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!
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom. And before honor is humility. Proverbs 15:33 NKJV
Joanne Davis
Mt.Vernon, IL
Lacie, Americus, Kansas – Finally all of you live in harmony with one another, be symepthetic , love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 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. 1 Peter 3:8-9
“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)
Anita
Valdosta, GA
audree faith
honolulu, hi
“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.”
Ephesians 5:23
Janae Burnsville, MN Galations 5:13 Contemporary English Version
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.
Anne, Lorton, VA
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 57:1 NIV
I John 1:6,7 NIV If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in he light, we have fellwship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.
Becky Grove City Oh
NIV Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above,not on earthly things
Hoping to memorize chapter 3 for the whole SSMT!
Terri, Pennslvania, “May the patience and encouragement that come from God allow you to live in harmony with each other the way Christ Jesus wants. Then you will all be joined together, and you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 (NCV)
Tina, Tenino, WA
…who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
continuing Psalm 103:3-4 NIV
“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. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Diane, Cary NC and Naperville IL: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
Darlene, Logansport –
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil 1:6 KJV
Teresa, Maryland: ‘casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.’ I Peter 5:7
tammy, kennesaw, georgia
You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:1-3 (NIV)
Susan – Maynard: “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – NIV
Kay Groce, Dallas, Texas
“No, the Lord is all I need. He takes care of me.”
Psalms 16:5
NCV
Sue, Atlanta, GA. “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 New King James
For sweet Joanne…
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV
Fran
Jackson, TN
Ramona from Murfreesboro, TN
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
Ashley, Chester Springs, PA
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has(B) anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn” Isaiah 61:1-2 ESV
Susan – Maynard: “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 – NIV
Amy
Snellville, GA
Prov. 14:29 (NIV)
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Lacey, Grand Rapids, MI –
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)
Joan, Portage
“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13&14 NIV
Paula, Mesquite: “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
Paula Syracuse, Ks
Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. Romans 12:12 God’s Word Translation
Mandy, Powder Springs, GA
Is. 43:19 (NLV)
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Nichole, Lexington, KY, “He has shown you, O mortal, 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
Ruth, Paducah, KY, Walk about Zion and go around her; Count her towers, Consider her ramparts; Go through her palaces, That you may tell it to the next generation. For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death. Psalm 48: 12-14, NASB
Dawn in Chambersburg, PA
Micah 7:18 (NIV)
“Who is God like you, who pardns sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
Tina, Cincinnati, OH: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 NIV
Judy Baggett, Irving, Texas
“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
Tiffani, Vancouver, Washington “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb 4:15-16 NASB
Jennifer Stone, Point Judith, RI
The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. ~ Luke 18:27. NKJ
Donna Cowart, Teague, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NASB
Mandy -Powder Springs, GA
Is. 43:19 (NLV)
For I am about to do something new.
See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Laurel, Phoenix, AZ
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:29 ESV
Ann, Plymouth, MI
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for mans anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19 NIV
Barbara, Avon Park: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIV
Katy B. – Midland
Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.
NLT Philipians 4:8
Linda, Bryan. “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2 New International Version
Lizzy Gaston, Benbrook Texas.
“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
read that in the blog and it just fits so perfectly! =)
Fulshear, Texas
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us by his grace give us eternal encouragement and good hope 2 Thessalonians 2:16 NIV
Krissie, 17
Denton, TX
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoic that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
1 Peter 4:12-13 & 16
Heather, Midland, MI: Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day & night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous & successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV
Donna, Simi Valley, CA “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Donna, Simi Valley, CA “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Sonja,Rockford,I John 2:17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. NKJV
Dagmar, Tyler
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Stephanie, Canton (The Lord is) My Steadfast Love and my Fortress, my High Tower and my Deliverer, my Shield and He in Whom I trust and take refuge…Psalm 144:2 (Amplified Bible).