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.
Holly – League City, TX
“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.”
John 16:33
Cindy,Corpus Christi,TX.,Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: GOD is a refuge for us.Selah
psalms 62:8
McCordsville, IN
I will place on his shoulder the key to the House of David, what he opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open. Isaiah 22:22
Wendi Jones- Murray, KY
“Who am I and who is this family, that you have brought us this far”
2 Samuel 7:18
Kim Oak Hills, CA March 15, 2011 Romans 6:11-14 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts. And do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you for you are not under the law but grace
Amy Warfield
Houston Tx
“Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame”
Psalm 34:5 NIV
Harmony
Texas
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” Psalm 46:1,2 NIV
sorry my internet has been down…
Maggie, Sand Springs, OK 1Corinthians 13:8-12
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child I thought like a child, I talked like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a [wo]man, I put the ways of childhood behinds me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. NIV
Sonjia from Raleigh, MS: “Be still, and know that I am God!…” Psalm 46:10a NLT
“God is love”
1John 4:8 KJV
Janelle
Dallas, TX
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
Betty, Houston:
“In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Jodi
Consort, Canada
Cast all your anxiety on the Lord because he cares for you.
1Peter 5:7 NIV
1Corinthians 13:8-12
Erin
Austin,TX
Sorry! Been really sick!!
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child I thought like a child, I talked like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a [wo]man, I put the ways of childhood behinds me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Judy
Cottageville, WV
Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.
Cassandra
Raleigh NC
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.
Anita
Lynchburg, VA
Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ. KJV
Late AGAIN:
Philippians 1:9
And it is my prayer that your love
may abound more and more, with
knowledge and all discernment
Kathy,Elyria, Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come… 2Cor5:5 NIV
Sandy, NIV, Here are both of my March verses!
Romsans 6:6-7, For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin – because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
2 Samuel 7:18, Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
Elaine, Bismarck, ND
Pursue peace with all men, and sanctification
without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 NASB
Richmond, VA
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;…
Psalm 19:7a
Erin
Austin, TX
One more!
Psalm 84:2 Holman Christian Standard
I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
Cindy W.
Columbia, MO
“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (ESV)
Amber, Jacksonville
“Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)
Bobbie, Arlington, Texas
Hebrews 4:16 (Amplified Bible) – Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace – the throne of God’s unmerited favor [to us sinners]; that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need – appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it.
Donna, Summerfield, NC
Psalm 61:2 NKJV
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Tammy, Indianapolis
Mark 6:31 “Come with me by your[self] to a quiet place and get some rest” (HCSB)
2 Cor. 9:8 (NIV)
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Sheree- Cedar Gap,Tx:
Psalm 103:2 NIV-
“Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
April – Lubbock, TX
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Eph. 1:17 NIV
Michelle Sylvan Springs, AL
Ephesians 6:10-11 NSAB
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Lori, Owasso
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11 NIV
Abbie – Franklin, TN
“Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?”
Exodus 15:11 NIV
Randa, Newcastle Oklahoma: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NIV.
Julie in Absarokee, Montana
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Amos 3:3
KJV
Macy in Absarokee, Montana
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2 Peter 1:5-6
KJV
Lyndsy Jade in Absarokee, Montana
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
2 Peter 1:5-6
KJV
Jana, Port Byron,
Isaiah 51:12, “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die, and of the son of a man who will be made like grass?” NKJ
Pat from Bigfork, MT says:
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10 NIV
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Psalm 37:4 NLT
McKenna, Henrietta, TX
Isaiah 44:6 I am the first and the last. There is no God but Me.
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?”
2 Samuel 7:18
Cindy, Henrietta, TX
Yes, I know, we are late posting again. Don’t blame McKenna – her mom is a little slow. 🙂
Kristi, OKC, OK
“For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Brandy, San Antonio “March on, my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b NIV
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
Vicki Colorado Springs
Tammie
Skull Valley, Az
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Sorry this is late…was serving the Lord in Brazil..and of course I received the blessings:)
This verse was shared with me by an orphan boy who has been rescued and is living on fire for God. He is 14 now. To God be the Glory!
James 1:20 “For man’s anger does not bring about the rightous life that God desires.” (NIV)
Portuguese:
Tiago 1:20 “Pois a ira do homem nao produz a justica de Dues.
Robbyn
Dickinson, ND
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV
Jane, Lexington, NC
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23