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!
Caroline 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)
PJ, Atlanta
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (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 father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2 NIV
Jenny, Pingree Grove, IL
Romans 8: 3-4
For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in the flesh in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
“He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:3-4 NIV
April
Greensboro, NC
Sharon, Bulls Gap, TN-
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:5
Amber, Pearland. “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
Barnhart, MO
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Juliana
Livermore
Philippians 3:13
Brothers and Sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me.
Common English Bible
Susie, Columbus, Ohio 2 Samuel 22:4 (NIV)
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.
Elizabeth, Portland, Oregon
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
Romans 15:13 Amplified Bible
Cindy
Seattle, WA
7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
8 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.
9 We are hunted, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NLT
Brenda, Greenville, SC Let the words of my mouth and the meditaion of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 AKJV
Stephanie, Calgary, as I get married: “The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous to behold!” Psalm 118:23
LORD, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isa. 33:2 NIV
Baldwin City, KS
Margie, Stockbridge GA
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.
Jerimiah 29:11, NIV
Rebecca, Greenville, SC Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Alisha Grace, Ms “Blessed is the man who persevers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
Leigh, Birmingham
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul”. Psalm 143:8 (NIV)
James 1:19-20
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. (NIV)
[And remember]
Ephesians 4:26-27
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV)
Sharae, Emporia, Kansas
Kimberly, Circleville OH: “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NAS)
Grace (10) Circleville OH: Mark 5:22-43 Grace is learning this passage for a Speech Meet
Bev, Ironton OH: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NKJ)
JoLaurin, Poplarville — So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty. Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit that brings life made me free from the law that brings sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2, NCV)
Kelly, Erwin, TN
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
Charlotte
Carthage, MO
You know when I sit down and when I stand up. You understand my thoughts from far away.
Ps 139:2 HCSB
Cynthia, Massanutten, VA
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace removed says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” IS 54:10 (Holman)
Randa, Newcastle, OK: “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storerooms or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
Luke 12:24-26 NIV
Jennifer, Augusta,Ga.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26 NIV
Stephanie, Wurtland: ” Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Sara, Fisherville, KY: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Cor. 4:7 NIV
Stephanie, Glen Burnie,MD
Psalm 102:18-22 ESV
“Let this be recorded for a generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the LORD: that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die, that they may declare in Zion the name of the LORD, and in Jerusalem his praise, when peoples gather together, and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.
Tracy, Flower Mound TX, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” NIV
Jana, (Kalispell, MT)
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight” Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)
Rhonda, Bolivar MO.
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 NIV
Jean, Blaine: “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Holly, Conway, SC, “It is by grace we have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore.” Psalm 125:1,2 NIV
Pam, Greensboro,NC
Kim Hanover, MN
Proverbs 14:1 NASB
The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish
tears it down with her own hands.
Miranda, Colo. Spgs. CO, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ” 2 Corinthians 9:8
Judy, Gainesville, GA: Be sober, be vigilant; because your advisary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
Linda in Boulder CO – All things came into being through Him and without Him not one thing came into being. John 1:3 New Revised Standard
I Peter 3:15: But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
This verse motivates me to review the Word and truths which will lead people to answers about the Savior. It also reminds me to give answers which won’t rile people’s hearts, but draw them to Him; answers which won’t create an argument, but endear them to Him who has loved them to the point of death.
Piper, Centennial CO
But let all who take refuge in You be glad,Let them ever sing for joy;And may You shelter them,That those who love Your name may exult in You. Psalm 5:11
Wilson, TX
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:36 NIV
Tammie from Carlisle, PA
Deuteronomy 7:9 (New Living Translation): Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.
Sarah, Goshen, IN
“The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB
Stephanie; Ogden, Utah. “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, NIV
Ashley N, El Dorado, AR
“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in His death” Phillipians 3:10 NIV
Kristen M., Kansas City, KS: Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, the Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (NKJV)
Jennifer, Danville, VA “My brothers and sisters, do not show prejudice if you possess faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” James 2:1 The NET Bible