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!
Posting for Veronica in Eldorado, TX (When I use her name & my email address,it deletes my post…I even tried my old email that I don’t use and it still did it…sorry for the problem….help!)
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Veronica
Eldorado, Texas
” Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Jennifer – Henrietta,Texas
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV
Valerie from McKinney, Tx
2 Timothy 2:13 NAS
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.
Jolinda, Kearney
Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”
Psalm 20:7 NIV
Laura, Centerline, Mi Phil 4:6-7 NIV
Do not be anxious for 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 minds in Christ Jesus.
Debi, Allen: Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:14-15 NIV
Jessica, SC
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick tempered exalts folly.
Proverbs 14:29 NAS
Lara Oak Ridge Tn Jeremiah 15:6 Your words were found and I ate them. and your words became a joy and the delight of my heart. For I have been called by Your name, O LORD of hosts. NASB Jeremiah 15:6
Karen, Aurora,IN
“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Malachi 3:1 NLT
Jean, Arlington, @TX:
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 4:1 TNIV
Rachel ~ Ontario, Canada
I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Psalms 116: 1-2 (NLT)
Michelle – Little Rock, AR
“Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Habakkuk 3:17-18, NIV
Lisa, Wentzville, Mo
Isaiah 41:10 NASB “Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Donna, NIV,Jacksonville
Jer. 15:16
When your words came, I ate them…
they were my joy and my hearts delight…
Jennifer, Sun City, AZ,
“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
Love it!
Make your ear attentive to wisdom. Incline your heart to understanding. For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:2-5 NASB)
Misty, Atlanta Isaiah 26:8 Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws we wait for you; your name and renown are the desires of our hearts.
Lisa, Hattiesburg, MS:
“Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts.”
Romans 5:5, NIV
Lisa Elmhurst, IL
Micah 6:8 NIV
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 humbly with your God.
Nancy, Kentucky: The beginning of wisdom is, get wisdom. At the cost of all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NAB
Julie, Wentzville –
“Those who know your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.” ~ Psalm 9:10 NIV
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1. NIV
Nell, College Station, 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 I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.” 2 Chron. 7:14 NIV
Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who is going with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NET)
Shellie
Moscow, Idaho
Got this one from the “capricious cat lady.” Love you, Leah!
Kels, Redding, CA
“Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope”
Psalm 119:49 NLT
Savanna, Atlanta
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists & that He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2 NIV
Tracey
Bear Creek, NC
“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future” Ps 31:25 New Living Trans.
Lena, Wilmore
But Godliness with contentment is great gain.
I Timothy 6:6
Jeani Webster, Tx
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pur out of my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams. KJV
Tina, Cincinnati, OH: Revelation 17:14 – They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers. (NIV)
Erin
Clinton, Mississippi
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
-Psalm 19:14
Cara from Edmond, OK
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 NET
Ouida in Trenton, TX “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:1-2 (NASV)
John 16:33
Kelly Lilburn, GA
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 139:23-24 (NIV)
Kirsten, Lubbock, TX
“Do not be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 The Message
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 American King James Version
Phyllis from Salisbury, MD
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Jean, Franklinton, NC
The Lord says “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Ps 32:8 NLT
Cindy, Summerville, SC
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken,
nor my covenant of peace be removed,
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Andrea Woodstock, GA
Psalm 25:7 NIV
“Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.”
Kelly – Cheney, WA
“I say to myself, the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:24
NIV
Tanya, MN
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
Jamie, Blue Springs, MO: “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
Jonna
North Hollywood, CA
2 Timothy 2: 23-24
23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach not resentful.
Kelsi, Eau Claire, WI: Proverbs 14:29
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick tempered displays folly. NIV