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!
catherine, Spring, Texas
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Elisabeth
Ripon, CA
“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” ~Psalm32:8 [AMP]
Lisa, Chattanooga. “so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;” Philippians 1:10 NAS
Lori from NC. – Psalm 10:19 – When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. NIV
Kathy, Bradford. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 NIV
Kim, Lawrence, KS “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil 4:6 NIV
Misty; Midland, TX
For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3 (Holman)
“Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will which is pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
Maurina from Lake Charles: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness we lie and do not practice the truth” 1 John 1:6 NIV
Wanda, Eureka, MO: “Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it.” Prov 15:16
Emily, Houston, TX.
“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” Psalm 18:30 New Living Translation
Wendy,Peterborough, Ontario
“Don’t worry and ask yourselves, will we have anything to eat, will we have anything to drink, will we have clothes to wear? Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else put God’s work first and do what He wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Don’t worry about tomorrow, it will take care of itself , you have enough to worry about today.
Matthew 6:31-34 CEV
Anne,Wauchula
“For I know the plans I have for you,”delares the Lord,”plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer. 29:11-13 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peters 5:8
Robin, Tracy CA
“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.” Isaiah 46:10
Connie Glave, Midland, MI Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV
Angela, Frankfort, KY
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.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Mary, Johnson City, Psalm 62:7-8 My salvation and my honor depend of God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (NIV)
“Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know God’s will which is pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
Julie, Washington, LA, “I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise is always on my lips. Glorify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together.” Ps. 34:1,3 (NCV)
Ps. 146:3-4 GNT
Debbie, Nashville
Don’t put your trust in human leaders; no human being can save you. When they die, they return to the dust; on that day all their plans come to an end.
Colossians Memory
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips
Sandy – Warwick, RI “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 KJV
Tonya, Houston, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.” Phil. 4:6
Janessa C., Midland, TX
Psalm 19:14–NIV–
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, My Rock and Redeemer.
Reba, Chattanooga So that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ. Phil 1:10 (NASB)
Kris, Vientiane, Laos
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Stacie, Bulls Gap, TN –
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Tilley
Franklin, TN
Psalm 32:7 (NLT)
“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory!”
Jayma, Ft. Wayne, IN
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
Hannah, Cheney Wa
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and i will praise him, my fathers God, and i will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 NIV
Colossians Memory
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips
“Therefore, get your minds ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hannah, Cheney Wa
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 NIV
Pam in Nixa, Mo. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will find it” Matthew 16:24-25 New Living Translation
Brenda, Houston, TX: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 (KJ)
Annelise M. Kansas City, KS: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NAS)
Terrie Pensacola
“As the Father has loved Me,so have I Loved You.
Now remain in My Love.
If you obey My commands,you will remain in My Love,just as I have obeyed My Fathers commands and remain in His Love.I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.My command is this: Love each other as I have Loved You.” John 15:9-12 NIV
Beth, Fort Payne, AL Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV)
3″Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who
does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what
is false.”
Christy, FL – “Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your laws, we wait for You; Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” -Isaiah 26:8
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13 KJV. Angie Hendersonville
Missy Pinkerton, Bonners Ferry, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecc: 3-5-8 NIV
Amy, California
Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you and you have only to be silent. ESV
Colleen, Richmond:
The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.
John 14:21, HCSB
Maria from Louisville,
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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 12:9&10, ESV
Kara, Aurora Colossians 4:5-6 “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” (NLT)
Melody, Greenville, SC
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Natalie, Olive Branch
Hebrews 4:16, NIV “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Jodi, Fairhope,AL: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10 NKJV