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!
Keri, Loves Park, IL
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 NIV
Tammy, Paducah, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone, and the new is here. NIV 2010
Melody, Detroit. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” NIV
John 15:7-8 NKJV
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
Catherine, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. “I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: to live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.” Psalm 27:4, the Message
Laura
Denver, Colorado
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your truth, we wait eagerly for you. For your name and your renown are the desire of our souls. Isaiah 26:8
2 john 1:2
because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever!
Valdese, NC
What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.
Psalms 56:3 KJV
Petra: Ceres, CA. 1 Peter 1:13-17 (MSG)
13-16So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
17You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.
Susan,Paris,Kentucky “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Kim, Wylie TX
Make me to know your ways,
O’Lord, teach me your paths.
Pslam 25:4 ESV
Nikki, San Diego, CA: “Search me, O 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 everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 (NASB)
Kelly, Waco:
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. Hebrews 4:16, NIV
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
Jennifer….from the thumb of Michigan 🙂
Leah
Asheville, NC
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age…
Titus 2:11-12 NASB
Lisa, Rainbow City. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”. Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Deborah, Katy, TX
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
Lisa, San Diego, late getting started, but starting this week!
“Your loyal followers trust in you, for you, Lord, do not abandon those who seek your help. Psalm 9:10(NET)
Debbie, Roanoke “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 what God’s will is for you and you will know how good and perfect and pleasing the will of the Lord is.” Romans 12:2 NLT
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:13 (MSG)
Anna, Maumelle, AR – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV
Liz, Lexington KY
From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the twelve.
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:66-69 (NIV)
Pat S., Lago Vista, TX.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 NIV
Cathy from princeton
Ephesians 1:16-19 niv
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better.
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who blelieve.
Serena, Ft. Wayne, IN
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Amanda, Katy, TX
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
Kristina, Huntsville, AL
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Athens, AL – “You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything,” but not everything is helpful. You say, ‘I am allowed to do anything,” but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT
Emily,
Seattle WA
“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”
Isaiah 49:16
NKJV
Gena, Houston
This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands.
1 Peter 3:5 (NLT)
Sue, Kingsport, TN. 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
Someone posted this the last time, and suggested praying it for your family members and yourself with the name inserted. I feel I have had a better attitude since doing this.
Allayne, Bangkok, Thailand:
The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army. He makes my feet like hinds feet and will make me to walk, not to stand still in terror, but to walk, and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility).
Habakkuk 3:19, Amplified
Michelle, Bangor, Me.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (Ps. 19:7 NIV)
Delicia, TN, I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5, NIV
Amy. Monroe, NC, Psalm 13:5 NIV “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.”
Mandy…China Spring, TX
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6
Jenn Hand
Chattanooga, TN
Proverbs 28:1 NASB The wicked flee when no one is persuing but the righteous are as bold as a lion!
glory!
Karen, Loris, SC….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. Phil 4:8 NLT
Crissy, Nashville, TN
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
Christine – Westminster, CO
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. (NIV)
Lauren, Apex, NC. “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 ESV
Lisa, Rogers, AR: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.
Rev17:14 ESV
Katalla, Fairbanks, AK
“Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
Jessica, Oklahoma “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV
Ps. 73: 25, 26 NASB
Whom have I in Heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Hilda in Pearland
Rev 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings-and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Kristin, Athens, AL: “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” NLT