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!
Jolie, Cottage Grove, MN
My determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person.
Philippians 3:10 (AMP)
Kim, Palatine, IL: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. ~ Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
Anna, Houston, Texas.
The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.
Psalm 133:6, NIV
Shelly, Pittsburgh: “For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”
Galatians 3:27 NIV (How easy it is to forget this at times 🙁 )
Pam, Lawrenceville, GA
“Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You sinners, clean sin out of your lives. You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure.” James 4:8 NCV
Lauren, Arlington, TX – “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind….'” Matthew 22:37 ESV
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Teri, Spearfish, SD – “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 – New International Version
Lamentations 3:22-24 (New International Version, ©2010)
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Beka, CO,
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.
Prov 14v29
Whitney, Memphis, TN: Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10 NLT
Sarah
Lufkin, TX
“My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never makes things right in God’s sight.”
-James 1:19-20 NLT
Tara from Colorado Springs:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
Trae, Crawford. “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word.” ~ Psalm 119:114 NIV
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
-Kerrianne, Franklin, PA
Heather, Parker
“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”
-Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Lori, Hazlehurst, Ms. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. Phil. 4:6, NKJ
Brittany, Elko,
Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Psalm 82:30 (niv)
Nicola, Calgary, Alberta, Not being a pharisee about missing the first two weeks.
“Come to Me all you who labour and are heavy-laden (overburdened) and I will cause you to rest (relieve, ease and refresh your soul). Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) of heart and you will find rest (relief, ease, refreshment, re-creation and blessed quiet) for your soul. For My yoke is easy (good, uselful – not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing – comfortable, gracious and pleasant) and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” Matthew 11:28-30 Amp.
Dawn, Jacksonville
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek His face always” Psalm 105:4 NIV
Katie, North Little Rock – 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
. Natalie, 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
Lydia, Athens, TX – Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (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 NIV
Kari, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for His works, be alert for signs of His presence.
Ps 105:4, Message
For there is nothing that God cannot do. Luke 1:37
Linda from Fort Wayne, Indiana
Deuteronomy 14:2 NIV
For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the people on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession.
Linda – Annville,KY
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
Deuteronomy 6:4
Mary, Byron Center, Michigan
So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.
Phil. 1:9 (The Message)
Betty Fulkerson, Montgomery,TX. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 (this is my second verse)
Kristy, MB Canada
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Sue, Redford, MI: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Irene, Clarksville, TN
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Gal. 5: 24-25 (NASB)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Ellen Morton
Laconia,N.H
Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually. 2Chronicles7:15-16 NKJ
Darl, Bakersfield, CA “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” NIV
NM; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain but to put their hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Kristi – Princeton, Texas
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews11:1 NIV
Rosalie, Cincinnati
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Kari, Camarillo. “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of faith.” Galatians 6:9
Erin, Lolo, MT “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 NIV
Shawnee Oklahoma.
Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. I Chronicles 16:10-11
Jan, Surprise, AZ:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 KJV
Melanie, TN “He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 UNIVERSES
Rosebudprn
Atlanta, Texas
Your eyes saw my substance; being yet unformed. And in your Book they were all written, the days fashioned for me. When as yet, there were none of them! Psalm 139:16 NKJV
Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 NIV
Julie, Goldfield; “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)
Beth from Montoursville, PA
“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
I raise my eyes to the mountains. Where will my help come from? Psalm 121:1 HCS
Melanie, TN “He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 NIV