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!
Jenifer
Jacksonville, AL
Deuteronomy 7:9 (New International Version, ©2010)
“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 commandments.”
Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
1Chronicles 28:20 NIV
Shelly, Portland,OR. “Rejoice Always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess 5:16-18 NKJV
Denise, Houston
Lamentations 3:22-23
The Steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies NEVER come to an end. They are new every mornin.
GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS!
Linda, Alamo, Texas:
As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.
Romans 3:10
Ginny
Rice Lake, WI
As for God, his way is perfect;
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30 NIV
Tammy, Cincinnati, Ohio
Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food.
Romans 14:20a NIV
Sheila, Wake Forest: 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
Jolynn, Rowlett, Tx
In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalm 18:29
New Living Translation
Leigh-Anne, Bemus Point, NY,
Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.
Romans 12:2 The Message
Sarah, Christina and Esther May – Wenatchee, WA “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)
Breanne, Cypress – “Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.” Psalm 86:6-7 NIV
Jane, IL
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.
Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV
Marrissa, Orlando, FL
1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him
NIV
Mary from Springfield, MO
Luke 10:41-42
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (ESV)
Jodee, Lubbock, TX
This God – his way is perfect. The word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30 ESV
Steph, Lynchburg, VA: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” NIV
Cathy, Terra Ceia, Florida
A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out. Proverbs 25:28 (The Message)
M.J. in Lovington, NM
“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
I am copying Diane – thanks!
Joni
Animas, NM
I make known the end from the beginning,from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand and I will do all that I please.
Isaiah 46:10 NIV
Beki, Ball; Psalm 73: 26 (NIV) “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Melissa, Midland, MI
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” John 13:35 NIV
Tammy-Lubbock, TX
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8(NIV)
Amy, Jacksonville, FL
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
Amy, Birmingham
Take delight in the Lord,
And he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
Psalm 37:4-5 NLT
Brenda from Epsom, NH
For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. Philippians 1:10 NLT
Tennessee
Romans 12: 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (NIV)
Ruth – Fuquay Varina, NC
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 4:18 – NIV
Lookout Mt GA
His Divine power has given us every thing we need for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Sharon San Diego Ca, Isaiah 55:11 NKJ
So Shall MY word be that goes
Forth from MY mouth
It shall not return to Me
VoidBut it shall accomplish what I please
And it shall prosperin the
thing for which I sent it…
Cassie; Fulshear, TX:“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)
Nichole, Rome
Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So honor God with your body. 1 Cor. 6:19-20
I am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake,and remembers your sin no more.(Isaiah 43:25)NIV
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you. 1Peter5:6-7
Blenna –Radford, Va
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trusting him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
McKinney, Texas
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.”
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Angie – New Orleans, LA
Romans 12:2, NASB
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.
Brittany, Parker Co
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me- put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Kati, Ocracoke Island, NC
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:31-31 (NIV)
Rachelle, Long Island, KS
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Tamara, Zeeland “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19 NIV
Devanee, Ulysses; Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT
Emily from Washington, DC … “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.” (NASB)
Whoops … sorry – Romans 12:2 (NASB)
Emily, Kalamazoo, MI “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
Tami, Arcadia
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Linda, Sheboygan, WI Isaiah 41:10 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.
Katie, Roanoke Tx ” being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 1:6 NIV
Cindy, Fairhope
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:2)
Amanda, Savannah, GA
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” Deuteronomy 7:6 NIV
Dear Beth,
I am participating but didn’t put down my verse…because I am doing the new Breaking Free and the 1st week was Gal 5:1 and you know the rest of them..I am putting them in my new app..woohoo…so count me in…and my whole Bible Study Women’s Group at Harvest Bible Chapel Elgin, IL