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!
Oroville, California
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.
Revelation 4:11
NIV
Lois, Abilene, KS
“Finally, brothers, 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.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Continuing on in Psalm 119:53: “Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.” NASB
(Keep in mind, I am memorizing the passage v52-56)
Tracie, Huntsville, AL – “Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”
Proverbs 30:5 (NAS)
Susan, Atlanta, TX
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NAS)
Shannon, Kissimmee, Florida
I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:1-2
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
Marsha, Great Mills, It was for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1 NAS
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Hebrews 4:14 NIV
Michelle, Chatham, In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in Him, and He saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in Him; let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9 NIV
Abbey, Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:4
Mary,Zeeland
Dear Children let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. I John 3:18 TNIV
I am in them and You are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23 (NLT) (words of Christ)
Lydia, DeRidder
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)
Lynette, Nashville: You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Stacey, Sugar Land, TX
Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Sorry, it is Colossians 3:13 NRSV
Ruth, Pikeville, TN — “If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him or knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17
Jayne Patterson
Frisco, TX
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13 NASB
Erin, Warrenton, VA
Eph. 3:20, “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. ” (NIV)
My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalms121:2 (HDSB)
Carrie H, Nashville
“And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life.”
1 Corinthians 7:17 The Message
Michelle, Columbus, OH ~ 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:20-21 (KJV)
Psalm 121:2 HCSB
“My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Ivy Morrison, Willis TX
Missy, Arkadelphia: So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with things right in front of you. Look up and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Col 3:1-2, The Message
Jennifer from Bossier City, LA
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded” Luke 12:48 NIV
Joyce- Greenville, SC
John 1:29 (NIV)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said “Look, the Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sin of the world.”
Pam, Naperville, IL “For this reason I kneel before the Father,” Eph.3:14 NIV
Karen, Enid
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matt. 6:27 (NLT)
Carolyn, Maryville, Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. KJV
Sharon, Moore,SC
Hebrews 4:16 (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.
Mary Lisa, Glenwood, MN: A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. Proverbs 12:4 (NIV)
Stephanie, Ft. Wright, KY “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NIV)
LuAnn, Auburn, NY
Rom.12:18 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people”…NET Bible
Tammie, Columbia, SC
Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. James 1:17 Holman
Darcie, Bethel, CT “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for You.” Psalm 9:10 NLT
Jacksonville, FL
“As for God, his way is perfect:
The LORD’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
For who is God besides the LORD? 2 Samuel 22:31-32
(NIV)
Stacia Deen from Avon Park, Florida: But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)
Jupiter, FL
Being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Colossians 1:10b-11 KJV
Pasadena, Tx – Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20 NKJV
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Ps 46:10 (NIV)
Jackie
Pearland, TX
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. I Chronicles 7:14
oops-typo – s/b II Chronicles 7:14 – sorry
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.
Mollie, Kernersville, NC “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things.” Galatians 5:22, NLT
Lori, Pelham, NH “Though knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off.” Psalm 139:2 KJV
Katie
Atlanta, GA
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
NIV Psalm 57:2
I cry out to God Most High, to God who fullfills His purpose in me.
Katie, Crawford,Tx – “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Philipians 4:4-7 (NIV) says: “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice? Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everthing, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.”
Brandi, Roseburg, OR: Micah 6:8 He has showed you O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk numbly with your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
#2
Psalm 109:30 NAS
With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD; and in the midst of many I will praise Him.
Christy, Katy TX: “I sought the LORD’s help and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” the NET Bible