2:20 NIV
Annabelle, Warrenton – Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 KJV
Kate from Cheney, WA
But blessed is the (wo)man:) who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Mollie, Tokyo; Psalm 13:1,5-6 NIV
How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. i will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
Sue, Grand Rapids, MI
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 left. Isaiah 30:21 ESV
Megan, Euless TX
“By His divine power, God has given us EVERYTHING we need for living a godly life. We have received all this by coming to know Him, the One Who has called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory & excellence. And because of His glory & excellence, He has given us great & precious promises…”
~2 Peter 1:3-4a NLT
***giggles*** After I posted, I scrolled thru to see what other siestas were hiding in their hearts. I’m memorizing the exact same passage, even the 4a, in the NLT.
MG, Tri-Cities
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9, NIV
Marilyn Gadsden al Above all else guard your heart for it is the well spring of life Proverbs 4:13 NIV
Christy, Athens, AL: Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up in honor. John 4:10 NLT
Jocelyn, Greer, South Carolina
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
Jamie, Perrysburg:
“But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.”
Psalm 59:16, ESV
Amy- Clear Lake
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments andevery lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience,when your obedience is complete.
II Cor. 10:3-6 ESV
Ringgold, GA
Nehemiah 4:14 NIV
“…Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
Michelle, Piedmont, OK: You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Ps. 16:11 NIV
Kim, Corning, NY:
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV) “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Tammy, Belton SC, May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Karen, Hendersonville, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
This is one of my favorites! It’s a great one to know and is so comforting.
Jayme, Ft. Worth, TX: “these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for ALL nations.” Isaiah 56:7 (AMP), emphasis mine:0)
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:5-6
Leslie, Atlanta “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Kristi
Arlington, TX
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will continually be on my lips. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.”
Psalm 34:1,3
Midge, Florence Don’t let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. John 14:1 The Message
“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.”
Hebrews 10:23 NLT
Heather
Mosinee, WI
Phyllis, Rolling Hills Est, CA
My brothers and siestas, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love.
Galatians 5:13 New Century Version
Megan, los Gatos. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23
Beautiful!
Dahlonega, GA
“work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
Valerie, Portland OR
Great is his faithfulness, his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Jo, Fremont, CA
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.”
Psalm 28:7 NIV
Paula, Houston, TX – He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
– Micah 6:8 (NIV)
Amy, Colorado Springs, CO:
“Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.” – Psalm 126:6, NIV
Sue, VA – Colossians 3:12 Holman
Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
West Linn, OR: “Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 41:26 NIV
Pam, Smithfield, NC – “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” -2 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT)
Odessa, TX
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJ
Kari, Three Rivers MI
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.
Zeph. 3:17 MSG
Rachel, Fallston, MD: Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. James 1:16 NIV
Edie, Mobile, AL
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. Rom. 15:13 NIV
Abby, Vacaville CA
Psalm 65:11 NET
You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake.
Alicia, Aberdeen, SD
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
Philippians 2:14
NIV
Michele, Ohio
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. NIV
Carrie, Chicago
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy & find grace to help in the time of need.
Stefanie, Troy OH. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
“We demolish arguements 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