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!
In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.
Colossians 3:23
Sara. Alberta, Canada
Alyson
Boulder, CO
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
Psalm 16:2 NIV
Stephanie, Martinez, Ga
For in a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of thoses who believe and are saved.
Hebrews 10: 37-39
Amy – Custer, SD
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
Vicki, Dallas. “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.
MaryKaren, Charlotte – “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known.” Habakkuk 3:2, NIV
Alyson Lung
Boulder, CO
I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”
Psalm 16:2 NIV
Karen, Brandon, MS: “And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:7 HCSB
Cara- Riverview, Florida.
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10 ESV
Zillah, Wa- Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Romans 12:9 (The Message)
hollie, Carrollton, TX
‘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
Deirdre~Biddeford, Maine:
“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.
Terrie,Chandler Az; 1 Timothy 4:7 “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales, rather, train yourself to be godly.” (right on), NIV.
Katie, Loveland. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Pslam 51:10,12 NIV.
Amber-Sulphur,LA
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway of your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
Amie, Glendale, AZ; James 1:17, (MSG) “There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.”
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15 NIV
Kelli, Anaheim
Do not conform 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)
Janet, Longmont,CO
“When I bring you from the peoples and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, I will accept you as a pleasing aroma. And I will demonstrate My holiness through you in the sight of the nations.”
Ezekiel 20:41 HCSB
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ”
Matt 7:24-25 (NLT)
Heather, Vancouver WA
Psalm 37:5 – Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him and He will help you.
ReAnnon, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom. 5:1-2 ESV
Trash, West linn, OR
“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.”
Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
Abbie – Omaha, NE
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “this is the way; walk ye in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Brenda, Denton, TX: “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
jodi, ventura Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
My name was misspelled when I submitted my verse from the book of Matthew (I hit the wrong key on the iPad!)…my name is TRISH, not TRASH. :-). Aggghhh!
Ginger, Italy; May Christ through your faith dwell in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. Eph. 3:17 Amp.
So, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. We will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to helps us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16
Tracy, Fallbrook, CA 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
So, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Susan C.
Norfolk, VA
Heb 11:6 NIV
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe He exists and that He reward those who earnestly seek HIm
Jennab Vancouver,WA
“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
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Prov 3:5-6 (AMP)
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.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
Claudia ~ Cameron Park, CA
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40: 30-31
Julie, Sheffield, UK
Those who trust 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 faint. Isaiah 40:31 HCSB
John 17:22-23 (NIV)
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me
Kathy, St. Petersburg, Fl. Psalm 143:8, NIV
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 lift up my soul.
Joni, Port Neches. “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” Psalm 139:1-2 (NIV)
jessica, bellflower, ca…
“i want to reflect on YOUR guiding principles and study YOUR ways”…psalm 119:15 (GOD’s Word translation)
I missed week 1, so here’s both!
Katie, Sugar Land, TX…
“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
Katie, Sugar Land, TX…
“For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Mara, Ridgefield, WA
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
John 10:10 NIV
Rachel – Nashville, TN
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)
Jenn – Stockton, CA
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
Tanya, TX
But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Proverbs 1:33 NKJV
Courtney – Houston,TX
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared us in advance to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Debbie, Mildenhall, England “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.” Romans 12:2, NLT
Brooke Ashley Sterk – East Wenatchee, Washington
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season. Whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV
Marla- Lame Deer, Montana
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be your master because you are not under law, but under grace. NIV