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!
Cathy, Colorado Springs, Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders. Deut. 33:12. NIV
Julie, New braunfels, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” NIV
Amber, Arkansas
“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” KJV
Sandra, Naperville, IL
I signed up late, so here are my two verses:
Week 1
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NIV
Week 2
Give ear and come to me; listen that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. Isaiah 55:3 NIV
Psalm 103:1-5 NAS
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of his benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities;
Who heals all your diseases;
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion,
Who satisfies your years with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
Teresa, Cincinnati:
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Joanie, Ventress
Philippians 4:11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. NIV
(19) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (20)for man’s anger does not bring about the rightneous life that God desires.”
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
Donna
Eldorado, Texas
Jeanne, Valley Head, AL
Psalm 34:1-5 (NIV)
1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Pam, Birmingham, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 NIV
Lauren
Prattville, AL
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV
Tracy, Wheeling…”You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Hebrews 1:9 NIV
Matthew 11: 28 – 30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
anotherbattlewon.blogspot.com
I can do everything through Him who gives me stregth.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Veronica
Eldorado, Texas
Rachel from TX
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
Jennifer Madison,OH Psalm 18:30-31 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. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
Kathie,Aiken SC
The Lord is my light and my salvation;whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 KJV
Having a little bit of surgery on Tuesday.
Praying for you from across the coast! Never failing sisters in Christ!
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA
Renee – Charlott, NC
Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Proverbs 30:5, NLT
Diana, Dallas
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
-Isaiah 46:4 NIV
Robin, Lindale Tx…Zephaniah 3:17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” NLT
wow The Lord gave that tome too in a different translation. Be blessed
Lynn
Wetumpka, AL
“Those who love your law have great peace and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165 NASB
Marlys, Hillsboro
Wait for the Lord
Be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord
Psalm 27:14 NIV 🙂
“The Dutchess” of Winterville, NC prays she remembers, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19)
I forgot to put the version, KJV
Denise from Ardrossan Alberta Canada
Go and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Fath, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19 NIV
Kim
Champaign IL
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Sarah, Trout Creek, Montana:
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, You are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26 (NLT)
Ephesians 3:20-21 NASB “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
Fort Myers, Florida
When the words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Marti, Loganville, Ga
The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God and I will exalt Him.
Exodus 15:2 NIV
Patricia, Midland, TX: 6 Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
Jeanie
Sparta, TN
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 NIV
Teri Charlotte,NC
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love Psalm 33:18
Lisa, Pensacola. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” Colossians 1;3 NIV
Sharon, Houston
“Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
2 Peter 1:4 NIV
Lily Austin, TX “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Melinda, Co. Springs, CO
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Rom. 5:1 NLV
Mandy, Idabel, OK
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint and a man of wisdom is even tempered. Even a fool is thought wise when he keeps silent and discerning when he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:27-28 NIV
Gail, Manhattan, KS
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentatons 3:22-24
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to becme angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
Donna
Eldorado,Texas
LaGrange, GA
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV)
Katelyn, Meridian, Texas
Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Tiana, Lewisville, TX
1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Because restoring my marriage starts with ME:
“Love is patient, love is kind and it is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, [it] does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Corinthians 13:4-7 (NASB)
Sheila Addison, MI “I pray that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power to those who believe!” Ephesians 1: 18-19
Laura – ELon, NC
I sought the Lord and He answered me. And delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NAS
Emily/South Carolina/Romans 10:9 “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” NKJV
Angela, Houston, TX
Matthew 19:26 The Message
Jesus looked hard at them and said,
“No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself.
Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it”.
Beth, Danville, VA. “Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.” Psalm 106:1 NKJV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV
Lana, Nebraska
Psalm 61:2- From the end of the earth I will cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. NKJV