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!
Tina, Flower Mound, TX.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
There is no wisdom,
no insight,
no plan
that can succeed against the Lord.
Proverbs 21:30 NIV
Jackie, Newport, TN
Sarah
Seattle, WA
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4.11-13
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV
Heather, Orange County, CA –
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, he is might to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (NIV)
Sandy, Houston, Texas
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
2 Corinthians 10:5 (King James Version)
Dana, Ashland, KY “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.” Matthew 5:14 The Message
Judy, LaPlata, MD
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
Shane,Russellville,AR
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,and if I have a faith that can move mountains,but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Cor. 13:2 NIV
Krissi Monticello, AR
And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. 2 Thes. 3:13 NIV
Mary, Brookfield, CT:
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 NIV
Fran, Altadena, CA
John 1:1,2 NIV
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Good job, Mom!
Heather Greensburg, La
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 NIV
Kim Feth, Apex, NC Psalm 46:10-11 NLT Be silent and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord Almighty is here among us, the God of Israel is our fortress.
Beth, Pearland Tx
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good pleasing and perfect will.
NIV
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Mary from tilton nh
Phillipians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Carmen Reynolds, Greensboro, NC
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Erica, Ozark
Luke 18:27 NIV
He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”
Lisa, London
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” Psalm 51:6 NIV
Lisa, Enterprise AL
~ 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)
Sarah, Port St. Joe, FL, Holman
“Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think – according to the power that works in you -” Ephesians 3:20 (will catch vs. 21 next time)
Stacie- Jacmel, Haiti
Luke 9:23-25, The Message
“Then He told them what they could expect for themselves: ‘Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow Me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, My way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?'”
Anita, Hartsville: Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5 (NIV)
I need to be reminded that I am an OVERCOMER because of my Saviour, Jesus Christ!!Amen!
Crystal – Everett, Ontario – 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. James 1:19-20
Kim, Farmers Branch, TX:
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NASB)
Karen, Columbia, MO
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Sue from Lawrenceville, GA NIV
Galations 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.
Sarah, Johnstown, PA
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Sharon – Clinton, ON Canada
Psalm 18:30 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Winston-Salem, NC
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Teresa – Benton, Arkansas
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2 NIV
Lindsey, San Francisco, CA – They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness. Lam. 3:23, The Message
Teresa, Fort Collins “Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV
Julie, Waco
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.”
Psalm 73:25, 26 & 28 NASB
Gaylene, Broomfield
But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:14
Kerry, Jackson, TN
“You have circled around this mountain long enough; now turn north” Deut 2:3 The NET Bible
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Joy, Altadena, CA
“God answer you on the day you crash, The name God-of-Jacob put you out of harm’s reach, Send reinforcements from Holy Hill, Dispatch from Zion fresh supplies, Exclaim over your offerings, Celebrate your sacrifices, Give you what your heart desires, Accomplish your plans.” Psalm 20:1-4 MSG
Amanda, LaSalle, ON, Canada
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV
Beverly – Houston TX
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord when He delights in his way.
When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.”
Psalms 37:23-24 NAS
Amy, Lexington KY
Psalm 13:1-2 (NIV)
How long, oh Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Cecily, Atlanta – “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
Joanne, Grand Prairie, TX – There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 KJV
Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time (buying up each opportunity). Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT
Penny, Glendale, AZ (NASB) Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Cathy, Richmond, VA 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 – I wish this for all you Siestas out there!
Susie, Bremerton, WA. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress, my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. The Lord is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2, NIV.
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You
2 Chronicles 20:12
Melinda, Atlanta, TX:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” -Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)