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.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. NIV
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Valley Head, AL
Isaiah 58:8 NIV
Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear. Then your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Just realized I posted the same verse for the past two posts. Disregard the post on March 15. This is the verse I meant.
Isaiah 58:8 (NIV)
Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will quickly appear. Then your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:19
NIV
Rachel
Tucson, AZ
2 Peter 1:5 NIV
“For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”
Mandy, China Spring, TX
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Isaiah 49:15-16 (NIV)
Gwen-Millerstown
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Heb. 1:11
Lisa, Spring, TX
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:10, NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Provide 3:5-6 NIV
Yikes! Time got away, I’m late with my verse…
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” Proverbs 3:6
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
(Okay to add this for March 15th’s entry?) I can’t for the life of me remember if I actually posted this already 🙂
Loyce, Deer Park. Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jeremiah 1:12 (ESV)
MAC – OLYMPIA, WA
THE LORD WILL MARCH OUT LIKE A MIGHTY MAN, LIKE A WARRIOR HE WILL STIR UP HIS ZEAL; WITH A SHOUT HE WILL RAISE THE BATTLE CRY AND WILL TRIUMPH OVER HIS ENEMIES.
ISAIAH 42:13
NIV
Jennifer, Las Vegas: “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19, NIV)
Karina, Baton Rouge,La.
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24
NASB
Marsi, Santa Barbara, CA
“Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD, and rely on [her] God.” Isaiah 50:10, NIV, except the [her].
Suni – Roanoke, VA
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.
Lisa Macomb, MI
“The Lord is my shepherd I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures Nd leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in pThs of righteousness for his name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and staff they comfort me. You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the lord forever.” Psalm 23 NIV
Therefore the Lord will wait that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exhaulted, that He will have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:26 ESV
Tina, Roxboro, NC
Christ has set you free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. Gal. 5:1 The Message
What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.
Matthew 20:27 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NIV
“This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.” — Titus 3:8, NASB
Tonya, Houston, Psalms 32:7 NIV “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Maureen, St. Clair Shores, “Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. And should I wonder off like a lost sheep – seek me! I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.” (Psalm 119:175-176 Msg.)
I hope I’m not too late…I was in Europe all last week and couldn’t post!
Jennifer, Portsmouth, VA: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
– Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Isaiah 32:17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace, the effect of righteous will be quietness and confidence forever. NIV
Is. 64:4 NIV
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”
Ericka from Athens, GA:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Ps. 51:10, NKJV)
Samantha – Tupelo, MS
A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day.
Proverbs 27:15
NIV
Sheila, West Monroe
To give them beauty for ashes the oil of JOY for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness; the planting of the LORD that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3
Linda from Fort Wayne, Indiana – better late than never???/
Above all else, guard guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life! Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Nikki, Nashville,Tn
“May the God of the hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Beth – Birmingham, AL
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12
Karen, Silver Creek, GA: Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us. 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 (NIV)
Savanna, Atlanta, GA.
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me… You both precede and follow me and place Your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:1-5 The Living Bible.
Holly, Prairie City, Iowa: continuing my memorization of 2 verses – Ps. 31:19-20 CEV:
You are wonderful, and while everyone watches, you store up blessings for all who honor and trust you. You are their shelter from harmful plots and you are their protection from vicious gossip.
Carrie ~ Plano, TX
“Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
Psalm 40:5 (NIV)
Back from Spring Break
Janet, Auburn
Lamentations 3:24-26 NIV
I say to myself the Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait on him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him, it is good to wait quietly on the salvation of the Lord.
You may have seen my request for prayer for my Daddy who was suffering from AML (acute myeloid luekemia). He went to be with Jesus last Monday. I know truth, but I am heartbroken. Thank you for your prayers.
Julie Elrod, Smyrna: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18
Dear sweet sister in Christ, may His love & comfort be so real to you right now. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Ps. 116:15 KJ
Thank you so much.
Darcie Lyon, Sheridan, WY
Sorry it is taking me so long to do this. I was just waiting for the verse that the Holy Spirit wanted to press on my heart.
For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift.
Manhattan, KS. Lamentations 3:22-23
“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.
Kathryn, Austin, TX
I already started working on this, but I’m just now getting around to posting. Continuing in Job 26…
“The pillars of the heavens quake, aghast at his rebuke.”
Job 26:11 NIV
Lisa, Mechanicsville, VA
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Lauren P., Houston, TX
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has been perfected in love. We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:18-19 ESV
Deb, Lancaster, PA
Psalm 119:54
Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.
“I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8
NIV
Laurie T.
Richmond, Maine