Hey, my dear, dear Sisters. I thought about you so much while we had the privilege to serve in Washington State. We cherished every second we were there and God was so gracious and merciful to us. He could not have given us a more wonderful group of participants to kick off the 2011 Living Proof Live schedule. We lapped up every second with them. They were so full of praise and expectation for God to speak and so rowdy and fun. I would have brought every single one of them home with me to Texas if I could have.
I want you to know that you sowed very direct seed into that event. On Friday afternoon my notes were, for the most part, ready to go but I just sensed a desire to seek something more from God. I knew in my heart that it involved prayer so I got down on my knees again and prayed but I got back on my feet still not quite feeling the breakthrough that I was hoping for. The thought came to me, I believe by God Himself, to get on the blog and scroll through all the comments to the Tacoma Ticket Giveaway post and look for entries where Siestas had prayed specifically for the event. I hit a gold mine. I stopped at each one of them and actively agreed and received all that had been prayed. The breakthrough came! It was God’s good pleasure to raise up seed-throwers from spots all over the United States and Canada to sow into the Tacoma LPL harvest. I can’t express to you how deeply and profoundly it hit me. Sometimes I feel like I harass you guys half to death for prayer but we are so desperate for it. I knew this weekend that it is God’s way. Profit sharing. Oh, how I pray that we might be able to believe God for a 2 Corinthians 4:15 work as we partner together:
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
I think God particularly blesses our seed sowing when we have no direct involvement at the event or gathering. No personal gain except the glorious nod of God. I’m actively praying for Priscilla Shirer’s simulcast in several weeks even though I’ll be in Fresno. I don’t doubt she’s praying for us, too. I can’t wait to hear the report of all God is going to accomplish through that mighty servant of God as she teaches and as her brother, Anthony, leads worship. This is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus. One Lord. One Body. One Spirit. If the grace of God through Christ is “reaching more and more people,” our thanksgiving overflows to the glory of God!
The group in Tacoma exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Their outpouring for Japan moved us so deeply. Our wonderful brothers and sisters from Samaritan’s Purse were swamped. They were so overwhelmed at the break that we had to keep them open after the event and position them at exit doors They counted dollar bills all afternoon to the tune of $66,025.25. As soon as the horrific tragedy occurred, we asked Samaritan’s Purse if our offering for that LPL could go specifically to relief for Japan and they complied joyfully and set up an immediate fund. (Any of you are welcome to get on their website and also contribute if you feel led and aren’t already giving through another organization. No pressure. Just opportunity.) We are all stunned and heartbroken over the devastation in Japan. It’s just incomprehensible. The images are more than I can wrap my mind around. May “the Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness” show Himself in every possible and undeniable way. May one of those ways be the banding together of His Body around the world to be His hands and a healing balm within them. They need our help.
It’s time for Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 6! Ready, Sisters?? Stay with it! I’ll give you my sixth verse (it reminds me of you) then show you a small handful of pictures I took over the weekend on my iPhone.
Beth, Houston. My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches of understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 The NET Bible
OK, here’s some pictures from Tacoma if you want a peek before you chime in with your verse.
This was my one glimpse at The Mountain. We had rain most of the time and, mountain girl that I am, I just kept looking out of my hotel window for a glimpse of that famous sight. While I was studying, I felt a tugging at my heart and I jumped up in hopes that the clouds were lifting somewhat and sure enough, there that bad boy was. I was so happy, I cried.
This was the sunrise the next morning. I was always an early riser as a kid and, now that I am an adult, I know it nearly drove my mother crazy because she’d have preferred her Folgers by herself. (This helps explain to you why I was a coffee drinker by the ripe old age of six.) My dad used to take up for me and say, “The early bird gets the worm!” Well, when I caught a glimpse of that sunrise in Tacoma Saturday morning and fifteen minutes later it was pouring down rain, I knew my Daddy was right.
I can’t believe I’m about to let this come out of my mouth but I had some of the best Mexican food on earth there in Tacoma. I was baffled. Someone had recommended “Masa” (on 6th Street) to us but Michelle and I looked at each other like, “Texans better not try it. We better leave that to the Tennesseans. They might not know better.” But, after the event, we were about to have a meltdown for hot sauce and decided to cave to the pressure. It was so good I couldn’t believe my own taste buds. We started with this unbelievable Bean and Queso dip then, because cheese enchiladas weren’t on the menu, I decided to get Vegetable Fajitas. I’ve never tried them before but I’ve been with Travis and Angela when they’ve ordered them. (And I looked with contempt upon them.) They were unbelievably good. Really fresh – chunky and grilled and topped with cheese. Side of rice and beans. Sara was our waitress and took such good care of us. She’s expecting little Christos in a few months and we loved getting to talk to her. We saw a couple of tables of women from the LPL event, too, and so loved getting to hug their necks.
As if the Mexican Food wasn’t good enough, there was a Stumptown coffee bar attached to it. Talk about the ultimate way to end a meal! I have become a fan of Stumptown through our dear Kelly Minter who considers it a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (My words, not hers.) Michelle has been ordering it for me for a year or so and it’s what I grind and fix about twice a day in my office at LPM. Darla was our barista at the coffee bar in Tacoma and, as I live and breathe, the woman was an artist. Look at this crema. That is not whipped cream. That is how she finished off a Latte with plain-old low fat milk. UNBELIEVABLE. I was so impressed. I wanted to ask her how she dealt with her pride but she seemed astonishingly humble for such a craft. Almost like she didn’t notice she was a rock star.
These were two of the most wonderful women we had at the Tacoma Dome. (Blood) sisters Roxana and Christine sat down nice and close to the front and gave God considerable glory in my earshot. They and their small group wore tiaras to the event so we were blessed to no end by every glimpse of them. That is, of course, Michelle in there with us.
This last picture is of a group of really young women that were having coffee at the Starbucks we went to several hours after Stumptown. (No coffee for me that late. I’m saying that because I know somebody’s going to get into my business. I got Blueberry water but I didn’t want to. I drank four sips.) One of these darling things is getting married next week and had a little veil on. They were so cute we could hardly stand it. Just as they were getting up to leave, one of them looked over at me with wide eyes and asked if we were we.
WHY DIDN’T YOU COME TO THE EVENT??? We asked.
Because we couldn’t afford it!
Then I said: NEVER let me hear you say that again!
We do anything possible to get our college girls tickets to LPL’s. For crying out loud, if somebody’s broke, it doesn’t matter what age they are, we try to get them tickets if they really want to go. LifeWay, too! They are tremendously tenderhearted and willing to do whatever they can to minister and disciple. Tons of tickets were given away to that event in Tacoma. You have no idea how much we’d like to do it for free.
This was my view from the airplane seat just as we were about to put our tray tables up and our seat backs forward for departure. I wanted you to see my cute rain boots peeking out from the bottom. I’ve had them for a couple of years and worn them about a thousand times but they were for such a time as Tacoma.
Well, I’ve rattled your ear off. You guys are important to me. I love you. I think of you everyday. Now, cough up your sixth verse!
Hold tight to Jesus in the ebb and flow of this temporal world. One sweet day this convulsing earth will be made new. The skies will tear open like a veil and every eye will see. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Laurie. Lubbock, TX. “For what is our hope, our joy, or our crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” I Thessalonians 2:19-20 (NIV)
” He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken” Psalm 62:6 NIV
Mary Beth, Atlanta, Texas – “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 NIV
Shelly, Lakeville, MN “Being confident in 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
Rom. 8:2 NKJV
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Margaret
Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho
Cheryl from Fairhope – “Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens.” (Psalm 113:2-4 KJV)
KATIE DALLAS, TX
1 Timothy 6:12 (New Living Translation)
12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.
Kellyn Spartanburg
Words kill, words give life;
they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
Proverbs 18:21 (The Message)
Lori, Atlanta, GA
“From now on I’m taking the yoke from your neck and splitting it up for kindling.
I’m cutting you free from the ropes of your bondage.”Nahum 1:13 (The Message)
Debra, S.S., Texas; Psalms 103:1-6 KJV- ” Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me bless His holy name; Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not”ALL” His benefits; forgives iniquities,
heals diseases,
redeems life,
crowns you with lovingkindness and
tendermercies,
satisfies your mouth with good things
so that your mouth is renewed like an eagle; the Lord executes righteousness and judgement on the oppressed.
Jennifer – Loveland, Co
The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 NLT
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
And hope does not disappoint us,
because God has poured out His Love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
whom He has given us.
Romans 5:5 NIV
Nicole,Jacksonville, AL: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” Psalm 4:8 ESV
Christy M., Athens, AL: A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. Proverbs 15:17 NLT
Carrie. Lee’s Summit, MO. “Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NIV)
Looks like y’all had an amazing time in Tacoma!
And don’t ever feel like you’re bugging us by asking us to pray. I’m sure I speak for all Siestas in that we are honored to be given the opportunity to pray for you specifically!
Here’s my verse:
Cheryl
Hephzibah, Ga
finishing Deut. 6
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:8-9
Andrea Hart in Orlando, Fl. Mark 13:33 “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”
Debbie from Westerville, OH Phillipians 1:6 NIV
Be confident of this; that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Jenell, Springfield, MO ~ Psalms 33:20 (NIV) “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”
Linda –North Fort Myers
ZEPHANIAH 3:17 –NIV
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Aubyn Corinth, TX “And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under His mighty hand by casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 The Net Bible
Leslie, Wisner, La.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23, NIV
(I also love the amplified version:
So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word.)
Chrissy, Detroit Lakes, MN: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23 (ISV)
Ann, Ostrander, Ohio – “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for the Lord only maketh me dwell in safety.”Psalm 4:8 KJV
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with a shout of joy. Job 8:21 (HCSB)
dora, TN
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me. Nancy, Columbia, NIV
Sallye San Angelo Romans 6:13 NKJV And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the deand and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
“Who’s playing you?”
Cindy, Sheridan, WY Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. Psalm 38:15 NIV
Lisa, Baton Rouge: “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV)
Erin
Stephens City, VA
John 10:10
“I came that you may have and enjoy life and have it in abundance, until it overflows.”
Amanda. Katy, Tx. “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.”
Philippians 1:9 (ESV)
Marilyn, Fort Pierce, FL Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
Sharon Meekins
Titanyen, Haiti
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV
Faran, Bald Knob, AR:
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NET)
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see”.
Hebrews 11:1 – NIV
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.”
***Please pray for our friend Cara’s family from cancer. She passed away yesterday and has a dear husband and two precious baby girls. Thank you! She is now FREE of pain and forever rejoicing with Jesus!
Portland, TX
Susan, Andover,KS:
“First, be aware of this: Scoffers will come in the last days to scoff, living according to their own evil desires,… Therefore, dear friends, since you know this in advance, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of lawless people and fall from your own stability.”
2 Peter 3:3&17 (HCSB)
Tracy, Spring, TX
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:4 NIV
Melissa, Naju, South Korea
“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Psalm 138:8 ESV
Catherine, Montgomery. Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 NLT
Denise,Ocean Springs You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world 1 John 4:4 NKJ
Nichole
Marion, IA
Psalm 18:30 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.
MarySue, Auburndale, FL
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of POWER
and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Nicole, Seattle:
“Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3 (NKJV)
Rhonda – Houston “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:38 –NLT
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 NIV
I haven’t been faithfully participating in the SSMT this year. I have been trying to stay on track with my One Year Bible and really finish! (Our whole church is doing it together.) BUT I had to comment on Beth’s verse because the NLT version of that verse is our little family’s memory verse for this present season. Love it!
Karen – Tallahassee, FL
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Heb 4:13 NIV
Prove by the way live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Matthew 3:8 NIV
Jean, Columbus, Ohio – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 KJV