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.
Elizabeth, Haleigh, and Isabel Midland
Ps.125:1-2 NIV
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
Nothing like waiting so late:
Tina – Houston
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thess. 5:16-18 (NLT)
Honestly can’t remember if I posted this or not and I’m not scrolling thru 5,000 commments to find out 🙂 Ha ha
Stephanie, Minneapolis, NIV
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8
Christen Birmingham, AL
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7
Mindy – Laurel, NE
Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14 NIV
Gayle, Jeanne’,Julia
Carrie, Barbara, Sharon
Ventura, CA
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains
From whence shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord
Who made heaven and Earth
Psalm 121:1-2 (NAS)
Cheryl, Visalia, CA
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Chris – Sugar Land, TX
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
Note: Sorry I am so late but last week I was “Spring Breaking” it with my family.
Valerie, SC – Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror . . .
James 1:23, NIV
Sorry so late, I was out of town, but still memorizing!
Marilyn, Pleasant Hope, MO
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 NKJV
(sorry to be late – spring break with the fam!)
Kim
Dickinson, ND
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph. 6:17-18 NIV
Phil. 1:6 NIV
Being confident in this, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all widsdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your heart to God”
Colossians 3:16
NIV
amy
bham AL
Becky Kiser
Houston, TX
2 Corinthians 12:9
(context: Paul talking about thorn in flesh)
“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 weakness so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Roxanne, Lincoln. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Urbandale, IA
The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise Him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
Psalm 22:26 NLT
Stephanie S., Houston:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11, NLV
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being TRANSFORMED into his image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18
Christy ~ Douglasville, GA
Jeremiah 32:27 NIV
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Leslie
Alpharetta, GA
Isaiah 12:2 (New International Version)
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense
he has become my salvation.”
Bronx,new york
“So may all your enimies perish,o lord but may they
who love you be like the sun when it rises in it’s
strength”
Jdg 5:31 (NIV)
Sarah
Seattle
“For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” -Habakkuk 2.3
“Live wisely among those who are not Christians and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone” (Colossians 4: 5-6, NLT).
Michele, Cumming, GA
So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
I know this is late, but better late than never!
Mackenzie
Tulare, CA
I Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled:”Bad company corrupts good character.”
The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 145:6 ESV
i am needing to remember that he is STEADFAST and ABOUNDING as I am so flailing in the muck this week HOPING to be lifted up and cleaned off and out.
Amanda, Waco
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Flower Mound, TX
Romans 11:36 (NLT)
For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to him forever.
Nancy — Perry, GA
1 Timothy 2:5-6 — For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (NKJV)
Susan, Toronto
Colossians 1:12 NIV
“and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light”
Sarah, St. Peters, MO
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)
Sharon, Los Angeles
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.”
John 14:1 NIV
Hollie, Cumming, GA.
So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness. James 5:16
That was NET version
Emily from Kingsport, TN
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
Kelly, Nashville
“You keep in perfect peace whose mind is fixed on you because he trusts in You.” Is. 26:3
The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Psalm 34:8
Shannan
Stillwater, OK
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
James 4:8
Missy
Stillwater, OK
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Proverbs 10:12
Kristen
Stillwater, OK
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Leslie
Stillwater,OK
This is the day the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Lisa
Stillwater, OK
Finally got back to the internet, after being on a mission trip…I had to post even if it is late:)
Mary Beth, Abilene TX
1 Timothy 1:7 NIV
But God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline.
Janet, Moberly, MO
Psalm 37:3,4
New International Version 2011
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Brittney: Lexington, KY
“Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”
2 Tim. 1:12 (NIV)
Cheri
Louisville, KY
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
Jesi / North Richland Hills, Tx
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:9-11 NIV
Stephanie, Idaho, NKJV
Proverbs 15:1~ A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Thanks Amanda from Waco, I wasn’t sure with what I had chosen, I need this!
Lindsay, Wenatchee
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.
Prov. 14:29 NAS
Jackie
Pearland, TX
2 Timothy 1:12 NIV
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
Karla…Martinez, GA
2 Timothy 2:24 NLT
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.”