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!
Maureen, Littleton, CO
Isaiah 41:10
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.
I can not carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. Numbers 11:14 (NIV)
Christi, Cameron, NC
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” Prov. 14:29 ESV
Megan, Wolcott, IN: “…And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Shelly, Lakeville, MN “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” Job 23:12 NIV
Beth in Candler, NC: “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.” -Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
Rebecca,Madison;”And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to ovserve the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you to day for your own good?” Deuteronomy 10:12-14 NIV
Corbin, KY “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of Hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 1:3 NASB
Casey, Henrietta, TX
If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask Him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent you asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer. James 1:5&6 NLT
Kim, Great Bend, KS: He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
Tonya, Dacula 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. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Christie, Los Gatos. “Bless me with life so that I can continue to obey you. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your world.” Psalm 119: 17-18 NLB
Zan, from Franklin, TN
“Show me your ways , O LORD, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are GOD my Savior, my hope is in You all day long.”
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Pam
Milledgeville, GA.
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
Jennifer, Singapore
“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” -Psalm 56:8 NLT
Jill from Atlanta, Ga. “For HE satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:9 NKJV
Kelly, Houston, Texas
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34:3-5
Jean, Fairfax….”Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Col. 4:6 NASB
Jeanne, Keller, TX “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has an complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Col. 3:12,13 NASB
Kendell, Omaha: “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” Jonah 2:9 NIV
Paula
Rainbow City
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Message
Sue in Grapevine, TX
For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. — 1 Corinthians 9:17 (ESV)
Lisa, Michigan
” search me , 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 of everlasting” psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievences you may have with one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:13-14
Emily, Portland OR
Phil 2:14-15 (NASB)
Do all things without grumbling and disputing, so that you will prove yourself to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among who you appear as lights in the world.
Keri Medders, Anniston, AL
With all my heart I have sought you; Do not let me wander from your commandments. Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Psalm 119:10-12, NAS
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. John 14:1
Carol, Fredericksburg, VA: “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Psalm 18:30 NIV
Amy, Granby, CT “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV
Thank you Beth, for this one!
Kathy, Hampstead NH
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
2 Peter 1:3
Patti, Roxboro, NC
“But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” Deuteronomy 11:11-12, NIV
Joy, California;
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Mari, Ft. Bragg, NC “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
Kristy, Spanaway, WA
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance~ James 1:2-3 NIV
Rebecca, Wasola, MO- For our light and momentery trouble are achieving for us an etermal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. II Cor. 4:17-18 NIV
Desiree, Douglass, KS “My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.” Song of Solomon 2:10-11 NIV
Megan, Greenwood, IN: “Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
From Charlotte, NC (same as Katie, above- who was sad she forgot to post where she was from!) 🙂
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV
Shelly, Orange, TX Isaiah 25:1 NIV Lord you are my God, I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV) The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Arlet, Fircrest “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galations 5:22,23 NASB
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me…And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)
Jen in Dublin, VA
Krystle,New York But you are a chosen people a royal priesthood a holy nation a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wounderful light 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Nancy, Rhinelander,Wi
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 NKJV
Karin, Brandon, MS
To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure your show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue the humble, but humiliate the proud. You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalms 18: 25-29
Miranda from Danville, VA
Matthew 6:31-33, ESV
“Therefore do not be anxious saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after those things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Andrea, Eastvale, CA: “I have told you these things that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 17:33, NIV
Adana, Frisco, TX “By his divine power God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
Dawn, De Pere, WI
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7