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!
Gwen Syracuse, UT “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” Job 36:11 (New International Version 1984)
Karen, Mebane, NC
Colossians 3:16-17 (NLT)
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
My daughter, Abigail’s verse is:
Hebrews 4:16(NIV)
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
And my daughter is downloading the app on her iTouch. What a blessing and a great way to reach her!
Noelle
Houston, TX
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
Revelation 21:5 (NKJV)
Sue, Groveport OH
“Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem. The LORD had taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel is with you; never again will you fear any harm.”
Zephanaiah 3:14-15 NIV
Jean, Saskatchewan, Canada Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 NIV
Stephanie Veazie, Maine.
I also chose Matthew 22:37 in the NIV: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind!
Pamela,Hudsonville: Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 1o7:8,9
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Heidi Smith
Anchorage, AK
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
1 John 4:20
Lisa, Brazoria, TX
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
Psalm 143:10 (NIV)
Psalm 25:4-5
“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.”
KJV
Susan
Cartersville,GA
Haley, Big lake MN ESV
ISIAH 26:4
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock
Naomi, Monticello, MS
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.”
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
Janice, Houston: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Mandi, Moncks Corner
“…Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, taking every thought into captivity to obedience to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV)
Debbie
Smyrna, TN
Ephesians 6:10-11(NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty Power. Put on the full armor of God so you can stand against the devil’s schemes.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Galatians 5:25-26 NIV
Susan, Lititz, Pa.
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Jan, Littleton, CO
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
-Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?
Jeremiah 32:27
Jerrianne, Gastonia
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
Elizabeth, OKC “Lord, You hear the longings of those who are hurting. You cheer them up and give them hope. You listen to their cries.” Psalm 10:17 (NIRV)
Ellen, Atlanta. Psalm 62:11-12a – One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. (NIV)
Karen, Wildwood, Missouri
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV
Cindy, Greenwood
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14 KJV
Karen, Livonia, MI
that’s mine too 🙂
I was very worried but you comforted me and made me happy. Psalm4:19 NCV
Missy, Georgia
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God”
Colossians 3:15-16 NIV
Tiffany, Houston, NIV 1 Peter 3:9, “9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Isaiah 26:3
The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.
Talmage, KS
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Jennifer, Kodak, TN
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Psalm 27:13 New American Standard
Amy, Grand Rapids, MI
The Lord said to his people: “You are standing at the crossroads. So consider your path. Ask where the old, reliable paths are. Ask where the path is that leads to blessing and follow it. If you do, you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 NET Bible
Tara, West Monroe, LA….. 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
Amy Storms
Santa Clarita, CA
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17, NIV)
Lynne
San Antonio
Whatever you do, work at it with all you heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 4:23 NIV
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
Amber, Waco
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)
Stacey Redding
Shelbyville, Ky
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
We live by faith, not by sight.
Katie C., Houston, TX:
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Ephesians 4:29 (The Message)
PAMELA, Lexington SC
James 2: 1 NET
Carrie, Boston
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Cheryl, Everett
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace,seasoned with salt,so that you know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 Niv
2 Thesalonians 3:3 NIV
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
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
LeAnne, Albertville, Psalm 119:175 MSG “Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul.”
Anne, Simpsonville
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Huntsville, AL
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
-Philippians 2:3
NIV
Vivian Clovis, CA
Ephesians 3:21″…to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”NIV
Diane, Clermont, Fl
“Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)”. Psalm 55:22 (Amplified Bible)
Winter Garden, FL
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13b-14 (NIV)