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.
“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-but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” 1 Corth 2:9-10
Jariza, Alburtis Pa
As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage.” (Joshua 1:5-6)
The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Joyce, Dalton, GA
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2&3 NKJV
gina johnstown, co
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and,if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14
Kristen, Nashville
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts 5:41 NIV
Psalm 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Melissa, Thompsons Station, TN.
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will stand up;
though I sit in darkness,
the LORD will be my light.
Micah 7:8 HCSB
Amy, Clovis, Ca
Hebrews 5:7-8
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
NIV
Debbie, Santa Barbara
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hallelujah!
Tami
Platte, South Dakota
“to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
Titus 2:5 NIV
Psalm 143:5 NIV
I remember the days of long ago. I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
I know the One I have believed in.
2 Tim 1:12 NIV
Kenslea, Birmingham Al
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Spearfish, SD
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 – NKJ
Kyle Yarbrough
Memphis, TN
Mark 7:50 NLT They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here.”
Matthew 4:10 NLT “Get out of here Satan.” Jesus told him. “For the scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’
Becky Homme, Rochester, MN “Trust in Him at all times O people; pour out your hearts to Him for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV
Melissa, Columbus, OH
James 1:2-3 NET My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials,because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
Symmie – Corpus Christi, Texas
(NAS)
Psalm 62:6
He Only is my rock and my salvation
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
Marcella
Crosby, TX
O, Lord my God, help me never to worship any other god, for You , my Lord, are a jealous God. (Ex 20:4-5)
Note: This is quoted from Beth’s book “Praying God’s Word” page 28.
Alyssa Wilson, Fort Worth, TX
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.
Reneé, Missouri City, TX:
“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.”
Phillipians 1:6 NIV
Hanni, st. Paul, mn
turn my heart toward your statues and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
psalm 119:36-37
Judi
Lancaster, PA
Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
Psalm 32:1 NLT
Natalie, Kiowa, Colorado
“Do you know that to whom you present yourselves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to rightousness?” Romans 6:16 NKJV
Philippians 4:6 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Leah, Houston.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
James 1:19-21, NIV
(late again, sorry!)
Philippians 4:6 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 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. Is. 40:29-31
Luanne, from Magnolia, TX: “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 (NIV)
Kristi Knoxville TN
II Corinthians 4:17 (ESV) For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
Sorry so late….in Haiti last week for spring break…
AJ, Berkeley, CA: He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us,will he not with him also give us everything else? Rom 8:32
Shelley, Haslet, TX
For in this way in former times the holdy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what it right without being frightened by any fear.
1 Peter 3:5-6
Michelle,Magnolia,TX
Psalm 46:10 NIV
“Be still and know that I am God”
Kate, Arvada “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 NIV
Krista, Morgantown, WV
“As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.” Psalm 119:143, NLT
Susan, Ellensburg
Psalm 31:14 NASB
But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.”
Karen, Chickasha OK, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Galatians 6:1
Andrea, Hobe Sound
2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
Joanna Howard, Virginia – “God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2 (TLB)
Lisa, Boerne, Tx
Sorry for late post, was on vacation for spring break and did not have access to internet (and loved every minute of it!)
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Emily, Oklahoma City–
Late, but delivered a sweet baby boy this month. God is so good!
“By day the LORD directs His love, at night His song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life” Psalm 42:8, NIV
Julie: Springfield, IL
“Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.” 1 Peter 5:7 The Message
Julie, Ozone, AR
“In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” – Psalm 5:3 (NASB)
Tammy ~ Mobile, AL
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
Apex, NC
Galations 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit, is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Shari, Westland, MI
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.
Jeremiah 32:40 NIV
Diane, alaska
LORD, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 NASB
Hayley – Seymour, TX
Galatians 5:22-23 NET
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me,
and he prepares the way
so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50:23 NIV
Rita Brown
Midland, TX